Arsenic in Drinking Water

DANGEROUS HEALTH EFFECTS OF ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER

Studies have linked long-term exposure of arsenic in drinking water to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate. Non-cancer effects of ingesting arsenic include cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, neurological, and endocrine (e.g., diabetes) effects.  In 2001, EPA adopted a lower standard for arsenic in drinking water that applies to both community water systems and non-community water supply systems. The new arsenic standard of 10 parts per billion (ppb) replaces the old standard of 50 ppb.

SOURCES OF ARSENIC

Arsenic occurs naturally in rocks and soil, water, air, and plants and animals. It is released into the environment through natural activities such as volcanic action, erosion of rocks, and forest fires, or through human actions. Approximately 90 percent of industrial arsenic in the U.S. is used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps, and semi-conductors. Agricultural applications, mining, and smelting also contribute to arsenic releases in the environment. Other sources include car batteries, ammunition, semiconductor electronic devices, petroleum production, coal power plants, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. These applications are declining with the increasing recognition of the toxicity of arsenic and its toxic compounds.   Prior to modern embalming techniques arsenic was used during burial in cemeteries.  Leaching into well water can occur.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ARSENIC IN MY WATER?

Arsenic has no smell, taste, or color when dissolved in water, even in high concentrations, and therefore only laboratory analysis can determine the presence and concentration of arsenic in water.

REMOVAL OF ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER

 

 

 
Learn more about well water issues and information at WellWaterWiki.org and more about reverse osmosis at ReverseOsmosisWiki.com

 

Recycle your used water filters the easy way at RecyleWaterFilters.com

 

Recycle your used water filters the easy way at RecyleWaterFilters.com