What is Arsenic Toxicity

Arsenic toxicity occurs when a person is exposed to arsenic, a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. Arsenic has no smell or taste. Anyone can develop arsenic toxicity as a result of arsenic exposure. Ingesting very high levels of arsenic can result in death. Arsenic toxicity has also been linked to increased risks of lung cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer.

There is no effective treatment for arsenic toxicity, although there is increasing evidence that treatment with certain drugs may benefit some arsenic poisoned persons. To help reduce your chances of getting arsenic toxicity, take the following steps if you live in an area with high natural levels of arsenic, use cleaner sources of water and limit contact with soil. If you have well water, have it tested for a variety of contaminants including arsenic.