UN says Bangladesh needs to act on arsenic-tainted water

Although Bangladesh has set a target of supplying safe water for all its people by 2011, a recent survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations children's fund (UNICEF) showed that 12.6% of Bangladesh households, or about 20 million people, still drink water containing arsenic above the government's recommendation of no more than 50 micrograms per litre.

"Urgent action is needed to re-focus the attention of the nation towards an arsenic-safe environment," said Renata Lok Dessallien, U.N. resident coordinator in Bangladesh, as quoted by Reuters. "Concerted efforts by the government and all stakeholders are necessary to reinvigorate arsenic monitoring and mitigation efforts and conduct comprehensive research on emerging threats."

Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical introduced into water through the dissolution of minerals and ores. It is poisonous to humans and is known to cause skin lesions and cancers of the bladder, kidney, lungs and skin.

Organic carbon can trigger the release of arsenic from sediments into groundwater. Studies have recommended against using groundwater in man-made ponds and rice fields.