Premium
State of the science review of the health effects of inorganic arsenic: Perspectives for future research
Author(s) -
Tchounwou Paul B.,
Yedjou Clement G.,
Udensi Udensi K.,
Pacurari Maricica,
Stevens Jacqueline J.,
Patlolla Anita K.,
Noubissi Felicite,
Kumar Sanjay
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
environmental toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.813
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1522-7278
pISSN - 1520-4081
DOI - 10.1002/tox.22673
Subject(s) - arsenic , inorganic arsenic , epidemiology , human health , arsenic toxicity , environmental health , carcinogen , epigenetics , toxicology , biology , medicine , genetics , chemistry , pathology , organic chemistry , gene
Human exposure to inorganic arsenic ( i As) is a global health issue. Although there is strong evidence for i As‐induced toxicity at higher levels of exposure, many epidemiological studies evaluating its effects at low exposure levels have reported mixed results. We comprehensively reviewed the literature and evaluated the scientific knowledge on human exposure to arsenic, mechanisms of action, systemic and carcinogenic effects, risk characterization, and regulatory guidelines. We identified areas where additional research is needed. These priority areas include: (1) further development of animal models of i As carcinogenicity to identify molecular events involved in i As carcinogenicity; (2) characterization of underlying mechanisms of i As toxicity; (3) assessment of gender‐specific susceptibilities and other factors that modulate arsenic metabolism; (4) sufficiently powered epidemiological studies to ascertain relationship between i As exposure and reproductive/developmental effects; (5) evaluation of genetic/epigenetic determinants of i As effects in children; and (6) epidemiological studies of people chronically exposed to low i As concentrations.