Frequently Asked Questions



	Tagore, Kabi Guru Rabindranath (1st Nobel Laureate of Asia) International Institute of Bengal Basin IIBB( Ghosh Research Associates International)

		Welcome to Bengal Basin
		About the Institute
		Upcoming Events
		Donation to IIBB
		4 Scientists
		Join IIBB/Member Benefits
		Arsenic Contamination in the Bengal Basin
		Frequently Asked Questions
		Calendar Of Events
		History of Bengal
		Historic Figures of Bengal
		Language Day
		News Articles
		International Symposia Series on Toxic Contamination
		Human Rights Symposia Series
		Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Father of Modern India - Symposia Series
		Recent Event-8th International Symposium in Bangladesh: Background, Registration, and Fees
		Programs and Activities
		Visva Bharati University
		Message Center
		Discussion Groups
		Maps/Photos
		Links
		Contact us
		Stand Against Injustice
		Sheik Majibur Rahman
		Founder and Institute Fight to Save Property

		Sitemap

Frequently Asked Questions

Rash B. Ghosh, Ph.D (Founder IIBB)
(510) 870-4988 (510) 575-5112

IIBengalBasin@gmail.com & usak2@yahoo.com

Where is the Bengal Basin?

The Bengal Basin lies in the eastern part of India and also covers the major portion of Bangladesh.
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found throughout the world. Arsenic is highly toxic and dangerous to human health with chronic exposure or with exposure to high levels of arsenic.
What are the effects of Arsenic Poisoning?
High levels or chronic exposure to arsenic causes major negative health effects. These include:
- vascular diseases
- skin lesions and discoloration
- liver damage
- abnormal sensation in the limbs
- paralysis, muscular atrophy, and death - in extreme cases
- arsenic poisoning may also be linked to cancer and birth defects.
How Many People Are Affected?
Of the 220 million people living in the Bengal Basin, 30 million people are suffering from the symptoms of arsenic poisoning, and over 100 million people are at a risk of ruining their health because of the contaminated drinking water. Out of 64 districts in Bangladesh, 59 have arsenic contaminated drinking water. In addition, most of the people living in the Bengal Basin are at a risk of some water-borne diseases due to contaminants and pathogens.
How Does Arsenic Contamination of Groundwater Occur in the Bengal Basin?
Arsenic is a natural component of the sedimentary rock in the Bengal Basin, and has been present for millions of years. Only during the last 25 years has had a significant impact on the health and lives of the people. This is because national and international agencies invested in a major program to change the origin of drinking water from surface water to groundwater. Five million tube wells were drilled. Initially, this had a positive impact by reducing health risks from biological contaminants. However, as wells were drilled in an uncontrolled manner, relatively safe groundwater drinking supplies became contaminated by arsenic. By addressing one environmental hazard, another possibly greater problem was created.
What Can Be Done?
Unfortunately, there are no simple solutions to the problem of arsenic contamination in the Bengal Basin. However, the magnitude and severity of the problem necessitate taking immediate steps to find feasable solutions. Drilling wells more deeply to reach uncontaminated parts of aquifers is one way to solve problems, and other technological solutions are available. IIBB has the contacts for taking such measures, and we look forward to hearing from you.