Arsenic is an inorganic chemical which contaminates water in many parts of the world. Arsenic can come from human activity or from natural sources, and can cause many serious health problems. More than 60 million people in the United States have dangerous levels of arsenic in their drinking water.

Human-Made: Arsenic pollution comes from chemicals used to treat outdoor wood like playground equipment, decks and picnic tables, from arsenic-containing pesticides that were widely used in the past, and from mining.

Naturally Occurring: Some parts of the country have high levels of arsenic in the ground.

Arsenic Causes Cancer: Arsenic is known to cause skin, lung and bladder cancer. It is linked to an increased risk of other cancers including kidney, liver, prostate, and throat cancer.

Non-Cancer Health Effects: Drinking or eating high levels of arsenic over a short amount of time can be very poisonous, even causing death. Drinking or eating low levels of arsenic over many years can cause cramping, diarrhea, anemia, and other blood problems. It may also cause high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias and congestive heart failure.

Other Harmful Health Effects may include:

Immune System: Arsenic may harm the body’s ability to fight disease.

Skin Blotches: Arsenic can cause a darkening of the skin and create small warts on palms, feet, and the upper body.

Pregnancy: Arsenic can cross the placenta to the developing fetus. Arsenic may cause low birth weights, spontaneous abortions, and other problems.

One out of every 3 people is part of a vulnerable population. These people include pregnant women, children, the frail elderly, people with HIV or AIDS, cancer patients, and others that are more vulnerable than the general population to the harmful effects of some contaminant because of their genes, nutrition, gender, and other factors.

Vulnerable populations may be at a high risk of suffering from the harmful effect of long-term (or chronic) consumption of arsenic. People with a very poor diet may be at a much higher risk from arsenic than people with a balanced diet. Arsenic can also cross the placenta, which normally protects a developing fetus from dangerous chemicals. Animal studies have shown that arsenic can also harm fetuses.

Always contact your doctor if you have any questions about your health.