In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on exposure, metabolism, and health effects
of arsenic (As) in residents from As-contaminated groundwater areas of Vietnam and Cambodia based on
our findings from 2000 and other studies. The health effects of As in humans include severe gastrointestinal
disorders, hepatic and renal failure, cardiovascular disturbances, skin pigmentation, hyperkeratosis, and
cancers in the lung, bladder, liver, kidney, and skin. Arsenic contamination in groundwater is widely present
at Vietnam and Cambodia and the highest As levels are frequently found in groundwater from Cambodia.
Sand filter system can reduce As concentration in raw groundwater. The results of hair and urine analyses
indicate that residents from these As-contaminated areas are exposed to As. In general, sex, age, body mass
index, and As exposure level are significantly associated with As metabolism. Genetic polymorphisms in
arsenic (+III) methyltransferase and glutathione-5-transferase isoforms may be influenced As metabolism
and accumulation in a Vietnamese population. It is suggested oxidative DNA damage is caused by exposure
to As in groundwater from residents in Cambodia. An epidemiologic study on an association of As exposure
with human health effects is required in these areas. ?? 2010 Freund Publishing House Limited.
