Work should take place in a safe and healthy working environment; work conditions should be consistent with workers’ well-being and human dignity; work should offer real possibilities for personal achievement, self-fulfillment, and service to society.- International Labor Organization (ILO)
In 1919, the year it began, the International Labour Organization (ILO) declared anthrax and lead poisoning as the first occupational diseases at the inaugural International Labour Conference. The ILO has continued to play a vital role in identifying and addressing occupational hazards.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Convention of 1981, “occupational disease” covers any disease contracted due to exposure to risk factors arising from work activity.
In Mar 2010, the ILO approved a list of occupational diseases designed to assist countries in the prevention, recording, notification, and, if applicable, compensation of diseases caused by work. We will discuss ILO-approved occupational diseases based on this 2010 list.
At HealthGodzilla.com, we discuss ILO-approved diseases one after another in simplified ways. Building on the ILO’s efforts, let’s explore the health effects of arsenic exposure, a common occupational disease.
We’re discussing ILO-approved occupational diseases like arsenic poisoning in a simplified way at HealthGodzilla.com. It’s important to remember that HealthGodzilla.com aims to provide information for educational and entertainment purposes only. We are not medical professionals; the content should not be considered medical advice and should not be a substitute for professional advice.
General characteristics of the arsenic
Arsenic is a common environmental element in soil, water, and air. It exists in various forms, but the critical thing to know is that some forms can be toxic. Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil or processing certain minerals can release arsenic into the air.
Occupational exposures
People have used arsenic for many years, as shown by old metal objects found at archaeological sites. Because it can be harmful, less and less arsenic is being produced in simple ways, and many countries have limited or even banned its use in industries.
Even though arsenic use is declining, arsenic still exposes some people at work. This exposure can happen in a few ways, like when certain metal ores are melted down (smelting) or when factories mix different metals to make more robust materials (alloys). In the past, arsenic was also used more commonly in things like weed killers, bug sprays, and wood preservatives. While many countries have phased out these uses, they might still happen in some places.
Some unique materials used in electronics and certain types of glass do contain arsenic. However, these are made in very controlled environments to minimize worker exposure.
If someone has high levels of arsenic in their body, it could be from natural sources or their environment, not just their job. For example, burning coal releases tiny amounts of arsenic into the air, which can be a source of environmental contamination.
In certain areas, like parts of Bangladesh and China, arsenic can naturally be found in the groundwater- this means people who live there might be exposed to arsenic if they drink the water or eat crops grown with that water.
Burning things like treated wood or plant matter can also release arsenic into the air or ground- this is another way people might be exposed to arsenic in the environment, not just at work.
Understanding Arsenic Exposure: Risks, Symptoms & Diagnosis
If you swallow arsenic, especially certain types that dissolve quickly, your body absorbs most of it. Arsenic dust isn’t absorbed as quickly, but tiny particles can be swallowed and absorbed in your gut- so it’s important to avoid breathing in arsenic dust.
Once inside your body, arsenic changes into different forms. Some forms are more harmful than others. The toxic forms can interfere with essential processes in your body because they act like a similar element called phosphorus and can attach to critical molecules.
There are different forms of arsenic, but some are more dangerous than others, especially for workers who might breathe them in or swallow them. These harmful forms include dust from arsenic itself and certain arsenic compounds.
High levels of arsenic exposure can be very harmful. It can affect the stomach, intestines, and the nervous system- this happens because arsenic interferes with the body’s way of using energy, leading to cell death and potentially organ failure. In severe cases, arsenic poisoning can even be fatal.
Even lower levels of arsenic exposure, like some people experience at work or in areas with contaminated water, can still be harmful. In some parts of the world, like Bangladesh and India, people’s drinking water has high levels of arsenic. These high levels of arsenic can lead to thick, rough skin and changes in skin color.
There are other forms of arsenic exposure beyond dust or swallowing. Arsine gas is very toxic and can form during specific industrial processes. Trimethyl-arsine is another form of arsenic that can grow on moldy wallpaper, especially older wallpaper with green colors.
Doctors can test for arsenic exposure in several ways, including checking your blood, urine, hair, or nails. If arsenic is exposed, it stays in your body for a while. Blood tests show this within a few days, while hair and nails can show exposure for longer. It’s important to note that this is just for informational purposes. If you’re concerned about arsenic exposure, talk to your doctor.
The type of arsenic exposure can also affect how it leaves the body. Our bodies eliminate arsenic from food quickly, while other forms of arsenic may change before being removed through urine.
Importantly, exposure to arsenic, both from the environment and workplaces, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Acute Health effects of arsenic exposure
High levels of arsenic exposure can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, causing symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and trouble breathing.
Inhaling large amounts of arsenic dust or swallowing high doses of arsenic can be very dangerous. In severe cases, it can even be fatal. If you experience any discomfort after being around arsenic, it’s essential to see a doctor right away.
Signs and symptoms: Breathing in arsenic dust can irritate your nose, throat, and lungs, leading to a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and even pneumonia in some cases. Your lungs might also fill with fluid (pulmonary edema), which can be severe.
If you swallow arsenic, even if it’s not a large amount, you might experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You could also develop a rash, lose hair, or have changes in your blood (anemia) or difficulty fighting infections (leucopenia, neutropenia). In severe cases, people might experience seizures, muscle cramps, trouble breathing, severe gut problems, dehydration, heart issues, kidney problems, and even go into shock.
