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What Are the Ill Effects of Arsenic in Water?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that makes its way into the water supply through natural deposits in the earth, or through agricultural and industrial practices. According to the CDC, every year the United States releases thousands of pounds of arsenic into the environment. Long-term arsenic exposure from drinking water can cause adverse health effects and can also lead to a greater risk for cancer. Arsenic poisoning can be acute, from a single extreme exposure such as accidental ingestion, or chronic, as is the case with arsenic in drinking water.

  1. Dermal Effects

    • Following long-term arsenic exposure, the first ill effects can be seen on the skin. The pigmentation (or coloring of the skin) changes, and it also becomes thicker, a condition known as hyperkeratosis.

    Neural Effects

    • Neuropathy, or disturbance of the nervous system, is another first symptom of chronic arsenic exposure. Polyneuritis, or inflammation of the nerve, as well as paralysis are common signs that chronic arsenic poisoning has taken place. Other symptoms of neural damage include numbness in the hands and feet.

    Gastrointestinal Effects

    • Gastrointestinal symptoms from chronic arsenic exposure are typically not as severe as in acute poisoning cases. However, they can still be present and can include abdominal pain, malabsorption, weight loss, inflammation of the esophagus, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

    Cardiovascular Effects

    • Long-term arsenic exposure also wreaks havoc on the cardiovascular system. Known effects include hypertension, arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart) and overall poor circulation that could potentially result in gangrene.

    Cancer

    • The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have all concluded that arsenic is a carcinogen; that is, it causes cancer. Types of cancer that are related to arsenic exposure include skin, lung, urinary bladder and kidney cancer. Cancer caused by arsenic exposure usually occurs more than 10 years after exposure, according to the WHO.

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