WELCOME MESSAGE

 

WELCOME

Arsenic is an element that has attracted people’s attention since ancient times. It used to be considered as a powerful poison, and it is now in the news as a result of the largest environmental calamity in Asia. This has led to the rediscovery of arsenic despite it always exists in the environment as a “silent” toxin in the world. Every year, new areas with arsenic in environments exceeding the maximal contamination levels set by international organizations are identified.

Scientific interest in arsenic has increased remarkably since the last century. By using the ISI Web of Knowledge as a search tool, there were 23,144 published articles on arsenic in its database for the period 1956-2007.Among them, 6,764 have been published in the 21st century. The increase in scientific publications has been spectacular in areas such as environmental sciences, food, metabolism, health and remedy. Arsenic is an old toxin offering unparalleled opportunities for research.

As2006, the First International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, was held in Mexico City in 2006 with the theme of “Natural Arsenic in Groundwater of Latin America”. As a result of that event plans have been made to hold a series of biennial congresses with rotating venues in different continents, continuing with the theme of the congress held in Mexico and also including toxicity and health effects. These events would provide participants with an up-to-date, global view of the arsenic studies at a multi- and interdisciplinary level. The As2008 with the theme of “Arsenic from Nature to Humans” was held in Valencia, Spain from May 21-23, 2008. The Third International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment As 2010 with the theme of“Arsenic in Geosphere and Human Diseases” will be held in Tainan, Taiwan from May 17-21, 2010.


The topics to be covered in the upcoming Congress will be grouped under the following headings:

I. Geology, Hydrology, and Hydrogeology of Arsenic

II. Ecological Effects: Arsenic in Soils, Plants and Food Chain Cycle

III. Marine and Terrestrial Biota

IV. Health Effects on Humans: Epidemiology and Biomarkers

V. Toxicological Effects: Animal Models

VI. Assessment and Remediation of Arsenic Contaminations, Policy and Protection

VII. Analytical Methods for Arsenic

　Arsenic is a natural or anthropogenic contaminant in areas where human subsistence is at risk. It comprises a large number of chemical species with a wide variation in toxicity. Arsenic induces non-specific pathological effects which are difficult to reverse and result in serious social impact. It is thus essential to carry out cross-border and interdisciplinary studies. This Congress can provide a forum for exchanging ideas, sharing discussions and discovering common interests. The scientific community involved in the study of arsenic needs to carry out researches, which not only address academic interests but also contribute to the prevention or reduction of exposure to arsenic and its toxic effects in millions of exposed people throughout the world.

We take great pleasure to invite researchers, health workers, technologists, students, legislators, government officials, and all those who are interested in the study of this fascinating element to participate in the As2010 international congress on “ARSENIC IN THE ENVIRONMENT” with the theme of “Arsenic in Geosphere and Human Diseases”.