Heart and Blood Vessels: High levels of arsenic exposure, both short-term and long-term, can affect your heart and blood vessels- this could lead to irregular heartbeat, heart disease, and swelling in your body (edema) after short-term exposure. In the long run, it might also increase your risk of peripheral vascular disease, affecting your legs’ blood flow.
Stomach and intestines: Swallowing high doses of arsenic can cause severe stomach problems very quickly. Symptoms can range from mild cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting to even death in extreme cases. The arsenic can irritate and damage the lining of your stomach and intestines.
Kidneys: Arsenic can damage your kidneys, which are organs that filter waste from your blood- this can happen if arsenic gets into your bloodstream.
Arsine Gas Exposure (Rare): Arsine gas is a toxic form of arsenic that somebody can breathe in. In rare cases of exposure, this gas can cause severe damage to red blood cells, leading to symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can also lead to kidney failure and even death. However, it’s important to note that arsenic gas is not a common cause of arsenic poisoning.
Chronic Health effects of arsenic exposure
Long-Term Effects on the Nose: People who breathe in arsenic dust or fumes for a long time might experience damage to the inside of their nose- this can start with irritation and progress to ulcers or even holes in the wall separating the nostrils (septum).
Skin Changes: Long-term exposure to arsenic can affect the skin, especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. These areas might become thick and hardened (hyperkeratosis). In some cases, these thickened areas can develop into skin cancer.
Signs to Look For: The thickening usually happens on areas that rub a lot, like the palms and soles. You might also see white lines across your fingernails (Mee’s lines). Small, rugged, yellow bumps may appear on the hands, arms, or legs.
Skin Color Changes: Long-term exposure to arsenic can also change your skin color. Sometimes, the skin might become darker in patches (hyperpigmentation)- this can happen on the face, eyelids, neck, chest, and groin areas. At the same time, some darker areas of skin might become lighter (hypopigmentation). The most recognizable sign of arsenic poisoning from skin color changes is a pattern of lighter spots resembling raindrops, especially on the torso and limbs.
Numbness and Tingling (Neuropathy): Long-term exposure to arsenic can sometimes affect the nerves, especially in the hands and feet- this can cause numbness and tingling, often described as a “stocking and glove” feeling because it affects the extremities first. Muscle weakness can also develop. The good news is that if you stop exposure to arsenic, these symptoms might improve over time, although it might take a while for full recovery.
Signs to Look For: Symptoms of nerve problems from arsenic exposure can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet. You might also have trouble feeling touch, pain, or vibration. Additionally, your reflexes might be weaker than usual, your muscles might waste away (atrophy), or you might experience twitching. In some cases, severe exposure can lead to paralysis in the hands and legs.
Other potential symptoms: Other health problems can also cause numbness and tingling. If you’re concerned about arsenic exposure, you must see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Circulation Problems (Vasospasm/Raynaud’s syndrome): Long-term exposure to arsenic can affect blood flow in the body, especially in the hands and feet- this can cause them to feel numb or cold and, in severe cases, lead to gangrene (tissue death).
Black Foot Disease (Rare): In some parts of the world, where there are very high levels of arsenic in drinking water, a more severe condition called black foot disease can occur. This condition causes blood vessel problems and can lead to gangrene in the legs.
It’s important to note that black foot disease is rare and only occurs in areas with high arsenic contamination.
Liver Damage: In some cases, long-term exposure to arsenic can damage the liver- this might start with mild changes in blood tests and an enlarged liver. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, and swelling in the abdomen.
Severe Liver Problems (Less Common): In rare cases, severe arsenic exposure can lead to more serious liver problems like cirrhosis (scarring) and even liver cancer. It’s important to note that other factors, like alcohol abuse, can also contribute to these conditions.
Blood Cell Problems: Long-term exposure to arsenic can affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to conditions like anemia (low red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets that help with clotting), and leukopenia (low white blood cells that fight infection).
Cancer: Long-term exposure to arsenic increases the risk of several cancers- this includes cancers of the lung, bladder, and skin. There’s also some evidence suggesting a possible link between arsenic exposure and cancers of the kidney, liver, and prostate. Because of this risk, arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)- this means there is strong evidence that they can cause cancer in humans.
Reducing Arsenic Exposure in the Workplace
- In most workplaces, arsenic is not used or is used in very controlled ways. When arsenic is still needed, steps must be taken to protect workers. These steps include keeping workers away from the arsenic as much as possible and providing them with special equipment, like suits and masks. Keeping these workers away from PPE is especially essential in high-tech industries that use arsenic in a controlled environment.
- In some workplaces, like power plants that burn coal, completely isolating arsenic might not be possible. In these cases, they should take a two-step approach: first, try to control the source of the arsenic as much as possible, and then provide workers with protective gear.
Staying Safe Around Arsenic at Work:
- Arsenic exposure isn’t just about breathing it in. Workers should also know how it can get on their skin or clothes, like from contaminated dust or tobacco. Regular tests can check how much arsenic is in a worker’s body.
- If exposure exceeds safe limits, factories should provide the workers with unique clothing, boots, and masks. Workers should keep work clothes separate from personal clothes, and clean bathrooms and changing areas should be nearby.
- To minimize exposure even further, eating, drinking, and smoking should not be allowed in work areas.
Health Checks for Arsenic Exposure:
- Workers should have a medical checkup before starting a job with potential arsenic exposure- this is especially important for people with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, anemia, skin problems, or nerve or organ issues.
- Regular checkups are essential for all workers exposed to arsenic to monitor for potential health problems.
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