In Bangladesh, millions of people have consumed large amounts of the toxic element arsenic. If the quantities consumed had been small, the chemical would have had little effect on the body, however, the contaminated groundwater supply has resulted in mass consumption of inorganic arsenic which has very harmful impacts on human health. The most common illness is called arsenicosis which is the effect of arsenic poisoning over long periods, 5-20 years. A moderate estimate determined that 35-77 million people suffer from the disease. The initial stage of the arsenicosis is characterized by melanosis (dark pigmentation of the skin), keratosis (thick, crusty, scaly patches of skin), skin lesions, conjunctivis (inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye and inner surface of the eye lid), bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs) and gastroenteritis (inflammation of parts of the gastrointestinal tract). The second stage of the disease entails depigmentation, hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin) and edema of the legs (swelling as a result of the accumulation of fluid). Because of the long time span of arsenic poisoning, many patients in Bangladesh suffer from the symptoms of the first two stages of the disease. The final stage of arsenicosis is characterized by organ damage and cancer of the skin, bladder, lung and kidney as well as possible diabetes, high blood pressure and reproductive disorders (Schwab, 2004), (World Health Organization: Arsenicosis), (Arsenic Contamination of Drinking Water: Bangladesh is the World's Most Vulnerable Country, 1998). Nutrition plays a considerable role in the time of appearance and the intensity of the symptoms. Vitamin A, for example, aids in skin regeneration, however, a shortage of vitamin A containing foods such as leafy greens and dairy products in Bangladesh worsens the skin conditions associated with arsenicosis. Poor diet as a result of food shortages and nutritional deficiencies make the population more vulnerable to the already catastrophic effects of arsenic (Schwab, 2004). Arsenic absorption through the skin is minimal so activities such as bathing, washing dishes and laundry, do not create health risks (World Health Organization: Arsenicosis). Drinking arsenic free water and allowing for the natural excretion of the metal through the urine is the best treatment for arsenicosis in the early stages. The later, chronic symptoms are much more difficult to treat (Arsenic Contamination of Drinking Water: Bangladesh is the World's Most Vulnerable Country, 1998). Aside from detrimental health impacts, the presence of high levels of arsenic in the water supply can lead to a chain of negative environment effects. For example, arsenic can accumulate in plant species and lead to inhibition of growth, photosynthesis, reproduction, behavioral effects and even death (Lenntech, 2006). Bioaccumulation of arsenic in aquatic plants can lead to accumulation in fish species. This accumulation can lead to the alternation of genetic materials of fish. Birds that eat fish can then die from arsenic poisoning (Green Facts, 2006). In this way, arsenic-contaminated environments are often characterized by low biodiversity and a limited number of species (Lenntech, 2006). < The contamination of Bangladeshi water supplies has effects beyond human health and the environment. Although the socioeconomic impacts are presently unclear, researchers at Columbia University in the USA (Chaudhuri, 2001) are beginning to studying this. It can be assumed, however, that at the very least, the mass arsenic intoxication experienced in Bangladesh, will have effects consistent with other water and sanitation problems. This would involve negative impacts on the local economy due to increased mortality and morbidity rates and increased number of people required to act as caregivers, fewer Bangladeshi citizens being able to contribute to the work force, healthy citizens being forced to spend much of their time caring for the sick and seeking out clean water supplies leading to further inefficiencies. Water and sanitation problems also generally impede future progress since sick children may not be able to attend school or healthy children may have to help in the household (WHO, 2004A). These problems are only expected to increase as the epidemic of cancer associated with arsenic poisoning has just begun.