Title: Arsenic and Cancer Risk
Headings: Arsenic and Cancer Risk
Arsenic and Cancer Risk
What is arsenic?
How are people exposed to arsenic?
In food
In drinking water
At work
In the community
In pressure-treated wood
Does arsenic cause cancer?
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
The US National Toxicology Program (NTP)
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Other health effects of arsenic
Are arsenic levels regulated?
Can I limit my exposure to arsenic?
In drinking water
In foods
At work
From pressure-treated wood
To learn more

Content: For example: Breathing in high levels of arsenic can cause a sore throat and irritated lungs. Swallowing high levels of arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness and cramping, skin rashes, and other problems. Exposure to high enough amounts of arsenic can be fatal. Exposure to lower levels of arsenic over longer periods of time can cause skin changes, liver and kidney damage, and a shortage of red and white blood cells, which can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of infections
Are arsenic levels regulated? Because arsenic has been linked to cancer and other health effects, several US government agencies regulate arsenic levels and exposures, a few of which are described here. In drinking water: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the maximum level of arsenic allowed in US drinking water to 10 micrograms per liter (μg/L), or 10 parts per billion (ppb). For bottled water, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set a limit of 10 ppb. In certain foods: