Symptoms and Etiology of Arsenosis

The symptoms observed in the affected areas of southwest Guizhou Province (Zhou et al, 1993) have all the classic hallmarks of chronic arsenic exposure. The visible features start with an erythematous flush (Fig. 17.4A) which is quite noticeable in this cohort, as freckles are not a common feature in Asian populations. Various degrees of skin lesions, hyperpigmentation, keratosis, and hyperkeratosis (Fig. 17.4B), leading to some probable skin cancers (Fig. 17.4C) were observed. The most common feature observed is keratosis of the hands (Fig. 17.4D). Cancer and severe skin lesions have lessened dramatically in the last 20 years, due to the intervention by local public health officials and the recognition of the etiology of the arsenic poisoning disease. 

Renal Proximal tubule degeneration, papillary and cortical necrosis 

and Au determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Hg determined by cold vapor atomic absorption (CVAA). nd = not determined. 

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