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US scientist to help probe extent of arsenic poisoning in Ayeyarwaddy Region
Published on Tuesday, 05 February 2013 19:29
Researchers from Columbia University in the United States will work with staff at the Myanmar Water Resources Utilisation Department to measure the amount of arsenic in ground water in Ayeyarwaddy Region.
The move follows concern that some people in region, especially those who drink from hand-dug wells, have contracted or are in danger of contracting arsenic poisoning.
The health threat was high on the agenda of a recent discussion between researchers from Columbia and government officials.
Dr. Than Htut, deputy director of Worksite Health Department, said more than 21,000 people in the region had received medical examinations and that some were diagnosed to be suffering from arsenic poisoning. He did not provide an exact number.