Basin Water, Inc

The Dangers of Arsenic

Exposure

Humans are generally exposed to arsenic through ingestion - either through drinking contaminated water, breathing contaminated air, or eating contaminated foods. If you are living near a hazardous waste site or an area with naturally occuring arsenic in rocks, the dangers are significantly higher.

Symptoms Associated with Arsenic Exposure

At high levels, inorganic arsenic can cause death. Lower levels of arsenic can cause nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels, and a sensation of "pins and needles" in hands and feet. Exposure to lower levels for a long time can cause a discoloration of the skin and the appearance of small corns or warts.

Studies have shown that inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of lung cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer. The World Health Organization, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency have identified arsenic as a human carcinogen.

Many of the health effects of arsenic exposure are often seen in other common illnesses, which makes it difficult for a doctor to recognise and diagnose properly.

Federal Arsenic Guidelines

To prevent a massive arsenic epidemic in the United States, the EPA decided in 2001 to develop a strict new arsenic standard, The Safe Drinking Water Act. Public water systems must comply with the 10 parts per billion (ppb) standard beginning January 23, 2006, down from the current maximum contaminant level if 50 ppb.

With health risks climbing and the EPA deadline looming, many cities and wells across the nation remain out of compliance. The EPA estimates that the new standards will place over 500 groundwater sources out of compliance in California alone. Compliance with the arsenic rule is expected to result in 5% of the 54,000 active community systems serving approximately 11 million people having to take action to meet the new standards.

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> Perchlorate
> Uranium
> Other Contaminants

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Arsenic
Arsenic Overview Customers News Basin Water's Turnkey Solution The Basin Water Advantage Ion Exchange Technology What is Arsenic? Dangers of Arsenic Other Contaminants The Dangers of Arsenic Exposure Humans are generally exposed to arsenic through ingestion - either through drinking contaminated water, breathing contaminated air, or eating contaminated foods. If you are living near a hazardous waste site or an area with naturally occuring arsenic in rocks, the dangers are significantly higher. Symptoms Associated with Arsenic Exposure At high levels, inorganic arsenic can cause death. Lower levels of arsenic can cause nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels, and a sensation of "pins and needles" in hands and feet. Exposure to lower levels for a long time can cause a discoloration of the skin and the appearance of small corns or warts. Studies have shown that inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of lung cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer. The World Health Organization, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency have identified arsenic as a human carcinogen. Many of the health effects of arsenic exposure are often seen in other common illnesses, which makes it difficult for a doctor to recognise and diagnose properly. Federal Arsenic Guidelines To prevent a massive arsenic epidemic in the United States, the EPA decided in 2001 to develop a strict new arsenic standard, The Safe Drinking Water Act. Public water systems must comply with the 10 parts per billion (ppb) standard beginning January 23, 2006, down from the current maximum contaminant level if 50 ppb. With health risks climbing and the EPA deadline looming, many cities and wells across the nation remain out of compliance. The EPA estimates that the new standards will place over 500 groundwater sources out of compliance in California alone. Compliance with the arsenic rule is expected to result in 5% of the 54,000 active community systems serving approximately 11 million people having to take action to meet the new standards. Other Contaminants > Nitrate > Perchlorate > Uranium > Other Contaminants Basin Water Home
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