Arsenic poisoning and its health effects

Abstract

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid element found in foods and environmental media that include soil, air, and water. Exposure to arsenic is a major concern for public health worldwide, and accordingly, arsenic is ranked first in the current U.S. ATSDR substance priority list beating other important environmental toxicants. Here, the biotransformation of arsenic and the epidemiological/experimental evidence of arsenic toxicity currently available will be discussed. We will also briefly discuss the suggested mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of arsenic.