Clean Water Cuts Chronic Disease Deaths Linked to Long-Term Arsenic Exposure

A major 20-year study in Bangladesh has shown that lowering arsenic levels in drinking water can cut deaths from chronic diseases by up to 50 percent. The research, published in JAMA, tracked nearly 11,000 adults and provides the strongest long-term evidence that reducing arsenic exposure lowers mortality, even for people exposed for decades. Scientists from Columbia University, NYU and other institutions repeatedly measured arsenic in participants’ urine to accurately assess long-term exposure.

Individuals who shifted from high-arsenic to low-arsenic water sources had mortality rates similar to those who always consumed safe water. Those who continued drinking contaminated water saw no improvement. Community programs that labeled wells as safe or unsafe encouraged many households to switch, leading to a large drop in arsenic levels across the region.

The findings highlight how investing in well testing, safer groundwater sources and public awareness can significantly reduce the health burden of arsenic-contaminated water.

02-12-2025