How harmful is arsenic?

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.

At what level is arsenic harmful?

The current drinking water standard, or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 0.010 mg/L or parts per million (ppm). This is equal to 10 ug/L (micrograms per liter) or 10 ppb.

Can arsenic be destroyed?

What happens to arsenic when it enters the environment? ❏ Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals and may enter the air, water, and land from wind-blown dust and may get into water from runoff and leaching. ❏ Arsenic cannot be destroyed in the environment. It can only change its form.

What is arsenic used for?

Arsenic and arsenic compounds have been produced and used commercially for centuries. Current and historical uses of arsenic include pharmaceuticals, wood preservatives, agricultural chemicals, and applications in the mining, metallurgical, glass-making, and semiconductor industries.

Where does arsenic naturally occur?

The element Arsenic is found in the earth’s crust, occurring naturally in our planet’s environment. It is combined with elements such as sulfur, chlorine, and oxygen and forms different inorganic arsenic compounds.

Where is arsenic found commonly?

In the United States, arsenic is most commonly found in the ground waters of the southwest. Parts of New England, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas are also known to have significant concentrations of arsenic in ground water.

Is arsenic organic or inorganic?

Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element that can be found in rocks, soil, water, and food. Arsenic has two general forms: organic and inorganic. Organic arsenic is formed when arsenic is combined with a carbon substance, while inorganic arsenic contains no carbon.

What are the common compounds of arsenic?

Arsenic rarely occurs as a pure element. It is usually found as a compound. The most common ores of arsenic are arsenopyrite (FeAsS), orpiment (As 2 S 3 ), and realgar (As 4 S 4 ). These compounds are obtained as a by-product of the mining and purification of silver metal .