GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -Blackfoot disease is a characteristic vascular disease associated with long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic. It occurred in areas of Taiwan with elevated arsenic in drinking water. The patients suffer severe systemic arteriosclerosis with black, mummified dry foot-gangrene in severe cases.

Detailed explanation-2: -Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can cause cancer and skin lesions. It has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Groundwater is likely to be contaminated by arsenic. Due to poor reporting, low levels of awareness the extent of adverse health problems caused by arsenic in drinking. In China, exposure to arsenic via drinking water has caused severe disease of the blood vessels, which leads to gangrene known black foot disease.

Detailed explanation-4: -Similar term(s): BFD. Definition: Blackfoot disease (BFD) is a severe form of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), in which the blood vessels in the lower limbs are severely damaged, resulting eventually in progressive gangrene.