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: If you are exposed to arsenic, several factors will determine whether harmful health effects may occur. These factors include: Dose - How much arsenic is in my body? Duration - How long and how often have I been exposed? Type of arsenic
General health, nutritional status, age, and lifestyle
Some people may be affected by small levels of arsenic, others may not. 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.