Title: Arsenic: Health Effects and Exposure - HealthyChildren.org
Headings: Arsenic: Health Effects and Exposure
Safety & Prevention
Arsenic: Health Effects and Exposure
Sources of Exposure
Health Effects
Prevention of Arsenic Exposure

Content: Release of arsenic through these processes can lead to increased inorganic arsenic in the atmosphere, in water, and in soil. Foods, particularly seafoods, can naturally contain large quantities of nontoxic, organic forms of arsenic. These nontoxic forms accumulate in foods through exposure to arsenic-containing soil and water. However, foods can also become contaminated with inorganic (toxic) arsenic from past use, inadvertent use, or misuse of pesticides or other industrial products. For example, chickens may have small amounts of inorganic arsenic-containing pesticides added to their feed to prevent infections, which can be transferred to humans through the environment or through the food supply. Drinking water can also contain small amounts of inorganic arsenic. Health Effects
Arsenic can affect every organ. Inorganic arsenic, in particular, has been associated with serious health effects including bladder, lung, and skin cancers. Prevention of Arsenic Exposure
Public health policies have primarily focused on control of arsenic in water. The EPA, through the Safe Drinking Water Act, is required to regulate the concentration of arsenic in water.