Arsenic developmental effects

Hopenhayn-Rich, C., K.D. Johnson, and I. Hertz-Picciotto. 1998. Reproductive and developmental effects associated with chronic arsenic exposure. SEGH 3rd Inter. Conf. Arsenic Expos. Health Effects 21. 

Several studies have suggested an association between inorganic arsenic exposure and increased risk of developmental effects (low birth weight and congenital malformations). ... 

Toxicogenomic approaches may be used to characterize molecular impacts on a global scale across a variety of conditions, including dose and time-dependent effects. In a dose-dependent manner, mouse embryos exposed in utero to heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium (Cd), and methylmercury) show alterations on the gene level in association with increased developmental effects, including... 

We do not know if exposure to arsenic will result in birth defects or other developmental effects in people. Birth defects have been observed in animals exposed to inorganic arsenic. 

Future studies on the prenatal and developmental toxicology of arsenicals should consider deleterious effects in non-rodent species. Elucidation of chronic, low-level arsenicalism in relation to prenatal mortality and teratogenicity is an important step towards a more precise assessment of the possible hazard to humans and food-producing animals. The compounds should be given to the test animals by the same routes by which the target species are exposed, primarily by inhalation and in the drinking water. Attention should be paid to not only the concentration of total arsenic in maternal and embryonic tissues associated with the induction of prenatal toxicity, but to the concentrations and toxicokinetics of the various chemical species. 

As a result of our recent visit to Edgewood Arsenal, I am not favorably impressed with the idea of rehabilitating the Chemical Warfare manufacturing plant. It would seem advisable to have more manufacturing work done by commercial plants and utilize funds to become available for the Edgewood Arsenal for experimental and developmental projects. The question of secrecy in manufacturing processes may have some effect on outside manufacture but should not prevent it. ... 

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