Among naturally occurring water pollution, the arsenic contamination of drinking water is described as one of the largest poisoning problems given its widespread occurrence around the world. The most notably effected regions are the Ganges Delta of Bangladesh (GDB) with about 57 million people affected and it has been called "the largest mass poisoning of a population in history" (Smith et al, 2000). Chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water is associated with the development of diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, skin cancers and internal cancers especially of the bladder, liver and lungs (Chowdhury et al, 2000).

Research on rural population's attitudes and behaviour toward an environmental crisis such as arsenic in drinking water remains inadequate. Therefore, this project will explore attitude, behaviour and behavioural change of individuals, rural households and communities towards arsenic contamination and it will identify the underlying factors that give rise to the decisions they make. The study aims to link three levels to provide a holistic understanding of how affected individuals, households and communities make decisions and respond to this evolving health and social crisis.