Title: Arsenic
Headings: Arsenic
Arsenic
Introduction
Where is arsenic found?
How does arsenic get into the body?
How much arsenic can be in drinking water?
How can I find out whether there is arsenic in my drinking water?
How do I remove arsenic from my drinking water?
How does arsenic affect people?
Ways to reduce arsenic risk
Fact Sheets
Arsenic
What is NIEHS Doing?
Fundamental arsenic research
Arsenic and cancer
Early-life exposures to arsenic and development
Arsenic and diabetes
Translational research on arsenic
Further Reading
Stories from the Environmental Factor (NIEHS Newsletter)
Additional Resources
Related Health Topics

Content: 5
Early-life exposures to arsenic and development
Not only is arsenic a known human carcinogen, but it can predispose children to other health problems later in life. Researchers supported by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program at the University of California, Berkeley, found increased incidence of lung and bladder cancer in adults exposed to arsenic early in life, even up to 40 years after high exposures ceased. These findings provide rare human evidence that an early-life environmental exposure can be associated with a high risk of cancer as an adult. 6
Arsenic and diabetes
Several studies, including a review of the literature by NTP, have suggested an association between low-to-moderate levels of arsenic and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. 7
Translational research on arsenic
At least 30 million people in Bangladesh are exposed to arsenic in their drinking water. Researchers have found that arsenic education, coupled with water testing programs, can increase knowledge in the population, and result in reduced arsenic exposures, when safe drinking water sources are made available. 8
Researchers also found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels in individuals chronically exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. Just 400 micrograms a day of folic acid, the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance, reduced total blood arsenic levels in a Bangladesh study population by 14 percent. 9
Further Reading
Stories from the Environmental Factor (NIEHS Newsletter)
Arsenic, Fluorescent Mice, and PFAS Among Topics at Tox Conference (October 2020)
Linking Exposures to Later-life Disease — Webinars Draw Hundreds (July 2020)
COVID-19 Shines Light on Navajo Water Contamination (June 2020)
Bangladeshi Officials Learn How NIEHS Research Helps Their Country (April 2020)
New Hampshire Arsenic Rule Builds on NIEHS-funded Research (August 2019)
Arsenic May Interfere with Pregnancy and Children’s Health (July 2019)
Epigenetics May Hold Key to Arsenic’s Role in Cancer (January 2019)
Additional Resources
Arsenic Occupational Safety and Health Administration Safety and Health Topic
Arsenic - Toxic Substances Portal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Guidance for Industry: Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Rice Cereals for Infants - The Food and Drug Administration suggests how manufacturers of infant rice cereals can help protect public health by reducing inorganic arsenic, achievable by using good manufacturing practices.