Is Arsenic Killing You?

Arsenic is a semi-metallic chemical element. While that description sounds relatively harmless, the health consequences of arsenic exposure are anything but harmless. If you are suffering from the negative health effects of the element, removing arsenic from water is a solution. Nonetheless, every consumer should understand the damage arsenic can do.

Understanding Arsenic

Generally, arsenic is a beneficial element. It occurs naturally, and humans use it to make batteries, bombs, and medicine. Some minimal human contact with the element is harmless. In fact, many physicians and scientists believe humans need trace amounts of arsenic to aid digestion. When people consume too much of it, however, the substance can be harmful and deadly.

Finding Arsenic

Arsenic is naturally occurring, making up a small percentage of the planet’s crust. In some places, arsenic infiltrates ground water. In others, industrial processes release the element into the air. For most people, then, encountering arsenic is relatively common. Those who live near manufacturing facilities, agricultural operations, and saw mills should be specifically vigilant about the increased potential of arsenic exposure.

Realizing Health Consequences

Arsenic poisoning is called arsenicosis. It occurs when a person drinks, eats, or inhales the element. If a person consumes arsenic in large quantities, he or she can expect to die quickly. Overdosing on the element, however, is not the only risk. Small amounts of arsenic can lead to significant health consequences over time. Physicians have linked some cases of diabetes, cancer, liver disease, digestive problems, and mental impairment to arsenicosis. Without medical attention, arsenic exposure can also be fatal.

Recognizing Symptoms

The symptoms of arsenic poisoning can be extreme. Patients often complain of dizziness, diarrhea, drowsiness, headaches, and confusion. In severe situations, exposure results in hair loss, convulsions, bloody urine, swelling, and cramps. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention. In most cases, arsenic poisoning comes from drinking contaminated water. Removing arsenic from water is a proven way to avoid the symptoms and adverse health effects of arsenicosis.

Solving the Problem

Diligent home and business owners take certain steps to combat arsenic exposure. Since most arsenicosis cases are the result of contaminated water, adopting a routine testing regimen is a good idea. If a test reveals unsafe levels of the element, installing an arsenic removal system can provide an immediate solution. Then, a remediation expert can assist with diagnosing the source of arsenic infiltration. Generally, it occurs in two situations. First, those who collect and use rainwater often encounter high levels of the element from precipitation passing through contaminated air. In that situation, an arsenic removal system is imperative to keep water users safe. Second, for those who get their water from underground, shallow wells are frequently the culprit. In that case, digging a deeper cistern is often a ready solution to lowering arsenic levels. Either way, continual vigilance is critical to combatting the negative effects of arsenicosis.

Every consumer should understand arsenic and the toll arsenicosis can take on a person’s health. If you are suffering from the negative health effects of over-exposure to the element, you should probably consider removing arsenic from water you drink and use.

Kevin Smith is a writer and an avid reader. He writes about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships etc.