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ITBA Map Finds Arsenic Above WHO Limits in Multiple Argentine Provinces

Researchers are asking residents to send new water samples as experts tie the contamination to natural geology and flag private wells as the main exposure risk.

Overview

  • After relaunching its interactive Mapa de Arsénico, the Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires reported results from 350+ lab-tested samples showing exceedances in at least seven provinces.
  • Coverage highlights widespread hotspots in Buenos Aires province, with local reports citing 66 municipalities showing elevated values and several locations above 50 ppb.
  • The project classifies results by a three‑color scale, with the WHO guideline set at 10 ppb and a red category above 50 ppb where water should not be used for drinking or cooking.
  • AySA stated that water distributed within its AMBA concession meets regulated arsenic limits, advising against using unmonitored private perforations without testing.
  • Specialists warn that long-term ingestion can cause HACRE and is linked to higher risks of certain cancers, and ITBA has renewed its call for citizen sampling after pandemic-era declines.