Investigation of Endemic Arsenism in areas Anhui Province of China

Objective To investigate whether high-arsenic area and endemic arsenism area exist in Anhui province in China.Methods Tianchang,Wuhe and Dangshan County were selected for survey.By multi-stage random sampling,fifteen surveying spots(natural village) in each county were selected to measure arsenic content in drinking water.In some villages where arsenic content exceeded national standard,the resident's history of drinking,the diagnosis of pyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation,hypopigmenation were investigated and their water fluoride and urinary arsenic were measured at same time.Results 450 samples of water arsenic were tested.15 samples exceeded national standard.By further screening,in the serious surpassing standard of water arsenic place,Xuantang village,Linbei town,Wuhe County,14 suspected and 5 mild arsenism patients had been found.Conclusions High-arsenic area and endemic arsenism area were found in Anhui province for the first time.The coexistent area of fluorosis and arsenism were not co-existed in Anhui province.The step to de-arsenic and monitor endemic arsenism should be put into action immediately.