Objective To investigate the death situation of residents exposed to arsenic drinking water.

Methods The death situation of resident in 1999 – 2001 was surveyed in 20 endemic arsenism diseased areas by cross sectional study. The results were classified according to "International Classification of Diseases-10". Standardized death rate was adjusted according to the national standard population in the year of 2000.

Results There were altogether 33 473 people surveyed in 20 endemic arsenism disease areas. 256 people died. Crude death rate was 764.79 x 10 super(-5). Standardized death rate was 812.59 x 10 super(-5) and was higher than that of standard population. The death rate of man was higher than that of woman. The death rates of children and middle-aged and older people were higher than that of the other aged group. In endemic arsenism disease areas Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) of all death cause was 1.43 (95% confidence interval: 1.26 similar to 1.61, P < 0.05). The first five leading cause were respiratory system diseases, malignant tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, heart diseases and endocrine system diseases, respectively.

Conclusions The death rate of residents in the arsenic exposure areas by drinking water is significant higher than that of the common people, especially in children and middle-aged and older people. The main causes of death are respiratory system diseases, malignant tumors and other chronic diseases.