Arsenic contamination in Bangladesh—An overview

Bangladesh is currently facing a serious threat to public health, with 85 million people at risk from arsenic (As) in drinking water and in food crops. In Bangladesh, the groundwater As contamination problem is the worst in the world. Ninety-seven percent of the population in the country uses groundwater for drinking and domestic purposes as surfacewater is mismanaged. High levels of As in groundwater are causing widespread poisoning in Bangladesh. Different studies have addressed various aspects of the As issue in Bangladesh. This review is undertaken to give an overview of the latest findings and statistical data on the issue especially on soil, water and food cycle. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a safe limit for As in drinking…