Arsenic contamination

It was a serious concern in the 1990s and early 2000s that Bangladesh's underground waters are getting contaminated with excessive arsenic substance, which is dangerous for human health. Surveys conducted 17 years ago found that almost 12 per cent people are drinking arsenic-contaminated water while 30 per cent tube-wells contained such water. Arsenic was then considered a poison which was posing threats to public health in Bangladesh.

However, the issue has lost focus. Maybe, there was excessive concern but people must know if the risks are higher or lower for them. Any issue of public health should be addressed carefully. Since access to safe drinking water is a major development goal, it will be hard to attain it and ensure public welfare by neglecting any issue.

Wares Ali Khan

Sadar, Narsingdi

[email protected]