Arsenic Poisoning and Social Crisis in Bangladesh

Arsenic contamination and its prevalence in the environmental component appeared as a social disaster. This study focused on arsenic exposure among the local people and how lead to their daily life despite of severe arsenic poisoning in the community. A number of social factors was considered to be a key indicator to investigate social issues and prospects. This qualitative research was performed to make better understanding on arsenic exposure and social instability through intensively taking interview and focus group discussion. As regards observational findings, a number peoples identified who is carried arsenicosis symptoms, it might be the result of food chain contamination and frequently consumption of arsenic contaminated groundwater. Consequently, its long term result is negatively impacted on their existing social life and values. Result showed that, arsenicosis patients were apparently neglected by the group peoples who believe, it might be the result of any previous curse or sin. In the community, superstitious and social ostracism problems turned into a social hazards for an arsenicosis patient which is directly insisted daily life style, social status, access and deny to participate any social meeting. Surprisingly it was considered that almost all the communities openly or ultimately and unconsciously arsenic affected owing to continuous taking contaminated food and gradually leads to worsen health condition. It might be the results of absence situational and social factors. Simultaneously, worsen socioeconomic condition may act as predominant factor to exaggerate social phenomenon. In addition, cause finding and problem identification would be a helpful way to better understanding about arsenic exposure. However, this study tried to find out a thematic outline in environmental contamination and social crisis using some factors like social perception, respondent attitudes, behaviors, economical condition and knowledge to follow a combine approach. Its novelty might be reflected through knowledge shearing and practices.