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Arsenic
Poisoning
Poisoning
What Is Arsenic Poisoning?
What Are The Effects Of
Arsenic?
The Berkey
Arsenicosis
or arsenic poisoning happens whenever a person has taken in a dangerous amount
of arsenic.
Arsenic
is a natural chemical that can be found at groundwater in any part of the
world.
Intake
can be through absorbing, swallowing, or inhaling arsenic.
If
it is not treated immediately, arsenic poisoning can lead to major health
issues and even death. Thus, precautions must be taken to prevent those who are
at risk.
Arsenic
is oftentimes associated with deliberate poisoning methods.
But
any person can be exposed to arsenic via contaminated groundwater,
arsenic-preserved wood, rock, infected rock, or soil.
Arsenic
in the environment is not dangerous, per se. It is rare to have toxic amounts
of arsenic found in the environment.
There
are reports that arsenic is found in some bottled water in the market. Thus, in
this article, we will understand what arsenic poisoning and its effects on
health.
We
will also talk about cases of arsenic in bottled water and the things we can do
to prevent it from affecting our health.
Things
you need to know about Arsenic Poisoning
Arsenic
is a natural chemical that can be present in groundwater.
Arsenic
ingestion can only pose health issues only if a dangerous quantity of arsenic
has entered the body. Thereafter, poisoning can lead to liver disease, cancer,
coma, or even death.
There
is various treatment for arsenic poisoning, which includes bowel irrigation and
chelation therapy.
It
is unusual to find arsenic amounts that are dangerous in the environment. The
government issues areas with high levels of arsenic.
Authorities
issue regulations with regards to handling and preventing the risk of
poisoning.
Any
person who thinks that their area has high levels of arsenic should contact the
authorities immediately for more information.
Arsenic
Arsenic
is a metalloid component in our planet’s crust, which is naturally occurring.
Small
quantities of arsenic can be found in air, rock, water, and soil.
A
metalloid is a natural substance that is not totally metal, but it shares the
same qualities with metals.
In
some geographical regions, the concentration of arsenic is higher. This can be
due to various human activities like the use of pesticides or mining.
Natural
conditions can also cause high concentrations of arsenic in the area.
Arsenic
can be found together with other elements with different chemical compounds.
Its organic forms can contain carbon, however, inorganic forms do not.
Moreover,
take note that you cannot dissolve arsenic in the water.
Research
provides that inorganic arsenic compounds are harmful to the body versus the
organic ones.
They
can react with the cells in the body, change its function, and displace certain
elements that are found in the cell.
For
example, cells use phosphate for signaling and energy generation.
However,
arsenate, which is a form of arsenic, can replace and imitate the phosphate
found in the cell. This will impair the ability of the cell to communicate with
other cells and create energy.
This
ability to alter cells can be useful in treating cancer. There are studies that
show that it can send cancer to remission and thin the blood.
Chemotherapy,
which uses arsenic like arsenic trioxide, is already been used in some patients
with cancer.
Symptoms
of Arsenic Poisoning
Arsenic
poisoning symptoms can be severe, acute, immediate, or chronic, wherein the
damage can be experienced for a longer period. Indeed, the method of exposure
will determine the period.
If
you have swallowed arsenic, then you can experience signs and symptoms within
30 minutes.
These
are headaches, confusion, drowsiness, and severe diarrhea.
If
you have inhaled arsenic or if you have ingested a less concentrated amount,
the symptoms might take longer to develop.
As
it progresses, you can experience convulsions. The pigmentation of your
fingernail will now begin to change.
In
more severe cases of arsenic poisoning, the signs and symptoms are as follows:
Excess
saliva
A
metallic taste
Halitosis
Problems
swallowing
Hair
loss
Cramping
muscles
Stomach
cramps
Convulsions
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Excessive
sweating
Arsenic
poisoning can affect your skin, kidney, lungs, and liver.
The
complications which are linked to long-term consumption can include liver
disease, cancer, diabetes, digestive difficulties, and nervous system
complications.
In
its final stage, you can experience shock and seizures, which can lead to coma
or even death.
