US EPA

1034580 

Journal Article 

Arsenic adulteration in opium. (Arsenicosis--a real danger to health in developing countries) 

Datta, DV; Kaul, MK 

1977 

No 

United Nations. Bulletin on Narcotics
ISSN: 0007-523X 

29 

3 

41-44 

English 

244312 

WOS:A1977EF64500004 

IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP An Indian study correlating opium addiction and arsenicosis presents reports of high level arsenic content in opium sold illegally in that country. Opium addiction in India is a problem of considerable magnitude which has been highlighted during recent years, and findings highlight the public importance and prevalence of arsenicosis in the Indian subcontinent following adulteration of opium by arsenic which is supposed to enhance the aphrodiasic properties of opium. Case reports are presented of opium addicts presenting clinical pictures of arsenical neuropathy and hepatomegaly and 5 deaths following symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning in opium addicts who received their supply from legal sources. There were 40 more cases of acute gastroenteritis in subjects who had obtained their opium, which was found to have an exceptionally high arsenic content, from the same source. The results of preliminary investigation revealed interesting facts which highlight the problem facing developing countries in particular, and may have important bearings on management of patients who are opium addicted and present features of peripheral neuropathy and hepatomegaly. 

Adulteration; opium; arsenic; Toxicity; adulteration; Contamination; arsenic; India; adulteration; Arsenic; opium; Drug abuse; Dependence; adulteration; HUMAN