Decrements in Lung Function Related to Arsenic in Drinking Water in West Bengal, India

second (FEV1) was reduced by 256.2 ml (95% CI: 113.9, 398.4; p < 0.001) and the average adjusted forced vital capacity (FVC) was reduced by 287.8 ml (95% CI: 134.9, 440.8; p < 0.001). In men, a 100-lg/liter increase in arsenic level was associated with a 45.0-ml decrease (95% CI: 6.2, 83.9) in FEV1 (p ¼ 0.02) and a 41.4-ml decrease (95% CI: � 0.7, 83.5) in FVC (p ¼ 0.054). Women had lower risks than men of developing skin lesions and showed little evidence of respiratory effects. In this study, consumption of arsenic-contaminated water was associated with respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function in men, especially among those with arsenicrelated skin lesions. arsenic; India; respiratory function tests; signs and symptoms, respiratory; water; water pollutants