20 Feb Arsenic in Drinking Water Linked to Increased Risk Of Heart Disease and Diabetes
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Katherine A James, PhD, MSPH, MSCE
Colorado School of Public Health
University of Colorado Denver,
Aurora, Colorado
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. James: Exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been associated with several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in areas with high levels of exposure. Our study is one of the first to show association with cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in a low-moderately exposed population. Our results show that for every 15 micrograms per liter of inorganic arsenic in drinking water the risk for CHD disease increased 38% and for diabetes it increases 27%.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. James: Both patients and clinicians should be aware of potential exposure to inorganic arsenic and make effort to reduce or eliminate exposure especially in children and adolescents.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. James: Recommendations are to continue to characterize the risk at various stages in life (prenatal vs. child vs adolescent vs adult) and also determine what the biologically relevant exposure period is for chronic diseases including cancer. Other areas of research to pursue are co-exposures to other naturally occurring metals with similar adverse effects such as cadmium or lead.
Citation:
Environ Health Perspect; DOI:10.1289/ehp.1307839
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:, & Katherine A James, PhD (2015). Arsenic in Drinking Water Linked to Increased Risk Of Heart Disease and Diabetes
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Last Updated on February 20, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD