Arsenic

5 Pages 1247 Words

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in our Earth’s crust, but too much of the element in our water systems, aquifers and wells could cause serious health problems over a long period of time. It has no distinctive taste or smell. You would assume that because arsenic is a naturally occurring element it wouldn’t even be a concern. Arsenic causes a very serious environmental problem by contaminating our drinking water, and causing many diseases in people all over the world.
In an article by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources they explain that at very low levels arsenic is not a problem, in fact the body may even need a very small amount to function. However at higher levels, as low as three micrograms per liter, it could have a very serious effect on peoples health.(1) The main cause of arsenic in the drinking water is the weathering and decomposition of soil and minerals that occurs naturally. When the water comes in contact with these materials it can dissolve the arsenic. Industrial factories also introduce it by the combustion of fossil fuels, and they can also release hazardous waste into the ground that leads to contaminated groundwater.
The water that people drink that is contaminated could cause some short term and long term effects. According to the National Research Council some short-term effects of drinking water contaminated with arsenic are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The arsenic can also cause fatigue and an abnormal heart rhythm. It also causes very abnormal bruising on the body, then a “pins and needles” sensation in your hands and feet.(83) These short term symptoms and signs are not always accurate in defining arsenic poising. There is no universal definition of the disease caused by arsenic, so it is very hard to detect the poising without sometimes mistaking it for something else.
Long-term exposure to arsenic will cause chronic health problems. In ...