Question

Black-foot disease is caused due to ground contaminated with an excess of
(a) Nitrate
(b) Fluoride
(c) Arsenic
(d) Sulfur
(e) Mercury

Answer 1

Hint: This is a metalloid that exists as a pure crystal element and also in association with other metals like sulfur. It acts as a strong tool in fighting the battles against stubborn cancers but excess ingestion can be hazardous and sometimes can even cause death.

Complete answer:
Blackfoot disease affects the peripheral vascular system. It is related to the consumption of inorganic arsenic from the artesian wells. Arsenicosis is caused by exposure over a while to arsenic in the beverage. Arsenic contamination in water can also flow from industrial processes, like those involved in mining, metal refining, and timber treatment. According to the WHO's guideline, the value for arsenic in the beverage is 0.01 mg /liter.

Additional Information: - A newer study suggested that the methylation capacity of arsenic can interact with arsenic exposure within the development of peripheral vascular disease among residents of BFD-endemic areas. The incidence of BFD decreased dramatically after the implementation of water in these villages over the past 2-3 decades.
-An extensive pathological study concluded that ${ 30 }$% of the BFD patients had histologic lesions compatible with thromboangiitis obliterans and ${ 70 }$% showed changes of arteriosclerosis.
-Recent studies confirmed the existence of the preclinical peripheral vascular disease, subclinical arterial insufficiency, and defects in cutaneous microcirculation within the residents of the endemic villages.

So, the correct answer is, ’Arsenic’.

Note: The atherogenicity of arsenic might be related to its effects of hypercoagulability, endothelial injury, smooth muscle fiber proliferation, somatic mutation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. However, its interaction with some trace elements and its association with hypertension and DM could also explain a part of its higher risk of developing atherosclerosis. Although humic substances have also been suggested as a possible explanation for BFD, epidemiologic studies are required to verify its etiologic role.