Arsenic is a naturally present element in the Earth’s crust. Exposure to arsenic, often through contaminated food and water, is linked to various adverse health outcomes, including cancer, and is considered a significant global public health concern. A study in 2020 estimated that up to 200 million people worldwide are consuming arsenic-contaminated drinking water at levels exceeding the 10 parts per billion standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization. Over 70 countries, including the United States, Spain, Mexico, Japan, India, China, Canada, Chile, Bangladesh, Bolivia, and Argentina, are affected. Due to the continued prevalence of high arsenic levels in many regions, we assert that arsenic exposure is a pressing global health issue necessitating immediate action. Our research focuses on how exposure to toxic metals like arsenic may lead to cancer through the generation of cancer stem cells. Arsenic can enter the body through various pathways, such as inhalation and skin contact.
However, the most prevalent form of exposure is through contaminated drinking water or food. People residing in areas with naturally high arsenic levels in soil and water are at significant risk. In the United States, this includes areas in the Southwest, such as Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Human activities like mining and agriculture can further elevate arsenic levels in food and water sources. High arsenic levels are also found in certain foods and beverages, especially rice and rice-based products like rice cereals and crackers. A 2019 investigation by Consumer Reports revealed that some bottled water brands sold in the U.S. had arsenic levels exceeding legal limits. Alarmingly, several studies also discovered that many popular baby food brands contained arsenic concentrations far above the permissible limit. Chronic arsenic exposure raises the risk of several cancer types. The processes through which arsenic causes cancer are complex and not fully understood. However, research indicates that arsenic may damage DNA, interfere with cell signaling, and weaken the immune system, all contributing to cancer development.
Additionally, scientists have linked prolonged arsenic exposure to the creation of cancer stem cells, which are believed to drive cancer growth and spread. Similar to regular stem cells in the body, cancer stem cells can differentiate into various cell types. It remains unclear at which stage of cellular development a stem cell acquires the genetic mutation turning it into a cancer stem cell. Our research aims to identify which cell type arsenic targets to form a cancer stem cell. We are currently using cell cultures from the same organ at different stages of development to analyze how the origins of cells influence the creation of cancer stem cells.