Full Answer Section

The water in Gabriele and Charles’s city is contaminated with arsenic at a level of up to 12 ppm. This is well above the safe drinking water limit of 0.010 ppm set by the World Health Organization.

Gabriele and Charles have been drinking and cooking with the contaminated water for many years. They are both diabetic, and Charles is currently undergoing tests to evaluate him for possible bladder cancer.

How arsenic is processed in the body:

Arsenic is absorbed into the body through the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and skin. It is then distributed throughout the body, where it can damage cells and tissues. Arsenic can also cross the placenta and be harmful to the developing fetus.

Factors that can affect toxicity:

The toxicity of arsenic can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of arsenic, the dose, the route of exposure, and the individual’s age, health, and genetics.

• Type of arsenic: Arsenic exists in several forms, including inorganic arsenic and organic arsenic. Inorganic arsenic is more toxic than organic arsenic.
• Dose: The higher the dose of arsenic, the more likely it is to cause health problems.
• Route of exposure: Arsenic that is ingested is more likely to be absorbed into the body than arsenic that is inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
• Individual factors: Age, health, and genetics can all affect the toxicity of arsenic. For example, children are more vulnerable to the effects of arsenic than adults.

Symptoms and effects of long-term arsenic exposure:

The symptoms and effects of long-term arsenic exposure can vary depending on the individual’s exposure level and other factors. However, some common symptoms include:

• Skin changes, such as dark spots, warts, and skin cancer
• Neurological problems, such as numbness, tingling, and weakness
• Digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease
• Kidney problems
• Cancer

Target organs and impact on these organs from arsenic toxicity:

Arsenic can damage a variety of organs, including the skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, and nervous system.

• Skin: Arsenic can cause skin changes, such as dark spots, warts, and skin cancer.
• Lungs: Arsenic can damage the lungs, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and pneumonia.
• Kidneys: Arsenic can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
• Liver: Arsenic can damage the liver, leading to liver failure.
• Nervous system: Arsenic can damage the nervous system, leading to numbness, tingling, weakness, and other neurological problems.

Conclusion:

Arsenic is a toxic substance that can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, skin lesions, and neurological damage. The symptoms and effects of long-term arsenic exposure can vary depending on the individual’s exposure level and other factors. It is important to be aware of the risks of arsenic exposure and to take steps to reduce your exposure, such as drinking bottled water if your tap water is contaminated.

In the case of Gabriele and Charles, their long-term exposure to arsenic through drinking contaminated water has likely contributed to Charles’s bladder cancer. They should both be tested for other health problems that can be caused by arsenic exposure, such as skin cancer and kidney disease. They should also take steps to reduce their exposure to arsenic, such as using bottled water for drinking and cooking.