Contaminated drinking water or food is the most common source of arsenic, how does it cause cancer?

University Park, (The Conversation): Arsenic is a naturally occurring element. It is found in the surface of the earth. Exposure to arsenic, often through contaminated food and water, has been shown to lead to various negative health effects, including cancer.

Arsenic exposure is a global public health issue. A 2020 study estimated that 200 million people worldwide are exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water at levels above the legal limit of ten parts per billion set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization. More than 70 countries are affected by it including America, Spain, Mexico, Japan, India, China, Canada, Chile, Bangladesh, Bolivia and Argentina.

Since many countries are still affected by high levels of arsenic, we believe that arsenic exposure is a global public health issue that requires urgent action. We study how exposure to toxic metals like arsenic can trigger cancer stem cells and eventually lead to cancer.

Arsenic contamination of food and water
Your body can absorb arsenic in several ways, such as through inhalation and through contact with the skin. However, the most common source of arsenic exposure is through contaminated drinking water or food. People who live in areas with naturally high levels of arsenic in the soil and water are especially at risk. In the US, for example, that includes areas such as Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico in the Southwest. Additionally, human activities such as mining and agriculture can also increase arsenic in food and water sources.

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High levels of arsenic can also be found in food and beverage products, especially rice and rice-based products such as rice cereal and crackers. A 2019 Consumer Reports investigation also found that some brands of bottled water sold in the US had arsenic levels above the legal limit. Worryingly, several studies have also found that the amount of arsenic in many popular baby food brands is much higher than the legal limit.

Arsenic and Cancer Stem Cells
Long-term exposure to arsenic increases the risk of developing several types of cancer. The mechanism by which arsenic causes cancer is complex and not yet fully understood. However, research shows that arsenic can damage DNA, disrupt cell signaling pathways, and impair the immune system. All of these can contribute to the development of cancer.

Scientists have also linked chronic arsenic exposure to the development of cancer stem cells. These are the cells within the tumor that are believed to be responsible for the growth and spread of cancer. Like normal stem cells in the body, cancer stem cells can develop into many different cell types. At what stage of cellular development a stem cell acquires the genetic mutation that transforms it into a cancer stem cell remains unknown.

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The aim of our research is to identify which cell types arsenic targets to create cancer stem cells. We are currently using cell cultures obtained from the same organ at different stages of cellular development to investigate how the origin of the cells affects the formation of cancer stem cells.

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Preventing chronic arsenic exposure is important to reduce the burden of arsenic-related health effects. Further research is needed to understand arsenic-induced cancer stem cell formation and develop effective strategies to prevent it. In the meantime, continued monitoring and regulation of this toxic metal in food and water sources can help improve the health of affected communities.

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Tags: America, Cancer, Drinking Water, Food