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→Arsenosis in China
====Arsenosis in China====
====Arsenosis in China====
[[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_5.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|5}}]]
Arsenosis refers to a range of adverse health effects caused by the intake of arsenic into the body system above the recommended values of 50μg/l.
Arsenosis refers to a range of adverse health effects caused by the intake of arsenic into the body system above the recommended values of 50μg/l.
Chemical and mineralogical tests conducted showed that there were many arsenic-bearing minerals in the coals, although, much of the arsenic is bound to the organic matrix of the coals. This observation presented two problems namely: (1) since arsenic is bound to the organic matrix, conventional reduction methods of removing arsenic was ineffective; (2) the visually observable pyrite on the coal samples was not reliable in establishing arsenic-rich samples.
Chemical and mineralogical tests conducted showed that there were many arsenic-bearing minerals in the coals, although, much of the arsenic is bound to the organic matrix of the coals. This observation presented two problems namely: (1) since arsenic is bound to the organic matrix, conventional reduction methods of removing arsenic was ineffective; (2) the visually observable pyrite on the coal samples was not reliable in establishing arsenic-rich samples.
This caused an outbreak of various kinds of arsenosis resulting from arsenic poisoning with typical symptoms as shown in the Table 3 below and Fig. 5 (Hutton, 1987).
This caused an outbreak of various kinds of arsenosis resulting from arsenic poisoning with typical symptoms as shown in the Table 3 below and [[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_5.png|Figure 5]]. (Hutton, 1987)
[[TABLE 3]]
[[TABLE 3]]
To help solve this problem, villagers were supplied with field test kits to ascertain the arsenic content of coals in the field before use in their unvented stoves. Thus, chili peppers dried over the unvented stoves were free from arsenic contamination.
To help solve this problem, villagers were supplied with field test kits to ascertain the arsenic content of coals in the field before use in their unvented stoves. Thus, chili peppers dried over the unvented stoves were free from arsenic contamination.
Arsenosis is also reported in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. It is caused by the contamination of surface and groundwater resources by arsenic derived from high- arsenic minerals. Chifeng City in Kosk Teng County in eastern Inner Mongolia is the most affected in this region. It is located on the slope of a mountain with arsenopyrite deposits. The weathering of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) deposits releases arsenic into the groundwater and surface water bodies. The groundwater was delivered to the surface through springs and wells. Out of 34 wells investigated, arsenic concentration between 0.16 mg/l to 0.45 mg/l was observed by Selinus et al (2010). 22 persons out of 45 persons tested positive to minor arsenosis (Selinus et al, 2010).
Arsenosis is also reported in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. It is caused by the contamination of surface and groundwater resources by arsenic derived from high- arsenic minerals. Chifeng City in Kosk Teng County in eastern Inner Mongolia is the most affected in this region. It is located on the slope of a mountain with arsenopyrite deposits. The weathering of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) deposits releases arsenic into the groundwater and surface water bodies. The groundwater was delivered to the surface through springs and wells. Out of 34 wells investigated, arsenic concentration between 0.16 mg/l to 0.45 mg/l was observed by Selinus et al (2010). 22 persons out of 45 persons tested positive to minor arsenosis (Selinus et al, 2010).