In Argentina, the maximum permissible level of arsenic in drinking water is 0.01 milligrams
In Argentina, the maximum permissible level of arsenic in drinking water is 0.01 milligrams per liter, as established in the Argentine Food Code, in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization, writes The Guardian.
Many members of an ancient Huichi Indian community, in El Chanaral, are showing symptoms of endemic regional chronic hydroarsenism (Hacre), a disease caused by prolonged consumption of water with a high arsenic content.
It is located 14 kilometers from San José del Boqueron and near Piruja Baja, in the northern department of Copo in Argentina.
Although they rely on rain to keep them safe, a combination of severe droughts and inadequate infrastructure for the scattered communities means they are often at the mercy of the state’s water distribution system by tankers during the hot season when their cistern runs dry.
Of the 45.8 million Argentines, about 4 million live in areas with high concentrations of arsenic in their groundwater. However, more recent research by the National University of Rosario found that 17 million people are exposed to arsenic through their water. The studies also show that up to 30% of Hacre patients in Argentina develop cancer, especially of the skin and internal organs.
Illustrative Photo by Luca Nardone: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-drowning-in-water-3651632/
