Inorganic Arsenic Exposure
People are most often
exposed to inorganic arsenic through:
- Drinking water
- Rice
- Some fruit juices
- Contaminated soil or dust
- Wood preserved with arsenic compounds
Health Effects of Inorganic Arsenic
According to the World Health Organization Inorganic Arsenic is a confirmed carcinogen and is the most significant chemical in drinking water globally.
Immediate symptoms/effects of acute arsenic poisoning include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Numbness and tingling in extremities
- Muscle cramping
- Death (in extreme cases)
Long-term symptoms/effects of arsenic poisoning:
Symptoms:
- Skin pigmentation changes
- Skin lesions
- Hard patches on the palms and soles of feet
Effects:
- Skin cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Lung cancer
- Developmental effects
- Diabetes
- Pulmonary disease
- Cardiovascular disease
Reducing Your Exposure to Arsenic
Click here to learn about how to reduce your exposure to Arsenic.
For more in-depth information on arsenic and its health effects visit the websites linked below: