Cancer
Cancer caused by arsenic poisoning
Apr
Cancer is one of the most difficult and frightening diseases today, and it becomes even more concerning when caused by various factors in our daily lives. Among them, arsenic (a compound widely used in industrial production) has been identified as a significant cancer-causing factor affecting human health.
1. What is Arsenic?
Arsenic, also known as arsen, is primarily composed of arsenic oxides, with the chemical formulas As2O3 and As2O5. It is a naturally occurring metalloid present worldwide. Arsenic is a main component of sedimentary layers, playing a vital role in the Earth’s crust. It can be easily found in surface water, groundwater, and even in the air, soil, and food.
Arsenic is also used in traditional medicine to treat asthma, syphilis, and skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. However, alongside its benefits, arsenic is a double-edged sword that can threaten human life. Its danger lies in its ability to enter the human body through the skin, respiratory system, or digestive system.
Arsenic is classified into two main types: organic and inorganic.
- Organic arsenic: commonly found in plant tissues and animal meat. It is harmless to humans. These compounds contain arsenic atoms, such as 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzenearsonic acid.
- Inorganic arsenic: mainly includes arsenite and arsenate. Its toxicity is four times higher than mercury and is recognized as a Group 1 carcinogen.
2. Occupations with Arsenic Exposure
Arsenic is widely used in industry, agriculture, and medicine:
- Industrial production:
- Arsenic is alloyed with lead to create metals with durable and hard properties.
- Arsenic compounds are used to make batteries, glass, fireworks, ammunition, and as doping agents in solid-state devices like semiconductors.
- Agriculture: used as a pesticide, wood preservative, and anti-rot agent for timber.
- Medicine: used to treat anemia, conjunctivitis, psoriasis, leukemia, asthma, etc.
However, due to its harmful health effects, many manufacturers have stopped using arsenic in production.
3. Causes of Cancer from Arsenic Exposure
- Arsenic is extremely toxic and can enter the body through food, water, and air.
- Exposure can also occur through skin contact with arsenic-contaminated soil or water.
- Children may be exposed in the womb, leading to birth defects and higher risks of developing cancer later in life.
4. Types of Cancer Caused by Arsenic Exposure
Using water with low arsenic concentrations may not cause immediate health problems, but long-term exposure can lead to diseases that develop over several years.
Prolonged exposure to arsenic-contaminated water can lead to cancers such as skin cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer.
Although these diseases do not appear immediately, their consequences are severe.
5. Early Symptoms of Arsenic Exposure
High arsenic levels in water can cause the following symptoms:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Neurological impairment
- Burning sensations in hands and feet
Arsenic can also cause visible skin changes, including red spots, rashes, dark spots, or wart-like growths, mainly appearing on the palms and soles.
6. Treatment Methods for Cancer from Arsenic Exposure
Treatment depends on the type of cancer and its severity. Common approaches include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Supportive medications to reduce symptoms such as pain and anxiety
Other treatments may be used depending on the patient’s condition and type of cancer. Treatment decisions should always be supervised by qualified medical professionals.
7. Support Policies for Cancer Patients Exposed to Arsenic
In Vietnam, several support policies exist for cancer patients exposed to arsenic:
- Medical support under health insurance laws, covering treatment costs, medication, medical supplies, rehabilitation, and psychological support.
- Priority access to cancer screening programs for early detection and treatment.
- Charities and hospital cancer patient funds may provide financial assistance during treatment.
- The government and health organizations provide information and advice on preventing and treating arsenic-related cancer.
Support for arsenic-related cancer patients remains limited and needs improvement to assist patients effectively.
8. Measures to Improve Workplace Safety Against Arsenic Exposure
- Maintain workplace hygiene, especially in arsenic-exposed occupations. Use masks, protective clothing, proper ventilation, and industrial hygiene practices.
- Control arsenic exposure levels in relevant industries.
- Train employees on occupational safety, including protective equipment, workspace setup, and clothing selection.
- Use environmentally friendly technologies to minimize arsenic impact.
- Governments should implement regulations for managing arsenic in workplaces.
- Regularly conduct occupational environmental monitoring in factories to identify hazards and reduce occupational disease risks.
Improving workplace safety and preventing arsenic-related cancer is a key responsibility for businesses, agencies, the government, and society.
9. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit providing monitoring and measurement of workplace environmental quality across Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists and modern equipment, the center ensures accuracy and reliability.
The center also assists clients in planning, addressing, and tracking workplace environmental issues, with a customer-centered approach and commitment to providing the best solutions.
- We prioritize brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide the best and most suitable solutions to clients.
- Our team of experienced engineers and specialists is dedicated to environmental protection and business benefits.
- With Nam Viet Monitoring, your company receives professional service from experts and the best pricing offers.
10. Occupational Environmental Monitoring Service Pricing
Nam Viet provides detailed service pricing for professional and cost-effective workplace environmental monitoring.
- The pricing table includes detailed costs for monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the results.
- We offer competitive and reasonable prices while providing prompt professional consultation.
- Clients can easily choose suitable service packages to meet their needs, with guaranteed satisfaction from professional services.
