Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is widely distributed in the Earth’s crust. It is found in water, air, food, and soil.
There are two general forms of arsenic:
Where is arsenic found?
Arsenic is found just about everywhere. It can leach into groundwater through rocks and soil, and is used in pesticides, wood preservatives, and tobacco. It is also released into the environment by volcanoes and mining processes. Arsenic in groundwater is a widespread problem. Arsenic levels tend to be higher in drinking water that comes from ground sources, such as wells, than from water from surface sources, such as lakes or reservoirs. For additional details on arsenic and water, including testing, level, measurement, and removal information, please see the NIEHS Fact Sheet on Arsenic.
There are two general forms of arsenic:
- Organic
- Inorganic
Where is arsenic found?
Arsenic is found just about everywhere. It can leach into groundwater through rocks and soil, and is used in pesticides, wood preservatives, and tobacco. It is also released into the environment by volcanoes and mining processes. Arsenic in groundwater is a widespread problem. Arsenic levels tend to be higher in drinking water that comes from ground sources, such as wells, than from water from surface sources, such as lakes or reservoirs. For additional details on arsenic and water, including testing, level, measurement, and removal information, please see the NIEHS Fact Sheet on Arsenic.
How does arsenic get into the body?
Most arsenic gets into the body through ingestion of food or water. Arsenic in drinking water is a problem in many countries around the world, including Bangladesh, Chile, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, India, and the United States. Arsenic may also be found in foods, including rice and some fish, where it is present due to uptake from soil and water. It can also enter the body by breathing dust containing arsenic, or through the skin, though this is not a major route of exposure.
How much arsenic can be in drinking water?
The maximum level of inorganic arsenic permitted in U.S. drinking water is 10 parts per billion (ppb). This standard was set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some states, such as New Jersey, have more stringent drinking water standards for arsenic than 10 ppb. There are no arsenic water standards for private wells.
Because arsenic is tasteless, colorless, and odorless, testing is needed for detection. Approximately 7 percent of wells in the U.S. are thought to have arsenic levels above the current EPA standard of 10 ppb. Arsenic levels in the U.S. tend to be higher in rural communities in the Southwest, Midwest, and Northeast. The levels of arsenic in countries like Bangladesh have been measured at over 3,000 ppb.
Most arsenic gets into the body through ingestion of food or water. Arsenic in drinking water is a problem in many countries around the world, including Bangladesh, Chile, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, India, and the United States. Arsenic may also be found in foods, including rice and some fish, where it is present due to uptake from soil and water. It can also enter the body by breathing dust containing arsenic, or through the skin, though this is not a major route of exposure.
How much arsenic can be in drinking water?
The maximum level of inorganic arsenic permitted in U.S. drinking water is 10 parts per billion (ppb). This standard was set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some states, such as New Jersey, have more stringent drinking water standards for arsenic than 10 ppb. There are no arsenic water standards for private wells.
Because arsenic is tasteless, colorless, and odorless, testing is needed for detection. Approximately 7 percent of wells in the U.S. are thought to have arsenic levels above the current EPA standard of 10 ppb. Arsenic levels in the U.S. tend to be higher in rural communities in the Southwest, Midwest, and Northeast. The levels of arsenic in countries like Bangladesh have been measured at over 3,000 ppb.
How can I find out whether there is arsenic in my drinking water?
If your home is not on a public water system, you can have your water tested for arsenic. Your state certification officer should be able to provide a list of laboratories in your area that will perform tests on drinking water for a fee.
How do I remove arsenic from my drinking water?
Do not try to remove arsenic by boiling it. Additionally, chlorine bleach disinfection will not remove arsenic. You may wish to consider water treatment methods such as reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, or ion exchange. Contact your local health department for recommended procedures.
How does arsenic affect people?
Arsenic affects a broad range of organs and systems including:
If your home is not on a public water system, you can have your water tested for arsenic. Your state certification officer should be able to provide a list of laboratories in your area that will perform tests on drinking water for a fee.
How do I remove arsenic from my drinking water?
Do not try to remove arsenic by boiling it. Additionally, chlorine bleach disinfection will not remove arsenic. You may wish to consider water treatment methods such as reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, or ion exchange. Contact your local health department for recommended procedures.
How does arsenic affect people?
Arsenic affects a broad range of organs and systems including:
- Skin
- Nervous system
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- Liver, kidney, bladder and prostate
- Immune system
- Endocrine system
- Developmental processes
Ways to reduce arsenic risk
Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/arsenic/index.cfm
Source Agency: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Captured Date: 2016-03-22 13:04:00.0
- Test your drinking water.
- Eat a well-balanced diet for good nutrition, and eat a wide variety of grains, to try to minimize the negative health effects that could come from eating an excess of any one food.
Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/arsenic/index.cfm
Source Agency: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Captured Date: 2016-03-22 13:04:00.0