Arsenic levels in the hair of people exposed to arsenic and awareness of its risk factors

Abstract Arsenic is widely found in nature, and because of its carcinogenic properties, it has come to be a serious threat to human health. The effects of arsenic on the human body are influenced by a variety of factors, including the level of arsenic in external environmental pollutants and individual human factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of arsenic in populations living in arsenic-contaminated areas and the influencing factors. Environmental media samples (water and wheat) and biological samples (hair) were selected for arsenic analysis in both arsenic-contaminated and arsenic-safe areas. Socio-demographic information and behavioral characteristics information were obtained from questionnaires to analyze factors that cause an increase in arsenic levels in the body. In study area, 89.33% of the water samples exceeded the national standard (10 μg/L) and 2.13% of the wheat samples had arsenic concentrations above the safe limit (0.5 mg/kg). In contrast, arsenic levels in drinking water and wheat in the control area were within safe limits. A presence of 29 (29.29%) respondents with levels of arsenic in hair higher than 1 mg/kg was found in arsenic-contaminated areas. The results of the analysis showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the level of arsenic in the hair of the inhabitants of arsenic-contaminated areas and those of arsenic-safe areas, with concentrations of 0.967 mg/kg and 0.392 mg/kg, respectively. Univariate comparative analysis of factors affecting body arsenic levels showed correlations between sex, age, years of residence, smoking, disease history, wheat-based food intake, and levels of arsenic in hair. Multiple linear regression analysis identified gender, age, and wheat-based food intake as risk factors for increased arsenic levels. The study of factors influencing the level of arsenic in the body can provide a scientific basis for the precise prevention and control of health problems resulting from environmental pollution.