In certain areas of rural West Bengal, arsenic occurs naturally in high concentrations in springs and groundwater. If this arsenic-contaminated water is consumed over a long period of time, it can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning with serious health consequences. Over 100 million people worldwide drink arsenic-contaminated water. Calcutta Rescue is committed to providing clean drinking water as part of its living standards program.
In August 2003, Calcutta Rescue began installing filters and tube wells in the district with the greatest risk. Calcutta Rescue is now planning to install five more arsenic filters. At the five additional locations, the arsenic content of the water is particularly high. By using these arsenic filters correctly, clean drinking water can be guaranteed.
How arsenic gets into drinking water
Around 50 million years ago, when the continent of India, driven by continental drift, collided with the continent of Eurasia at breakneck speed (a staggering nine meters per century), the imposing Himalayas began to pile up. The mountain range supplies its surroundings with debris and water, so to speak. The sources of the three rivers that are vital for India and Bangladesh - the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna - originate in the Himalayas. Over the course of time, the river system, which is now over 2600 kilometers long, has created the Ganges Delta and provides water and fertile soil. The rapid growth, intensive erosion and unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains affect the entire area around the Himalayas.
Over millions of years, rock from the Himalayas has been eroded and deposited in the Ganges delta. Arsenic occurs naturally in this rock, mainly in gray clay. The arsenic in the clay is converted into soluble compounds under the influence of atmospheric oxygen and released into the water.
The main objectives of the arsenic project
The main objectives of the arsenic project are to raise awareness among the population about the dangers of arsenic-contaminated water, implement methods to prevent poisoning and provide the population with safe drinking water in selected, most affected villages in West Bengal.
Since 2003, six filters for the elimination of arsenic and iron with associated pipe sources have been installed in the villages of Bamongram and Mosimpore in the district of Malda. These filters ensure 1000 liters of arsenic-free water per day.
Together with the self-help group CHETANA, Calcutta Rescue ensures that the filters are maintained so that access to safe and clean drinking water is guaranteed in the long term. This benefits the poor population in those villages to which the filtered
water pipes installed by the government do not reach.
In addition to this prevention work, Calcutta Rescue helpers also look after people suffering from chronic arsenic poisoning. If necessary, these people are referred to one of Calcutta Rescue's clinics or to a state hospital. Despite the improvement in the water supply, people continue to suffer from arsenic-related illnesses. This is usually because they are unaware of the danger posed by the contaminated water.
The health damage caused by arsenic poisoning
If arsenic compounds are ingested in small quantities over a long period of time, this can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning. Typical symptoms are increased callus formation on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, dark gray skin pigmentation and white nail bands. In addition, hair loss, inflammation of the conjunctiva and upper respiratory tract, salivation, diarrhea, liver damage, damage to the brain and peripheral nerves (with movement and sensory disorders, paralysis or muscle regression), fatigue and apathy may occur. After prolonged exposure to arsenic, damage to the blood vessels can occur. This can lead to the formation of drumstick fingers and watch glass nails and, in extreme cases, to the death of the affected regions (so-called "black foot disease"). Chronic exposure to arsenic is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Malignant tumors of the skin, lungs, liver and urinary bladder can occur after years of exposure.
New arsenic filters in Malda district
Especially in summer, when the temperature climbs above 45°C, fetching and storing water is a difficult task. People often walk two to five kilometers a day to get filtered water. Calcutta Rescue is therefore planning to install five more arsenic and iron filters powered by an electric pump at five additional locations where the arsenic content of the water is particularly high.