Arsenic is also used in the hide tanning process and, to a limited extent, in pesticides, feed additives and pharmaceuticals. In seafood, arsenic is mainly found in its less toxic organic form.Īrsenic is used industrially as an alloying agent, as well as in the processing of glass, pigments, textiles, paper, metal adhesives, wood preservatives and ammunition. Drinking-water, crops irrigated with contaminated water and food prepared with contaminated water are the sources of exposure.įish, shellfish, meat, poultry, dairy products and cereals can also be dietary sources of arsenic, although exposure from these foods is generally much lower compared to exposure through contaminated groundwater. Inorganic arsenic is naturally present at high levels in the groundwater of a number of countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, China, India, Mexico, Pakistan, the United States of America and Viet Nam.

The greatest threat to public health from arsenic originates from contaminated groundwater. Skin lesions and skin cancer are the most characteristic effects.

Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic, mainly through drinking-water and food, can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning. People are exposed to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated water, using contaminated water in food preparation and irrigation of food crops, industrial processes, eating contaminated food and smoking tobacco. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land.

Arsenic for tea blurb