Arsenic is a toxic chemical element that is unevenly distributed in the Earth’s crust in soil, rocks, and minerals. It occurs naturally in the environment and is a byproduct of some agricultural and industrial activities.
It can enter drinking water through the ground or as runoff into surface water sources.
Although short-term exposures to high doses of arsenic (about 1,000 times higher than the drinking water standard) cause adverse effects in people, these exposures do not occur from public water supplies in the U.S. that comply with the arsenic MCL.
Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of EPA’s standard (for many years) could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Other health effects may include:
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Thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver effects.
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Cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, neurological (e.g., numbness and partial paralysis), reproductive, and endocrine (e.g., diabetes) problems.
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Cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate.
if you are concerned about your water and Arsenic, have it tested. We can help.*
Protect your family’s water supply with WelGard Protection. One low annual fee buys you 24/7 response if anything happens to your well. And we do mean anything. If you don’t already have The Best warranty for your well, learn more today. We got you covered. *Arsenic testing is an additional cost and not included in WelGard Protection.
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