This paper summarizes the findings of surveys on arsenicosis cases
conducted during 2001-2004 in terai, Nepal, by governmental and
non-governmental organizations in their respective project areas and by
some national and international institutes. Studies were conducted in
six arsenic-contaminated districts of terai, namely Nawalparasi, Bara,
Parsa, Rautahat, Rupandehi, and Kapilvastu. In these districts, arsenic
contamination in tubewells varied from 2.1% to 25.7%. The prevalence of
arsenicosis was, on average, 2.2% and varied from 0.7% in Kapilavastu
district to 3.6% in Nawalparasi district. In the community-based study,
the highest prevalence (18.6%) of arsenicosis was found in Patkhouli
village of Nawalparasi, where 95.8% of tubewells were contaminated with
arsenic. The prevalence of arsenicosis was higher in older age-groups
(>50 years) of both the sexes. Males suffered more from arsenicosis
than females (odds ratio: 2.50, 95% confidence interval 1.80-3.47).
Skin manifestations, such as melanosis and keratosis, were the common
symptoms of arsenicosis. Most patients were identified in the early or
mild stage of the disease. They are expected to recover if further
exposure to arsenic could be avoided by providing arsenic-safe
drinking-water through intervention measures