Title: Arsenic
Headings: Arsenic
Arsenic
Key facts
Sources of exposure
Drinking-water and food
Industrial processes
Tobacco
Health effects
Acute effects
Long-term effects
Magnitude of the problem
Prevention and control
WHO response

Content: Arsenic
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WHO/L. Chitsulo
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Arsenic
15 February 2018
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Key facts
Arsenic is naturally present at high levels in the groundwater of a number of countries. Arsenic is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Contaminated water used for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops poses the greatest threat to public health from arsenic. Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can cause cancer and skin lesions. It has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In utero and early childhood exposure has been linked to negative impacts on cognitive development and increased deaths in young adults. The most important action in affected communities is the prevention of further exposure to arsenic by provision of a safe water supply. Sources of exposure
Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. People are exposed to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated water, using contaminated water in food preparation and irrigation of food crops, industrial processes, eating contaminated food and smoking tobacco.