Causes
of Arsenic Poisoning
Arsenic
poisoning is mainly caused by the consumption of the toxic amount of arsenic.
If you accidentally consume it in large amounts, it can kill you in an instant.
Meanwhile,
it is consumed in smaller amounts, but over a long period, it can lead to
serious health problems or death.
In
some parts of the world, the main reason for arsenic poisoning is due to high
levels of the toxin, which is found in the contaminated groundwater.
The
water underground becomes contaminated because of the rocks that release the
arsenic.
According
to the World Health Organization, there are around 200 million people around
the world who are exposed to contaminated water with high levels of arsenic.
People
who smoke tobacco can be exposed to inorganic arsenic too. This is because
tobacco plants can have natural arsenic in the ground.
Moreover,
in the past, there is a potentially elevated risk of arsenic exposure, which is
greater in tobacco plants, which were sprayed by insecticides.
Arsenic
Found in the Workplace
If
the workplace does not take proper safety measures, the workers may face the
risk of toxicity with arsenic.
These
industries are smelting, glass production, wood treatment, and the company that
produces pesticides.
The
method of how arsenic can enter the body depends on how arsenic is being used
in the industry.
For
example, one can inhale arsenic in the smelting industry since there is
inorganic arsenic found in the coke emissions.
Meanwhile,
in the industry of wood treatment, you can absorb arsenic through the skin,
especially if a chemical that contains arsenic will now make contact.
In
the food, there can be traces of arsenic too, just like in fish, meat, and
poultry products.
Poultry
products contain the highest amount of arsenic because of the antibiotics
present in the chicken feed.
Rice
is also known to contain high levels of arsenic versus water.
Arsenic
in Bottled Water
The
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides that all bottled water companies
must conduct tests of their water for contaminants, which include arsenic.
In
a study done of 130 bottled water brands, there are three brands that are
positive to contain an excessive amount of arsenic, which can be harmful to the
body.
These
are Jermuk, Penafiel, and Starkey Water. Penafiel or Keurig Dr. Pepper has reported
that it has stopped its production in its Mexico facility.
Meanwhile,
there are 11 bottled water brands that contain detectable amounts of arsenic.
The
government has provided a limit for arsenic in drinking water. It should be at
10 ppb only, whether from the tap or bottled water source.
However,
health experts and even Consumer Reports recommended that the limit for arsenic
be revised to no more than 3 ppb only.
Five
of the bottled water brands have been reported to contain arsenic, which is
more than 3 ppb.
Currently,
those companies that had exceeded the federal standard of 10 ppb for the
arsenic level will have to face disciplinary actions. It includes the voluntary
destruction of their products or recalls.
The
Magnitude of the Problem
Indeed,
there is widespread contamination of arsenic in the groundwater. There are
various regions that are contaminated with arsenic, and the numbers are
significant.
According
to studies, there are at least 140 million people in more than 50 countries
around the world who have been consuming water contaminated with arsenic.
Diagnosis
of Arsenic Poisoning
To
confirm arsenic poisoning, pathological testing is needed.
In
occupations and areas with a high risk of arsenic poisoning, it is essential to
determine the levels of arsenic to people at risk. This can be done by
assessing hair, blood, urine, and fingernail samples.
Urine
tests must be done 1 to 2 days after the initial exposure to have an accurate
measure when the poisoning occurred. These tests can also determine the
apparent signs of arsenic poisoning.
The
tests of fingernails and hair can identify the level of arsenic exposure from 1
to 12 months. The tests done can provide an accurate description of arsenic
levels.
However,
this will not show the effects of arsenic on an individual’s health.
Treatment
The
treatment available for the patients will depend upon the stage of arsenic
poisoning experienced.
There
are methods that will remove arsenic poisoning in the body before it will lead
to further damage. Others will minimize or repair the damage that has been
done.
Some
of the treatment available will include removing the clothes which are
contaminated by arsenic.
It
can also include blood transfusions, thoroughly washing off the affected skin,
and observing kidney functions.
