What Is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element that is found on Earth in the environment and in all living things. It is odorless, tasteless and has no color or texture. It’s found in the Earth’s crust and in natural deposits of rocks, soil and water. It’s most commonly found in organic forms like coal, crude oil and natural gas. In its inorganic form, it can be found in some mineral ores and as a by-product of certain industrial processes.

The Effects of Arsenic

Exposure to arsenic can be highly toxic to people and other living things, as it is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic, from drinking water or from food, can cause skin, bladder and lung cancer. Symptoms of acute exposure can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other more serious health conditions such as liver and kidney damage, anemia, neural conditions and birth defects can result from long-term exposure to arsenic.

Managing Arsenic Exposure

Managing arsenic exposure is key to preventing negative health outcomes. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level for arsenic in public drinking water at 10 ppb (parts per billion). Water is tested for arsenic, and any results higher than the set level require a public notice and often a water treatment system to be used to reduce the arsenic concentration to acceptable levels.

The EPA also has regulations in place to limit the amount of arsenic present in foods, including rice, breads, grain products and fruit juices. If a food or beverage product is found to contain higher levels of arsenic than the set limits, the product must be recalled.

Arsenic is a serious environmental health concern, but with effective management of arsenic exposure, it is possible to reduce any potential risks to people and other living things. It is important to follow any safety guidelines and regulations set by the EPA for arsenic in food and water, and to stay informed about the levels of arsenic in our environment.