---

Recent studies have reported that out of 64 districts of Bangladesh, drinking water in 61 districts is contaminated by arsenic. About 30 million people are either directly or indirectly exposed to arsenic contamination with varying degrees of risk. The matters of arsenic contamination in ground water are not well conceived by the general peoples in Bangladesh. Arsenic problem in Bangladesh has a relationship with the nutritional status of the people as well as their personal and socio-economic characteristics. The book compiles a review on the causes, mechanism, trends and current status of arsenic contamination in Bangladesh. Consequences of contamination on society and human health have also been described here. A case study has been included finally on the status of fruit and vegetable consumption and health hazards of the people in arsenic affected region at Satkhira, Bangladesh.

---

Mr. Shamim A.K.U. Khan is an Agriculturist, graduated in 1991 from the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. He did first Masters in Horticulture and the second in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition. Currently he is serving the Khulna University, Bangladesh, as a faculty member since 18 February 1997.

---