Arsenic Contamination in Water: A Conceptual Framework of Policy Options

Zareena Begum I ()
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Zareena Begum I: Madras School of Economics
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Zareena Begum Irfan ()

Working Papers from Madras School of Economics,Chennai,India

Abstract: Arsenic contamination in water supplies continues to increase in many countries, especially in developing nations, thereby creating both environmental and health hazard. Its sources and effects are multiple and diffused in nature and it requires detailed assessment and policy. This paper discusses the global extent of the problem, its sources and effects and explores different policy options. Sources and pathways of interaction require comprehensive assessment and policy. Innovation in low cost technologies offers possibilities for reducing abatement cost and for economic efficiency. To reduce arsenic in water resources, incentive policies such as taxing and subsidizing can be used to reduce arsenic levels in point sources through creation of appropriate incentives. The paper also identifies opportunities for enhancing self-protection efforts through education and information sharing. Under a self-protection policy, though the damages decline to a greater extent, there is a possibility of an increase in arsenic emission. Finally, a combination of policies is proposed that involve low cost technology, education and awareness to mitigate the damage from arsenic contamination at a watershed scale. It is also necessary to enforce these policies through appropriate institutional changes that involve coordination and cooperative efforts to mitigate arsenic contamination.

Keywords: Arsenic; Education policy; Incentives; Self-protection; Taxing and subsidizing policy; Technology; Water (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I18 I28 O31 Q25 Q28 Q52 Q53 Q55 Q58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 24 pages
Date: 2012-01
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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