Neurologic Evaluation of a Population Exposed to Arsenic in Alaskan Well Water

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
One hundred forty-seven persons exposed to arsenic from well water were evaluated by neurologic examination and nerve conduction studies. Total arsenic concentrations in well water ranged from 1 to 4781 μg/L and from 6 to 4964 μg/L in urine; a calculated index of arsenic ingestion ranged from 1 to 4521 /μg/day. No dose-response relationship existed between arsenic ingestion and symptoms or physical findings compatible with peripheral neuropathy. Five of six persons with symptoms or physical findings suggestive of sensory neuropathy had normal nerve conduction velocities. Thirteen persons with elevated arsenic ingestion but no signs or symptoms of neuropathy had one or more abnormal nerve conduction velocities. No dose-response relationship, however, existed between arsenic ingestion and nerve conduction velocities. The authors concluded that arsenic ingestion from well water at the concentrations found in this Alaskan community did not result in clinical or subcliinical neuropathy.