| Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid that can cause significant health issues through drinking water. The present study was aimed to
evaluate As distribution and the related health risks from drinking groundwater in rural areas of Hashtroud, Iran. Principal
component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were also applied to better explain relationship pattern
between different resources. The samples were taken from 51 locations in 37 villages. Arsenic concentration was determined
by a polarograph device, and the corresponding carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks were calculated based on US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline. PCA analysis extracted four main components that explained nearly 62% of
data variance. Results pointed severe As contamination in the studied area, where As was detected in 78%of the samples ranging
from less than 0.001 to 0.250 mg/L. Forty percent of the contaminated places violated guideline value of 10 μg/L suggested by
EPA and institute of standards and industrial research of Iran (ISIRI). Based on our findings, 1329 people including 239 children
were living in the areas with higher As contamination. Hazard quotient (HQ) in 72%, 59%, and 33% of the samples was higher
than one for children, adolescent, and adult age groups, respectively. Excess life time cancer risk (ELCR) in almost 80%of all age
groups was significantly higher than EPA recommended guideline (10−4 or 10−6). In summary, from the viewpoint of arsenic HQ
and ELCR, water resources in the studied areas were not appropriate for drinking and hygienic purposes; necessary and urgent
management strategies to guarantee water supply and health safety for local residents should be considered. |