ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER

What is arsenic and how can it affect me?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid element found in various organic forms in
the environment, including volcanic ash, arsenic-containing mineral and ores, and
groundwater.

The toxicity of arsenic to insects, bacteria, and fungi led to its use as a wood preservative in
the 1950s and was heavily used during the latter half of the 1900s in structural and outdoor
building material. However, the use of arsenic in consumer products was discontinued in
the U.S. for residential and general consumer construction on December 31, 2003. Although
the use of CCA lumber was banned in many areas after studies showed that arsenic could
leach out of the wood into the surrounding soil

It is also found in food, water, soil and air that is present in the environment as a result of
leaching from natural mineral deposits, emissions from the nuclear industry, combustion of
coal and other fuels, and the use of phosphate fertilizers. Arsenic levels are naturally high in
areas where the underlying rock is predominantly granite.

What are the health effects of arsenic?

A study of cancer rates in Taiwan suggested that significant increases in cancer mortality
appear only at levels above 150 parts per billion.

While studies indicate that abnormally high levels of arsenic can be chemically toxic to the
kidneys, there is no evidence to suggest that low levels of arsenic found in drinking water
increase the risk of kidney damage.

Arsenic in Food
Inorganic arsenic and its compounds are progressively metabolized to less toxic forms of
arsenic through a process of methylation. For example, the organic compound
arsenobetaine is found in some marine foods such as fish and algae, and also in mushrooms
in larger concentrations. The average person's intake is about 10–50 µg/day. Values about
1000 µg are not unusual following consumption of fish or mushrooms. But there is little
danger in eating fish because this arsenic compound is nearly non-toxic. Small amounts of
natural arsenic are present in some food (especially shellfish), fresh vegetables and cereals.
In fact, the average per capita intake of arsenic from food has been reported at 2–3 mcg per
day. And, although a small amount of arsenic is present in the soil where vegetables are
grown, most is easily removed by washing and/or peeling the vegetables.

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PARADISE PINES – LIME SADDLE – MAGALIA – FERNDALE – JOHNSON PARK – COUNTRY ESTATES – CALIFORNIA PINES
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Arsenic in Water
Arsenic in groundwater is of natural origin, and is released from the sediment into the
groundwater. Most drinking water sources have very low levels of arsenic and other
naturally occurring contaminants. Most contaminants are at levels low enough that they are
not considered a public health concern.

Arsenic and Infants

Studies suggest that feeding babies formula made with water containing low levels of
naturally occurring arsenic is unlikely to cause harm.

What if I am pregnant?
There is no evidence of increased complications in pregnancy due to exposure to low levels
of naturally occurring arsenic.

Arsenic (pronounced / ɑrsənɪk/, ARS-ə-nik; also /ɑr sɛnɪk/, ar-SEN-ik when attributive) is the
chemical element that has the symbol As, atomic number 33 and atomic mass 74.92. Arsenic was first
documented by Albertus Magnus in 1250.[4] Arsenic is a notoriously poisonous metalloid with many
allotropic forms, including a yellow (molecular non-metallic) and several black and grey forms
(metalloids). Three metalloidal forms of arsenic, each with a different crystal structure, are found free
in nature (the minerals arsenic sensu stricto and the much rarer arsenolamprite and
pararsenolamprite). However, it is more commonly found as arsenide and in arsenate compounds,
several hundred of which are known. Arsenic and its compounds are used as pesticides, herbicides,
insecticides and in various alloys.

This fact sheet has been given to you because you may have been exposed to low levels of naturally occurring
arsenic in your drinking water. This sheet explains the substance and its possible effects.

DRAWER 5172 CHICO, CALIFORNIA 95927 – WWW.DELOROWATER.COM

PARADISE PINES – LIME SADDLE – MAGALIA – FERNDALE – JOHNSON PARK – COUNTRY ESTATES – CALIFORNIA PINES
WALNUT RANCH – ARBUCKLE – STRAWBERRY – MT. LASSEN – RIVER ISLAND – TULARE – METROPOLITAN