People can be exposed to arsenic from a number of sources, including drinking water. This is especially true for those who rely on private wells in some parts of the country.
Arsenic in water is tasteless and odorless. It can enter drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it is widely believed that naturally occurring arsenic dissolves out of certain rock formations when groundwater levels drop significantly. Some industries also release significant amounts of arsenic and arsenic compounds into the environment. Any in the air will eventually be removed by rain, snow and gradual settling. Once on the ground or in surface water, arsenic can slowly enter the groundwater. High arsenic levels in private wells may also come from certain arsenic containing fertilizers and herbicides that were used in the past, or from industrial waste.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recognizes arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds as group 1 carcinogens. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that arsenic has been linked to a number of cancers, including cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver and prostate. Non-cancer effects of arsenic exposure listed by EPA include:
- Thickening and discoloration of the skin,
- Stomach pain,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Numbness in the hands and feet,
- Partial paralysis, and
- Blindness.
“In the U.S., the maximum concentration of arsenic in drinking water allowed by EPA is 10 ppb,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It's important to note that the EPA doesn't regulate private wells and the agency estimates that more than 13 million households in the United States rely on private wells for their drinking water. Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their water and this is why testing for contaminants, such as arsenic, is so imperative. At EMSL Analytical we provide testing services for arsenic and a wide range of other contaminants. These tests are available to water utilities, water system operators, wastewater treatment providers, regulators, private well owners and the general public.”
EMSL Analytical also recently sponsored an educational video about testing drinking water from private wells for arsenic that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/zpwmcBPKw08
To learn more about arsenic testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
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