Arsenic-Cancer risk surges in Bangladesh, where a precarious amalgamation of rising sea levels, flooding, and chronic arsenic poisoning poses a dire health crisis, according to research. This analysis explores how the climate crisis intensifies cancer risk through contaminated well water, imperilling millions of lives.

Rising Sea Levels and Flooding

The climate crisis in Bangladesh intensifies the risk of cancer due to contaminated well water. Scientists predict that sea level rises and unpredictable flooding will accelerate the release of dangerous levels of arsenic into the drinking water.

Existing Public Health Crisis

Already facing a public health crisis, millions in Bangladesh suffer from skin, bladder, and lung cancers due to arsenic poisoning. This stems from well-intentioned deep tube well programs initiated in the 1970s. Chronic Arsenic poisoning from drinking water is a significant and real problem.

“Chronic arsenic poisoning from drinking water is a real problem, not a theoretical exercise”– Dr Seth Frisbie, An Emeritus Professor, Norwich University

Origins of Arsenic Contamination

In 1993, the first case of chronic arsenic poisoning from well water emerged in Bangladesh. Later deemed the “largest mass poisoning of a population in history” by the World Health Organization. Dr Seth Frisbie, a lead researcher and professor explained that naturally occurring arsenic from the Himalayas accumulates in sediments washed down by rivers like the Ganges and Mekong.

Chronic Arsenic Poisoning Effects

Chronic arsenic poisoning results in internal deposits causing cancers. Widespread contamination affects 49% of areas exceeding WHO limits, with alarming concentrations recorded. Dr Frisbie estimates 78 million Bangladeshis exposed, with 900,000 expected to die from cancer.

Alarming Statistics

Dr Frisbie estimates that approximately 78 million Bangladeshis are exposed to arsenic, with a conservative estimate suggesting around 900,000 are expected to die from lung and bladder cancer.

Climate Breakdown Aggravates the Issue

Climate breakdown exacerbates the crisis as rising sea levels increase flooding vulnerability, leaching more arsenic from sediment. Bangladesh faces a compounded health crisis as the climate worsens severe arsenic contamination, threatening millions of lives.

Bangladesh is facing a serious health crisis as climate change worsens arsenic contamination. The government must act now to protect millions from chronic arsenic poisoning causing skin, bladder, and lung cancers due to contaminated drinking water.