Answer

Article Summary: Yoshida et al., (2004)

Issue Identification

The identified issue in the article is poisoning that is caused by chronic arsenic which has become worldwide public health. Arsenic poisoning is a medical condition that happens when there is high level of arsenic in the body.  According to the article, cases of human exposure occur from consumption of drinking water that has high amounts of inorganic arsenic.

Hazard Identification

The hazard identified in this case is arsenic, a naturally occurring component on earth’s crust and distributed throughout the environment in water, air, and land. This component is highly toxic when it its inorganic form. When consumed by humans mainly through water and its level becomes high in the body, , a process kwon as arsenic poisoning. Arsenic poisoning presents with symptoms such as swollen or red skin, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Dose-Response Assessment

In order to present with symptoms such as swollen or red skin, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, there must be high level of arsenic in the air, water or land. In this particular case, the arsenic must be in its inorganic form and concentrated in water, which is the main means through it affects people.
Exposure Assessment

Exposure assessment of the agent which is arsenic was conducted based on two major factors.  The first one is its concentration on drinking water. According to the article, higher concentration of arsenic in water, the higher the likelihood that it will affect a larger number of people.
Risk Characterization

Risk characterization is based on the quality of the water people consume. While the paper acknowledges that arsenic is present in land, air, and water, water is the main channel through which it poisons people.