Estimation of Carcinogenic Risk due to Chronic Exposure to Arsenic via Water for Human Consumption in Puna, Jujuy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Chronic intake of arsenic (As) is associated with cancer. It is known that water from the Puna region of Jujuy contains As, and that many households do not have access to drinking water from public water supply, but the carcinogenic risk for inhabitants due to drinking local water had not been estimated yet. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the carcinogenic risk level for local inhabitants due to chronic exposure to As through drinking water. METHODS: As concentrations in drinking water samples from hamlets of Cochinoca, Susques and Tumbaya was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Carcinogenic risk was calculated with mathematical models of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. RESULTS: As was found in all samples (range 0.041-0.34 mg/l/ As), and 83% exceeded the maximum allowed for drinking water (0.05 mg/l/As). According to mean concentrations of As by department, the carcinogenic risk for inhabitants was between 2.44 x 10-3 and 5.89 x 10-3. Carcinogenic risk for those who consume drinking water from public supply was 2.36 x 10-3, and for those who consume water from other sources was 4.76 x 10-3. All values found exceeded the maximum risk acceptability associated to carcinogen exposure (10-5). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to implement risk communication programs and health policies to reduce risks due to water intake with arsenic content in this region.