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Arsenic is a naturally occurring element used since ancient times and has long been known to be toxic to humans. Gastrointestinal and nervous system effects are common and the ingestion of relatively small amounts can result in death. Various forms of arsenic have been used medicinally in the past and new therapeutic uses of carefully modulated doses are being investigated. Society has been intrigued with the toxicity of arsenic and it has served as a key ingredient in popular literature and entertainment. Frank Capra's 1942 movie, Arsenic and Old Lace, based on the play of the same name, boosted society's familiarity with this insidious poison. More recently, low doses of arsenic have been shown to have long-term effects. These include skin diseases and assorted cancers. Categorized as one of the few "known human carcinogens" by the National Toxicology Program, people have become increasingly alarmed when environmental arsenic exposure is detected or suspected, and there has been much public discussion over what amount is "safe." In October 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency implemented new standards for arsenic in drinking water, lowering the maximum acceptable level in parts per billion from 50ppb to 10ppb.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
National Toxicology Program Occupational Safety and Health Administration
United States Geological Survey
TOXLINE - Toxicology Information Online
Drinking Water Standards The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to revise the existing 50 parts per billion (ppb) standard for arsenic in drinking water. EPA is implementing a 10 ppb standard for arsenic.
Arsenic in Pressure Treated Lumber Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a preservative used to protect wood from decay and fire.
Arsenic Buried in Washington, DC World War I Munitions Site The Spring Valley neighborhood of Washington, DC had been used for research on and testing of chemical agents and munitions during World War I. Investigations are underway to determine the amount of arsenic contamination in the soil around this site, which includes residential areas, foreign embassies and American University.
High tech purification systems, traditional filtration methods, and the deployment of arsenic-hungry plants are among the techniques that have been proposed as ways to remove arsenic from water.
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