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. 2004 Nov;94(11):1936-7.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.94.11.1936.

Prevalence of chronic diseases in adults exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water

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Prevalence of chronic diseases in adults exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water

Kristina M Zierold et al. Am J Public Health. 2004 Nov.

Abstract

Inorganic arsenic is naturally occurring in groundwaters throughout the United States. This study investigated arsenic exposure and self-report of 9 chronic diseases. We received private well-water samples and questionnaires from 1185 people who reported drinking their water for 20 or more years. Respondents with arsenic levels of 2 microg/L or greater were statistically more likely to report a history of depression, high blood pressure, circulatory problems, and bypass surgery than were respondents with arsenic concentrations less than 2 microg/L.

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