Arsenic Toxicity
Patient Education and Care Instruction Sheet
Course: WB 1576
CE Original Date: October 1, 2009
CE Renewal Date: October 1, 2011
CE Expiration Date: October 1, 2013
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Arsenic Overview |
Printer-Friendly version of the Patient Education and Care Instruction Sheet [PDF - 48 KB] Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the earth's crust. In the environment, arsenic is combined with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganic arsenic compounds. Arsenic in animals and plants combines with carbon and hydrogen to form organic arsenic compounds. Inorganic arsenic compounds are mainly used to preserve wood. Copper chromated arsenate (CCA) is used to make "pressure-treated" lumber. CCA is no longer used in the United States for residential uses; it is still used in industrial applications. Organic arsenic compounds are used as pesticides, primarily on cotton fields and orchards. |
How Can People Be Exposed to Arsenic? |
Some of the many possible ways of being exposed to arsenic include
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How Can Arsenic Affect Health? |
Effects of arsenic are not specific, and the same symptoms may be caused in a variety of other health conditions. Symptoms may include
Several studies have shown that ingestion of inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of skin cancer and cancer in the liver, bladder, and lungs. Inhalation of inorganic arsenic can cause increased risk of lung cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have determined that inorganic arsenic is a known human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that inorganic arsenic is carcinogenic to humans. |
How Can Arsenic Affect the Health of Children? |
There is some evidence that inhaled or ingested arsenic can injure pregnant women or their unborn babies, although the studies are not definitive. Studies in animals show that large doses of arsenic that cause illness in pregnant females, can also cause low birth weight, fetal malformations, and even fetal death. Arsenic can cross the placenta and has been found in fetal tissues. Arsenic is found at low levels in breast milk. |
What Can be Learned from Test Results for Arsenic Exposure? |
The most reliable test is a 24-hour urine collection for arsenic, measured after a period of at least 48 hours without eating seafood. Some seafood contain a nontoxic seafood arsenic that can increase total urine arsenic levels measured in the most commonly available arsenic test.
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How Is Over-exposure to Arsenic Treated? |
The primary treatment for arsenic exposure is to identify and remove individuals from the exposure sources.
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How Can People Reduce Their Risk of Arsenic Poisoning? |
If your source of drinking water is a private well and you suspect that your exposure to arsenic is associated with the water you drink, you should
Water from public supplies must, by law, be tested for arsenic and be within regulated limits. However, drinking water from private wells, particularly in areas with known high arsenic in ground or well water, may need to be tested specifically for arsenic. Check with your health department regarding testing recommendations.
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Clinical Follow up Instructions |
Return for laboratory testing: _____________________ Return to clinic: ________________________________ Other instructions: ______________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ |
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