ABSTRACT
Ingested and inhaled arsenic, especially inorganic arsenic, has been recognized as a human poison since ancient times. Multiple health hazards associated exposures to arsenic in the environment have been comprehensively reviewed (WHO, 1981, 2001; Chen et al., 1997a, 1997b, 2005, 2007; NRC, 1999; IARC, 2004, 2006; ATSDR, 2005; Jean et al., 2010; Chen & Chiou 2011). Arsenic induces various diseases without showing any organotropism. However, only a proportion of arsenic-exposed victims will develop specific health hazards. It suggests the existence of individual susceptibility to arsenic-induced health effects. Both genetic and acquired susceptibility biomarkers have been identified in recent decades. They should be taken into consideration in the determination of safety level of arsenic in the environment. The multiple health hazards and susceptibility biomarkers of exposures to arsenic in the environment will be reviewed here.
