Taiwan Crisis: a showcase of the global arsenic problem

<p>In the 1950s the residents of the southwestern coastal areas of Taiwan suffered greatly from Blackfoot disease (BFD) due to the consumption of arsenic-contaminated groundwater. Groundwater with high levels of arsenic in southwestern and northeastern Taiwan received much attention. After arsenic-safe tap water was utilized for drinking instead of groundwater in the 1970s BFD cases decreased greatly. After 1990 no new BFD cases were reported and as a consequence BFD problems disregarded. However arsenic is still present in the groundwater.<br>This book will improve the knowledge and understanding of the occurrence and genesis of arsenic-rich groundwaters in Taiwan. It deals with constraints on the mobility of arsenic in groundwater its uptake from soil and water by plants arsenic-propagation through the food chain human health impacts and arsenic-removal technologies. Taiwan case experiences are described in this book and can be applied worldwide.</p><p>This book is a state-of-the-art overview of research on arsenic in Taiwan and is designed to:</p><ul> <li>create interest in regions within Taiwan that are affected by the presence of arseniferous aquifers;</li> <li>draw attention from the international scientific community;</li> <li>increase awareness among researchers administrators policy makers and company executives;</li> <li>improve the international cooperation on arsenic problems worldwide.</li> </ul>