Is Arsenic in Drinking Water Linked to Chronic Disease Deaths? Know What Expert Says

In the past few years, drinking contaminated water has become an increasingly severe public health issue, leading to chronic health diseases worldwide. Recent reports claim that at least 9 people have lost their lives in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, with over 200 hospitalisations due to the consumption of contaminated water. While this issue has garnered widespread attention, it has also highlighted one of the most important yet underrated causes behind chronic illnesses, and how drinking polluted water is not just risky but can be fatal as well.

One of the most dangerous chemical elements leading to water contamination is arsenic, a toxic element that leads to several health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Reports claim that long-term exposure to arsenic is linked to a higher risk of chronic disease and an increased mortality rate. To gain more insights into the health risks of arsenic in drinking water, we spoke to Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. Continue reading to know what he shared with us:

What Is Arsenic and How Is It Linked to Chronic Diseases?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), US, arsenic is a toxic element with both metallic and non-metallic properties, naturally found in the Earth's crust. Reports also claim that long-term arsenic exposure is strongly linked to chronic diseases and cancers of the skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver.

Speaking about the arsenic-affected states in India, Dr Tushar Tayal says, “States like West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh are most arsenic-prone and report high rates of skin lesions and cancer.”

A study published in the American Medical Association in November 2025 revealed that lowering arsenic levels in drinking water can reduce the risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses by up to 50 per cent when compared with continuous exposure, which clearly shows the direct connection between arsenic and chronic health illnesses.

Also Read: Indore Water Contamination: Deadly Bacteria in Drinking Water? Expert Highlights Urgent Need for Water Safety Checks and Shares Precautions To Take

Arsenic-Contaminated Water And Health Concerns

Dr Tushar Tayal underlines that arsenic damages organs slowly by disrupting cellular energy production and repair mechanisms. Here are a few health problems triggered by drinking arsenic-contaminated water:

• It causes oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage and abnormal cell growth.
• Arsenic injures blood vessels and causes the hardening of arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• In the liver, arsenic interferes with detoxification, leading to fatty liver disease and fibrosis.
• Arsenic also damages nerves, causing tingling and numbness, and affects the lungs even in non-smokers.
• In children, exposure affects growth and brain development.
• Pregnant women are also not immune to its health risks, as arsenic exposure also leads to risks of low birth weight and stillbirth.

“Because this damage happens gradually, symptoms often appear only after significant organ injury has occurred,” Dr Tayal states.

Early Warning Signs of Arsenic Contamination

Dr Tayal highlights that recognising early symptoms is difficult, as arsenic damages multiple organs silently over many years. However, he also suggested a few signs to watch for:

• The earliest signs are usually dark pigmentation and thickened skin on the palms and soles.
• Other early symptoms include fatigue, weakness, headaches, abdominal discomfort, and numbness in the hands or feet.
• Some people may develop a chronic cough or breathlessness without a clear cause.
• In children, poor growth and frequent illness may be observed.

Also Read: High Blood Pressure in Kids: What Is Happening in The UK and How To Control The Situation

Who Is Most at Risk?

• People living in rural areas use untested hand pumps or tube wells.
• Children and pregnant women due to higher absorption rates and developmental vulnerability.
• Malnourished populations, as poor nutrition hinders the body’s ability to detoxify arsenic.
• Individuals with pre-existing heart, liver, or kidney disease.
• Smokers, who face a significantly higher risk of lung cancer when exposed to arsenic.

Can the Damage Be Reversed?

According to the American Medical Association study, reducing arsenic exposure in drinking water cuts the risk of death from chronic diseases, even after years of exposure. Dr Tayal explains that stopping exposure by using safe, filtered water is the most crucial step.

Regarding whether the damage can be reversed, Dr Tayal states, “Early symptoms, such as fatigue and digestive issues, may improve over time, skin pigmentation may partially fade, but advanced skin changes, nerve damage, and organ damage are often irreversible.”

The first step toward recovery is testing for arsenic levels in the body. Dr Tayal also shares how one can detect arsenic exposure:

• A urine arsenic test shows recent exposure.
• For long-term exposure, hair and nail tests are helpful, as arsenic accumulates there over time.

Also Read: Study Found Uranium In Breast Milk In Bihar: Doctors Share Why It Is Alarming

Conclusion

Due to several environmental factors, arsenic levels in drinking water have increased in several locations worldwide, including various Indian states. When it results in several health diseases, the symptoms can be managed if detected at an early stage. Along with symptom diagnosis, testing the drinking water source is equally important to prevent further damage and allow for timely medical care.