ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

ARSENICOSIS – A Geological problem of Bihar

In the past few years, a large percentage of the population is suffering from Arsenic poisoning due to Arsenic contamination in ground water in the Ganga plains of Bihar. Apart from skin diseases, it is also inviting serious diseases like mental disability and cancer. According to the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPC), Arsenic has been found in ground water of many districts of Bihar and the increasing incidence of Gall bladder cancer in these districts is being linked to it. Among the four major agro climatic zones in Bihar, high number of As- affected districts are situated in zone- 1 and zone- 2, respectively. The risk of cancer in human organ like skin, bladder, kidney, liver and lungs has been increased in the state with the prevalence of high Arsenic (As) levels, particularly near the north of Ganga River. Moreover, effective policies and regulations are needed based on spatial variation in contamination, socio-economic condition, and demographic characteristics. In this paper we will discuss the causes, effects and diagnosis of Arsenic contamination.