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Historically, arsenic has been a well-known poison but current uses of it include pesticides, consumer products, and medicines. Arsenic is also an element found naturally in soil, air and water. Exposure in low levels does not have negative effects, but when arsenic is present in toxic levels, negative effects will emerge.

Notes:  

  • Comes in natural and man-made forms  
  • Does not have a taste or odor making it particularly dangerous  
  • Frequently occurs in industrial areas 

Poisoning Signs and Symptoms 

Arsenic is deadly if taken as a poison. Exposure in our environment, food, and water will result in signs and symptoms prior to  a lethal outcome occurring. 

Signs and symptoms of arsenic toxicity are:

  • Red or swollen skin 
  • Skin changes, such as new warts or lesions 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Abnormal heart rhythm 
  • Muscle cramps 
  • Tingling of fingers and toes 

More serious symptoms can occur with long-term exposure. 

If you have darkening skin, constant sore throat, or persistent digestive issues after a suspected arsenic exposure, call 911 or go to the emergency room.  

Sources of Exposure

Arsenic is all around us. However, certain sources of arsenic are naturally toxic or are anthropogenically (meaning originating from human activity) toxic. Exposure to arsenic may occur from:

  • Contaminated groundwater 
  • Breathing air that contains arsenic 
  • Smoking tobacco products 
  • Breathing contaminated air from plants or mines that use arsenic 
  • Living near industrialized areas 
  • Being exposed to landfill or waste sites 
  • Breathing in smoke or dust from wood or waste that was previously treated with arsenic 
  • Eating arsenic-contaminated food — brown rice can be a significant source of arsenic exposure, along with some seafood and animal products that may contain small levels of arsenic  

Exposure Levels  

Because arsenic is naturally occurring, there is an upper limit that is allowed in certain government-controlled sources. They closely monitor the level of arsenic in drinking water to avoid toxic levels, and there is a standard for how much can be present. 

  • Drinking water allowance: 10 parts per billion 

Chronic Health Conditions Associated with Exposure

Exposure to arsenic over time can cause a number of health conditions. The health conditions that result depend on factors including the mode of exposure, genetic predisposition and comorbidities. Below are several chronic issues that are associated with arsenic exposure. 

  • Cancer 
    • Bladder 
    • Blood 
    • Digestive system 
    • Liver 
    • Lungs 
    • Lymphatic system 
    • Kidneys 
    • Prostate 
    • Skin 
  • Diabetes 
  • Heart Disease
  • Neurotoxicity 
  • Fetal complications or birth defects in pregnant women  
  • Developmental issues in children 

Solutions 

Healthy Beings offers supplements and services that can mitigate and address toxicities you might be struggling with. We also offer recommendations beyond our current available inventory. You will find suggestions below that can help prevent and reduce arsenic poisoning. If you have further questions, contact us HERE 

  • Eliminate the source of arsenic exposure 
  • Reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, or ion exchange in drinking water  
  • Protect yourself with vitamin E or selenium supplements  
  • Eat a balanced diet 
  • Choose organic basmati white rice over brown rice. Soak and wash brown rice extremely well to remove arsenic and contaminants  
  • Heavy Metals Binder
  • Meet with our Certified Health Coach

Sources 

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