ABSTRACT
Arsenic poisoning is a global health concern that affects millions of people worldwide through environmental and occupational exposure. Arsenic, being a natural component of the Earth’s crust, is extensively distributed throughout the environment in the air, water, and soil. Its inorganic form is highly toxic and humans are exposed to increased levels of inorganic arsenic by drinking contaminated water, food cooked in contaminated water, irrigation of food crops, industrial processes, consuming contaminated food, and smoking tobacco. It is also regarded as a significant risk factor for cancer after exposure to contaminated food, air, and water. Among the various routes of exposure, drinking water is the largest source of poisoning. Arsenic in airborne particulate matter is a risk for many diseases. Continuous exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause chronic arsenic poisoning, skin lesions, and skin cancer. This chapter is focused on the sources and routes of exposure of arsenic, and the aetiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations and mechanism of arsenic toxicity, besides its toxicological effects.