This
will also include taking heart medications whenever the heart starts failing or
using mineral supplements that can lower the risk of experiencing heart rhythm
problems.
Bowel
irrigation can be one option too. A special solution will be passed through the
gastrointestinal tract.
Then,
all the poison and arsenic contents will be flushed out. It will remove all the
traces of arsenic, and it will prevent it from getting absorbed into the gut.
Apart
from this, chelation therapy can also be used. This treatment will have to use
chemicals like dimercaprol and dimercaptosuccinic acid, which removes arsenic
to blood proteins.
Preventing
Arsenic Poisoning
To
protect yourself and your family from arsenic poisoning, there are easy steps
that you can follow, such as the following:
Removing
Arsenic Inside the Home
If
there are confirmed unsafe arsenic levels in your area, you can purchase
systems to treat your drinking water like the Berkey Products.
This
can help you reduce arsenic exposure and have some peace of mind. This can be a
long-time solution for your home until arsenic contamination is dealt with by
the authorities in your area.
Test
the Nearby Sources for Arsenic Traces
Have
the water be chemically examined so you can identify the poisonous sources of
arsenic. You can ask the government authorities for this.
Be
Careful as you Harvest the Rainwater
If
you are living in areas with high rainfall, you can prevent arsenic poisoning
by making sure that the collection process does not put your water at risk of
developing an infection.
Make
sure that as you harvest water, it will not become a breeding ground for the
mosquitoes.
Consider
the Depth of the Water Wells
If
you have a deep well, then you will be less likely to experience arsenic
poisoning.
Substitute
Water Source
You
can substitute water sources which are high with arsenic with safe sources.
Example of these is surface water and rainwater.
You
can use low-arsenic water for cooking, drinking, and irrigation purposes.
Meanwhile, high-arsenic water can be used for flushing the toilet or cleaning.
Discriminate
High and Low Arsenic Sources
You
can test your water source for arsenic levels. For example, you can paint the
hand pumps or tube wells with different colors to identify them.
This
can be a low-cost and effective means to reduce your family’s exposure to
arsenic, which can be beneficial in the long run.
Install
Arsenic Removal Products
Another
tip is to install arsenic removal products like Berkey products. This can be
domestic or centralized. See to it that you have appropriate disposal of the
arsenic.
Some
of the technologies for arsenic removal include absorption, oxidation,
coagulation-precipitation, membrane techniques, and ion exchange.
Today,
there are various effective and low-cost options that you can try to remove
arsenic in household supplies. However, there is still limited evidence on the
extent of the system when used in the long run.
Conclusion
Indeed,
arsenic is one of the harmful chemicals in groundwater, which is a major health
concern today.
The
authorities are doing their best to reduce exposure by setting values,
reviewing evidence, and providing risk management measures to the citizens.
Millions
of people around the world are exposed to arsenic, and even on bottled water.
But with regular monitoring of health authorities, products have been destroyed
and recalled.
As
consumers, we must take steps to limit exposure to this chemical and share the
knowledge with our fellow loved ones.
Welcome to The Berkey.
We strive to provide the clean, fresh and pure, healthy drinking water available because next to air, water is the most important element for our lives. The essence of good health starts with clean air and water.
The Berkey water filters consistently outperform all other water filters in its class at a fraction of the price.
This is all possible because we are determined to improve the quality of your day-to-day drinking water for your family.
Our focus is to provide exceptional products and service through integrity, commitment to our customers, teamwork, the most rigorous testing in the industry and continuous quality improvement.
We strive to provide the clean, fresh and pure, healthy drinking water available because next to air, water is the most important element for our lives. The essence of good health starts with clean air and water.
The Berkey water filters consistently outperform all other water filters in its class at a fraction of the price.
This is all possible because we are determined to improve the quality of your day-to-day drinking water for your family.
Our focus is to provide exceptional products and service through integrity, commitment to our customers, teamwork, the most rigorous testing in the industry and continuous quality improvement.
Should you have any question,
please feel free to contact us.
https://theberkey.com/blogs/water-filter/what-is-arsenic-poisoning-what-are-the-effects-of-arsenic
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