What happens when you put arsenic in water?

Small amounts can dissolve into groundwater that may be used for drinking water. Drinking water with arsenic in it can increase your risk of cancer and other serious health effects. It is important to know how much arsenic is in your drinking water and how you can reduce your exposure.

What are the main harmful effects caused by drinking arsenic polluted water?

Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking-water is causally related to increased risks of cancer in the skin, lungs, bladder and kidney, as well as other skin changes such as hyperkeratosis and pigmentation changes. These effects have been demonstrated in many studies using different study designs.

What harm does arsenic cause?

Exposure to high enough amounts of arsenic can be fatal. Exposure to lower levels of arsenic over longer periods of time can cause skin changes, liver and kidney damage, and a shortage of red and white blood cells, which can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of infections.

How do you fix high arsenic in well water?

The most cost-effective method for removing arsenic from a private water supply appears to be reverse osmosis, commonly called RO. RO can be thought of as filtration at a molecular level. It works by forcing water through a special, selective membrane.

How do I remove arsenic from my drinking water?

You can remove arsenic from your water by using a water cooler with reverse osmosis built-in, a process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure that will leave contaminants behind and dispense more pure and healthy drinking water. Side effects of Arsenic in drinking water.

How serious is arsenic in the drinking water supply?

Arsenic is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Contaminated water used for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops poses the greatest threat to public health from arsenic. Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can cause cancer and skin lesions.

What is the allowable level of arsenic in drinking water?

EPA has set 10 ppb as the allowable level for arsenic in drinking water (maximum contaminant level). The World Health Organization recommends a provisional drinking water guideline of 10 ppb.

What are the health effects of arsenic in water?

Studies in other countries have shown that drinking water containing elevated levels of arsenic can cause the following health effects: Thickening and discoloration of the skin. Digestive problems such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Numbness in the hands and feet.