Arsenic In Drinking Water

Arsenic occurs in earths crust, and most of the arsenic present in drinking water has its origin in
natural rock formations. The water flowing through these formations dissolves the arsenic and
transports it into underground streams, aquifers and rivers that later become drinking water supplies.
Also, arsenic may come from human activities such as industrial effluents such as mining wastes.
Another way in which arsenic is introduced into water is through atmospheric deposition.

Effects of Arsenic on Humans

Some studies suggested that arsenic could be an essential element, but its biological role still has not
been demonstrated, so we cannot reckon that it is essential to any degree.

On the contrary, long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been causally related to increased
risks of cancer and skin alterations such as hyperkeratosis and other pigmentation changes. Other
adverse side effects associated with long consumption of inorganic humans include cancer, skin
conditions, cardiovascular disease, developmental effects, diabetes, and neurotoxicity. (1)
Besides the above mentioned adverse effects of arsenic consumption, the following have been reported:
Stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Numbness in hands and feet
Partial paralysis
Blindness.

Considering that arsenic in drinking water is odorless and tasteless, proper regulation is needed. The
EPA (The United States Environmental Protection Agency) has, therefore, set the arsenic standard for
drinking water at 0.010 parts per million or ppb. This rule protects the consumers from the adverse side
effects of long-term exposure to arsenic.

What If You Suspect Your Drinking Water May Have Higher Levels Of Arsenic Than Standard

Usually, in the U.S.A, public water systems serving at least 25 clients routinely test for arsenic. Smaller
systems and private systems should test for arsenic by certified labs. However, if you suspect your
water may contain higher levels than those approved, get in touch with your local health department
and get a list of properly equipped labs. Drinking water should be tested twice a year, in summer and
winter time, considering the seasonal fluctuations.

Can Arsenic Be Removed From Drinking Water?

In large urban water supplies, resources to treat water or remove arsenic are often available.

The problem, however, is more worrying in rural areas, where there are several small supplies, and
sometimes water supply is at a household level.

In these cases, different approaches are used.

One of them includes source substitution, and the use of both high and low arsenic sources of water
together. High arsenic water can be safely used for bathing and washing purposes while low arsenic
water is restricted to provide drinking water, cooking water, or crops irrigation water.
Another practice is the removal of arsenic by the use of absorptive elements such as iron, and iron or
aluminum oxides and carbons.

There are diverse methods that have proven to remove arsenic effectively from water. It is advisable
that if your drinking water tests positive for high levels of arsenic, you should contact a recognized
third-party testing organization. There are home water-treatment products that have proven to be
effective, however, such products may not always be effective. Therefore, even if you install a
purifying system and keep it well maintained, you should still continue having your water tested after
starting with any of such systems.

References
(1) http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/arsenic.pdf
(2) https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/chemical-contaminant-rules#rule-history

http://www.doh.wa.gov/portals/1/Documents/pubs/331-167.pdf