Investigator(s)
| WHO Technical Officer |
Teeranee Techasrivichien WHO Thailand Teeranee Techasrivichien 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Chantana Padungtod Ministry of Public Health, Department of Disease Control, Division Occupational and Environmental Diseases Chantana Padungtod
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Health Risk Assessment and Proactive Health Surveillance of Arsenic Exposure among Populations Living in Areas with Arsenic-Contaminated Surface Water in Thailand |
| Public title | Health Risk Assessment and Proactive Health Surveillance of Arsenic Exposure among Populations Living in Areas with Arsenic-Contaminated Surface Water in Thailand |
| Background | The most toxic form of arsenic, inorganic arsenic, is highly acutely toxic. Intake of inorganic arsenic over a long period can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning (arsenicosis). Effects – which can take years to develop depending on the exposure level – include skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, developmental toxicity, and cancer of the skin and internal organs. Arsenic can be released into the atmosphere and water through natural activities, human activities (e.g., mining), remobilization of historic sources of mobilization into drinking water from geological deposits. Human exposure to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic occurs mainly through the consumption of groundwater containing naturally high levels of inorganic arsenic (as found in several countries), food prepared with this water, and food crops irrigated with high-arsenic water sources. Environmental arsenic contamination in surface water has raised increasing concerns regarding potential health risks for communities whose livelihoods depend on direct contact with river water. Recent environmental monitoring in Thailand has detected arsenic contamination |
| Objectives | General objective To develop proactive health surveillance and health risk assessment systems for occupational populations living in areas at risk of arsenic contamination along the Kok River, Sai River, Salween River and Mekong River. Specific objectives 1. To develop proactive health surveillance guidelines and health risk assessment frameworks for communities living in areas at risk of arsenic contamination along the Kok, Sai, Salween, and Mekong Rivers. 2. To identify baseline health data and conduct health risk assessments among occupational groups at risk of exposure to arsenic-contaminated water sources, including farmers, elephant handlers, riverside vendors, rafting or passenger boat operators, and fisheries/aquaculture workers. |
| Study Methods | For more details pls see full proposal submitted. Study design. This study will employ a cross-sectional design to assess arsenic exposure levels and associated risk factors among populations living in areas with arsenic-contaminated surface water in Thailand. The study period will be from February to December 2026. Study population, sample size, and sampling method Study areas The study will be conducted in seven provinces of Thailand, namely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and Nakhon Phanom. Study population and sample size A total of 1,446 participants will be included in the study, comprising the following groups: Participants will be recruited from • Chiang Rai: 10 districts (n = 254) • Chiang Mai: 1 district (n = 67) • Mae Hong Son: 2 districts (n= 112) • Loei: 1 district (n = 72) • Nong Khai: 1 district (n = 137) • Bueng Kan: 1 district (n= 112) • Nakhon Phanom: 1 district (n = 156) Inclusion criteria Participants must meet the following criteria: • Thai nationals aged 18–60 years. • Able to communicate, read, and write in Thai. • Have resided and worked in the selected area for at least one year prior to participation in the surveillance • Provide written informed consent to participate in the surveillance Informed consent Participants will receive detailed explanations regarding study objectives, procedures, and confidentiality. Written informed consent will be obtained prior to participation. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | • Proactive health surveillance guidelines Guidelines for proactive health surveillance and health risk assessment among populations exposed to environmental arsenic will be developed. These guidelines will support long-term monitoring, early detection of exposure risks, and the implementation of preventive measures in affected areas. They will be integrated into the routine environmental health surveillance system of the Ministry of Public Health. • Baseline data on arsenic exposure Baseline data on arsenic exposure and associated risk factors among residents and high-risk occupational groups will be generated. These data will support ongoing environmental health surveillance, risk assessment, and targeted public health interventions. • Health risk assessment and community risk communication Health risk assessments will be conducted for communities in areas with potential arsenic contamination. Targeted risk communication strategies will be implemented to increase community awareness, promote safe practices, and reduce exposure to environmental arsenic. Evidence for policy and knowledge dissemination Situation reports, technical reports, and academic outputs will be produced to inform national public health policy and environmental health management. The results will support the development and application of surveillance and prevention measures in other areas affected by arsenic contamination. |
| Keywords | Arsenic |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Apr-2026 |
| End Date | 31-Dec-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Ministry of Public Health, Department of Disease Control |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes, with randomly selected geographical areas |
| Thailand, Thailand, Thailand, Thailand, Thailand, Thailand | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Population-Based Survey | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |