Title: Arsenic | Information
Headings: Arsenic
Arsenic
What is arsenic?
How are people exposed to arsenic?
How does arsenic get into drinking water?
Does arsenic cause health problems?
What are the health effects of arsenic exposure?
Can a medical test tell me how much arsenic is in my body?
Who can test well water for arsenic?
What can be done if there is an elevated amount of arsenic in the well?

Content: Young children, the elderly, people with long term illnesses, and unborn babies are at greatest risk. What are the health effects of arsenic exposure? The health effects of arsenic are not fully known. Studies have shown that exposure to arsenic in drinking water can cause the following health effects: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Numbness in the hands and feet
Headaches
Weakness
High blood pressure
Abnormal heart rhythm
Decreased production of blood cells and damage to blood vessels
Thickening and discoloration of the skin
Increased risk of certain cancers (skin, bladder, liver, lungs)
Some of these problems can be seen with other illnesses, which makes it difficult for a doctor to detect arsenic poisoning. If you or your family are worried about health problems caused by arsenic, see your doctor. You should also have your well water tested. Can a medical test tell me how much arsenic is in my body? Yes, there are several ways you can be tested for arsenic exposure. A urine test is a simple way to tell if you are being exposed to harmful levels of arsenic
Who can test well water for arsenic?