RESUMO
Background: The carcinogenic properties of arsenic make it one of the most hazardous chemicals globally. Nevertheless, the exact level of human exposure to arsenic and the associated risks of cancer and non-cancer effects through different pathways in Ethiopia are still uncertain. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of both cancer and non-cancer outcomes among children and adults who have been exposed to arsenic through drinking water in the Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district of Ethiopia. Methods: For this study, a longitudinal study design was employed. A total of 45 groundwater sources were sampled using the census sampling method. The concentrations of total arsenic were measured using Agilent 7900 series inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk assessments were conducted by calculating lifetime cancer risk and hazard quotients. Microsoft Office Excel was utilized to calculate human health risk indices, and descriptive statistical analysis were performed using SPSS software. Results: Our findings revealed that during the dry season, the mean arsenic concentration in the groundwater samples was 11.15 ± 9.38 µg/L, while during the rainy season, it was 10.67 ± 8.16 µg/L. The total cancer risk for children, resulting from oral ingestion and skin contact, was 1.15 × 10-2 and 1.07 × 10-2 during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. For adults, the total cancer risk from oral ingestion and skin contact during the dry and rainy seasons was 4.95 × 10-3 and 4.59 × 10-3, respectively. Furthermore, the total hazard quotients for children via oral ingestion and skin absorption were 25.9 and 24.0 during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. For adults, the total hazard quotients from ingestion and dermal contact during the dry and rainy seasons were 11 and 10, respectively. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the risks of cancer and non-cancer effects resulting from arsenic exposure through ingestion and dermal exposure were found to exceed the acceptable thresholds in both seasons. These results emphasize the urgent need for focused attention on the study population in the study area due to the high likelihood of experiencing adverse health outcomes.
RESUMO
The study aimed to assess the prevalence of arsenic-induced skin lesions and associated factors among the population in the Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 403 participants from June 02-20, 2022. A two-stage cluster sampling method was conducted to select study subjects. A pretested structured and semi-structured interview questionnaire and observation using a WHO flow chart were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 statistical software for Windows. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was applied to examine the relationship between predictor variables and an outcome variable. The degrees of association between outcomes and predictor variables were assessed using ORs and 95% CIs, and P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. The prevalence of arsenic-induced skin lesions (arsenicosis) in the study area was 2.2% [95% CI: 1.0-3.7]. The most common arsenic-induced manifestation was keratosis (55.6%), followed by hyperpigmentation (33.3%) and hyperkeratosis (11.1%). Consumption of well water, smoking cigarettes, and chewing khat were significantly associated with arsenic-induced skin lesions. Therefore, the findings of this study should trigger further research on arsenic exposure and health risks.
