The Effects of Arsenic in Drinking Water
Arsenic is a semi-metal element that is both odorless and tasteless that is commonly found in water as a result of the natural deposits found in the soil or from agricultural and industrial wastes and by-products. Short-term and long-term exposure to arsenic have been studied and are believed to pose serious threats on one's health, which have also been closely linked to increased risks to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, liver and prostate. Arsenic in drinking water is also suspected to cause skin thickening and discoloration, stomach pain and gastrointestinal upsets, circulatory problems, nausea, limb numbness, partial paralysis, and blindness.
The serious threats that arsenic in drinking water poses has urged government and health agencies together with water associations to set arsenic standards for drinking water that must be carefully checked and maintained periodically. At present, the agencies involved has set the limit of arsenic in drinking water at 10 parts per billion to protect consumers from the detrimental effects of arsenic in our drinking water. The compliance of water facilities to the said standard is strictly implemented and is believed to protect millions of consumers.
How Arsenic Finds its Way into Drinking Water
Water pipes and water reserves are commonly found underground, and despite the durable construction of such, are still subject to damage due to wear and tear and also through time. Damage in the water pipes and reserves allow arsenic to seep through pipes and tanks, and increased amounts due to the erosion of natural deposits, volcanic action, forest fires, and as by-products of fertilizers, glass and electronic production wastes also allow significant amounts of arsenic in drinking water.
Further, most industries use arsenic in the production of wood preservatives, paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps and semi-conductors which eventually find their way to water reservoirs. The by-products of copper smelting, mining and coal burning industries also contribute to the high levels of arsenic in drinking water that is strictly regulated by involved agencies. Consumers must know that higher levels of arsenic can be found in ground water rather than surface water and there are several areas that are considered to be hot spots with higher amounts of arsenic in drinking water.
Testing Arsenic in Drinking Water
Almost all municipal and private water sources have their tanks and reserves tested for arsenic periodically to assure them of safe water to drink to better safeguard their health. Private well owners usually test their own reserves for arsenic levels through local health departments or private arsenic testing laboratories that have been certified by the
Government can test the water. The list can easily be checked through state certification officers who can readily provide consumers the names of certified and recognized drinking water laboratories.
