Analysis of monitoring results of coal-burning endemic arsenism in Shaanxi Province in 2010-2014 / 中华地方病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the current situation of coal-burning-borne endemic arsenism in the disease affected areas,the usage of anti-arsenism stove and the formation of related behavior;,to evaluate the control effect,so as to provide a basis for development of control strategies.Methods Surveillances were carried out according to the provisions and requirements of The Surveillance Project for Shaanxi Institute Coal-Burning-Borne Endemic Arsenicosis (Trial.).Four villages in two counties of Ankang city and Hanzhong city in Shaanxi Province were monitored in 2010-2014.Using simple random sampling method,10 families in each village were randomly selected to survey the situation of the stove used and related behavior changes.Five households in each village were randomly selected; arsenic level in coal was determined; high arsenic exposed population was investigated according to Endemic Arsenism Diagnostic Criteria (WS/T 211-2001).Urine samples of 30 patients with arsenism were randomly selected to determine the arsenic content.Results The proper utilization rate and the qualified households of improved stoves and iron stoves were all low; the correct drying rate and the correct storage rate of peppers and corns were higher than 95％.The washing rate of corns and peppers before eating were all 100％.A total of 100 copies of coal samples were tested and the arsenism content was between 12.295-455.827 mg/kg,and the geometric mean value of the arsenism content was (91.819 ± 80.989)mg/kg.Seventeen thousand eight hundred and fifty-five individuals were investigated and 1 232 cases of arsenism were diagnosed in the 4 villages; the prevalence rate was 6.90％ (1 232/17 855); urinary arsenism content was between not detected-0.287 mg/L; and the geometric mean value of the arsenic content was 0.033 mg/L.Conclusions The coal-burning-borne endemic arsenism in Shaanxi is in a prevalent state; many anti-arsenism stoves are out of order; and the proper utilization rate is low.To strengthen the disease surveillance,health education and management of anti-arsenism stoves are key measures in control of coal-burning borne endemic arsenism in the future.