Arsenic refers to a naturally occurring element on the earth’s crust, and it is distributed mainly in the land, air, and water. In its inorganic state, it is very toxic. People are exposed to arsenic in various regions by using contaminated water for drinking, food preparation, irrigation of crops, and industrial processes. Long-term exposure to arsenic leads to chronic arsenic poisoning that manifests in the form of skin lesions and cancer.
Sources of exposure
Contaminated drinking water
The common source of arsenic exposure originates from contaminated groundwater for drinking and food preparation. Arsenic naturally occurs in groundwater in several regions, including the USA, Argentina, China, Mexico, Chile, India, and Bangladesh. Crops irrigated with contaminated water are also another source of exposure.
Some foods such as fish, meat, poultry, cereals, and dairy products could potentially expose people to arsenic, although not as much compared to groundwater. In seafood, arsenic occurs in its less organic toxic form.
Industrial processes
Industrial processes such as making glass,metal adhesives, wood preservatives, textiles, paper, and ammunition use arsenic as an alloying agent. It is also used in limited quantities in pharmaceuticals, feed additives, and pesticides which can be a source of exposure.
Tobacco
Tobacco users are exposed to the inorganic arsenic that tobacco plants take up naturally from the soil. The potential for exposure was much higher in the past when lead arsenate insecticide was used to treat tobacco plants.
The health effects of arsenic exposure
Inorganic arsenic compounds in water are highly toxic, while organic arsenic found in seafood is less harmful. Inorganic arsenic is a proven carcinogen and is the most dangerous chemical contaminant in drinking water globally. Immediate health effects of arsenic exposure include dysentery, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Some people experience muscle cramping, numbing, and tingling, which may lead to death.
The long-term effects of arsenic exposure are seen on the skin as pigmentation changes, hyperkeratosis (patches on the palms and soles of the feet), and skin lesions. These could manifest after long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water and food and might be a precursor to skin cancer.
Long-term exposure to arsenic can also lead to cancer of the lungs and bladder. Other health effects include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and developmental effects.
Arsenic removal from drinking water
Arsenic removal from drinking water is essential for your family’s health. First, testing is vital to determine the type of arsenic in your water. Then, you can decide whether to treat the water at the point of use or as it comes into your home.
Treating the water at the entry point is best when other contaminants like bacteria and chemicals are present and when the arsenic levels are 250 parts per gallon. If the arsenic levels are low point-of-use treatment is ideal. Note that the effectiveness of the water treatment depends on the characteristics of your home water supply.
After installing the water treatment system, maintenance and testing are also essential to ensure the arsenic levels are below dangerous levels. A water treatment company can help you decide which treatment system is suitable for your home.
