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Arsenic and respiratory disease

Arsenic is the only environmental toxin that has been linked to both malignant and nonmalignant respiratory disease following ingestion, rather than inhalation, making arsenic a unique toxicant to the respiratory system. Chronic exposure to arsenic has been associated with the development of respiratory symptoms, impaired lung function, and chronic lung disease.

Citation:
Ramsey K. Arsenic and respiratory disease. Handbook of Arsenic Toxicology: Elsevier; 2023. p. 381-94.

Keywords:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Lung development; Lung function and airway remodeling; Nonmalignant respiratory disease; Respiratory symptoms

Abstract:
Arsenic is the only environmental toxin that has been linked to both malignant and nonmalignant respiratory disease following ingestion, rather than inhalation, making arsenic a unique toxicant to the respiratory system. Chronic exposure to arsenic has been associated with the development of respiratory symptoms, impaired lung function, and chronic lung disease.