Reassessing current state of arsenic mitigation

The presence of arsenic in groundwater across almost all regions of Bangladesh is not a recent discovery. In fact, it has been more than two and a half decades since the alarming levels of arsenic contamination were first detected in the country's groundwater sources. A comprehensive assessment at the time revealed that 59 out of the 64 districts in Bangladesh had arsenic levels in their groundwater that exceeded the nationally accepted safety threshold of 50 parts per billion (ppb). This revelation caused serious concern, both nationally and internationally, due to the widespread implications for public health. The health risks associated with consuming arsenic-contaminated water, as well as using it for household chores such as cooking, washing, and bathing, were dire enough to trigger urgent calls for action.

Although the severity of the issue was recognised, yet the government faced significant challenges in formulating and implementing an immediate and effective response. The scale of the contamination, combined with limited access to alternative safe water sources, made it difficult to take decisive steps aimed at arresting the spread of the problem or preventing other areas from falling under its grip. Over time, although various initiatives were taken, the problem remained unresolved at its core.

In recent years, the public discourse surrounding arsenic contamination appears to have quieted down. Except for occasional news reports or scattered media coverage, arsenic pollution no longer figures as a national emergency. This silence might misleadingly suggest that the threat has either diminished or been successfully addressed. However, a study conducted by the Human Rights Watch some time ago paints a very different picture -- one that is, in fact, more alarming than what was initially assumed. According to their findings, the arsenic crisis in Bangladesh is far from over. On the contrary, it continues to pose a serious health hazard to millions.

Arsenic is particularly insidious because it is a "silent killer" -- its harmful effects manifest slowly and often go unnoticed until severe health damage has occurred. Long-term exposure to arsenic-contaminated water can lead to an array of serious health issues, including painful skin lesions, various forms of cancer (particularly skin, bladder, and lung cancers), as well as cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. The Human Rights Watch study estimates that nearly 20 million people in Bangladesh are still consuming water that is contaminated with arsenic. This staggering figure indicates that, despite the efforts made over the past two decades, the prevalence of arsenic contamination has not seen a significant decline. This is particularly distressing considering that millions of wells have been tested, and thousands of new "safe" wells have been drilled across the country in an attempt to stave off a public health catastrophe.

There are also inconsistencies and contradictions in the reports that assess the current state of arsenic contamination. In the early 2000s, particularly around 2003, some well-organised steps were taken to understand and confront the crisis. The government reported that it had tested approximately five million rural tube wells during that period. To guide the public, the wells were painted red or green to indicate whether the water from a particular well was unsafe or safe for use, respectively. While this initiative had a promising start, there has been little analysis since then to determine how effective these measures were in changing people's behaviour or reducing their exposure to contaminated water. One has to question whether these early efforts were sustained over time and whether they were supported by continuous monitoring, public education, or the provision of viable alternatives.

 What is particularly disheartening is the apparent decline in vigilance and urgency. The momentum that once drove the national and international response to arsenic pollution seems to have dissipated. The issue, which once dominated headlines and policy discussions, now rarely features in the national conversation, even though it continues to affect millions of lives.

Arsenic contamination is most prevalent in shallow tube wells, which are the primary water source for many rural communities. While deeper aquifers typically contain water of better quality, access to this safer groundwater is limited. Government initiatives to install deep tube wells have so far failed to adequately meet the need. Researchers argue that a major breakthrough in arsenic mitigation could be achieved if wells were consistently drilled deeper than 500 feet. If this is indeed a viable solution, then there should be no further delay in expanding safe water projects across the most affected areas. Supplying arsenic-free water to the nearly 20 million people currently at risk must become a priority.

To make meaningful progress in the fight against arsenic contamination, the government should revisit and reevaluate its past and present programmes. This process should involve a thorough assessment of what has been achieved, what has failed, and why. Only then can effective, evidence-based strategies be developed and implemented. Regular monitoring, public education, community engagement, and robust investment in infrastructure are key components of any long-term solution.

What is clear from the scope and complexity of the problem is that arsenic mitigation will not be a short-term endeavour. Rather, it demands a long-term, sustained commitment -- a continuous battle against a largely invisible but deadly enemy.

wasiahmed.bd@gmail.com