Investigation distribution of burning coal endemic arsenism in Shannxi province

  Objective   To investigate the distribution of endemic arsenic in coal burning disease areas in Shanxi province.

  Methods   Local families, which mainly used stone coalas daily fuel, were selected in severe coal burning pollution areas.Arsenic content in indoor air, stone coal, pepper, corn and drinking water were measured.

  Results   50% coal samples exceeded standard level, and the highest coal arsenic concentration reached 488.1 mg/kg.31.03% indoor air samples exceeded the standard level, and the hig hest level of arsenic content in indoor air reached 63.83μg/m³, which was 21times over standard level.The arsenic content in pepper and corn exceeded standard level to certain degree.But drinking water did not exceeded standard level.

  Conclusion   The investigation areas char acterized a severe arsenic pollution which has a potential to incluce endemic.Some patients have been detected in these areas.These areas are newly discov ered, coal burning type endemic ar senism areas.