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Arsenic — Understanding Your Arsenic Test ResultsFact Sheet YORK Department

C__ThATE of Health

ArsenicUnderstanding Your Arsenic Test Results

What is arsenic?Arsenic is a chemical present in the environment as a naturally occurring substance and as a result of human activity. It isfound in water, air, food and soil.

There are two general types of arsenic: organic and inorganic. The inorganic forms of arsenic are the harmful forms, whilemost of the organic forms of arsenic are essentially harmless.

There was arsenic found in my urine sample. Should I be concerned?Everyone has a small amount of arsenic in their body from water, air, food and soil. Some fish and shellfish contain a formof organic arsenic called fish arsenic.” Fish arsenic is much less harmful than other forms of arsenic. Your body does noteasily absorb fish arsenic and it leaves your body through the urine.

The most reliable way to test for recent arsenic exposure is through a urine test. If you had a fish meal or ate fishsupplements within a few days of having a urine test, the test may show a high level of arsenic. This should not worry youbecause the fish arsenic has left your body through the urine.

Workers in industries where arsenic is used may be exposed to harmful forms of arsenic. These industries may includecopper smelting, lead smelting, wood treatment or pesticide production. Urine tests and other medical screenings may beused by employers to check these workers for arsenic exposure.

What are some other ways that people can be exposed to arsenic?Examples include:

• Drinking water from a private well contaminated by arsenic

• Handling lumber or burning wood that has been treated with arsenic-containing preservatives

• Living near a hazardous waste site that contains a large amount of arsenic

What should I do if I am concerned about my test results or possible arsenicexposures?Talk to your health care provider about your concerns and whether or not you should be tested again. If you have anotherarsenic test, do not eat fish, shellfish or fish supplements for several days prior to the test. This will help keep fish arsenicout of your test result. If you get your drinking water from a private well, your local health department may be able to adviseyou on whether you should test for arsenic when you test the water quality of your well.

If you are exposed to arsenic at work, your employer is required to follow regulations set by the federal Occupational Safetyand Health Administration (OSHA):

https.//wwwosha.gov/index.html

You may also contact one of the clinics in the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network for medical consultationand support services:

http://wwwheaith.nygov/environmentoi/workplace/clinic_network.htm

What are the health effects of arsenic?Exposure to high levels of arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, abnormal heart rate, damage to blood vessels, and asensation of “pins and needles” In the hands and feet Eating or breathing low levels of inorganic arsenic for a long time cancause darkening of the skin and the appearance of small corns or warts on the palms, soles and body. Breathing or eatinginorganic arsenic can increase the risk for certain cancers,

The health effects of arsenic depend on its chemical form, how much enters the body, how it enters the body, how long theperson has been exposed, the health status of the person, and other factors.

Why were my test results sent to the New York State Heavy Metals Registry?Health care providers and laboratories are required by regulation to report urine arsenic test results to the New York StateDepartment of Health. This reporting system is designed to identify people who may be harmed by arsenic through theirjobs or from other sources so that measures can be taken to protect their health.If you would like more information on exposure to and control of arsenic in the workplace, contact the State HealthDepartment’s Bureau of Occupational Health and Injury Prevention at 518-402-7900.

Bureau of Occupational Health and Injury Prevention

0624 New York State Department of Health 6115

CDC - NBP - Factsheet - Arsenic Page 1 of 2

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCDC 24/7: Sovng Lives. Protecting Peopler’

Factsheet

National Biomonitoring Program

Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is found in combination with either inorganic ororganic substances to form many different compounds. Inorganic arsenic compounds arefound in soils, sediments, and groundwater. These compounds occur either naturally or as aresult of mining, ore smelting, and industrial use of arsenic. Organic arsenic compounds arefound mainly in fish and shellfish. In the past, inorganic forms of arsenic were used inpesticides and paint pigment. They were also used as wood preservatives and as a treatment fora variety of ailments. Today, usage of arsenic-containing pesticides and wood preservatives isrestricted.

How People Are Exposed to ArsenicPeople are most likely to be exposed to inorganic arsenic through drinking water and to a lesserextent through various foods. Water sources in some parts of the United States have highernaturally occurring levels of inorganic arsenic than other areas. Other sources of inorganicarsenic exposure include contact with contaminated soil or with wood preserved with arsenic.

People are exposed to organic arsenic by consuming seafood.

How Arsenic Affects People’s HealthUnusually large doses of inorganic arsenic can cause symptoms ranging from nausea, vomiting,and diarrhea to dehydration and shock. Long-term exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenicin drinking water has been associated with skin disorders and increased risks for diabetes, highblood pressure, and several types of cancer. Inorganic arsenic and arsenic compounds areconsidered to be cancer-causing chemicals. Forms of organic arsenic (for example,arsenobetaine) found in seafood are not known to be toxic to humans.

Levels of Arsenic in the U.S. PopulationIn the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (FourthReport), CDC scientists measured total arsenic and seven different forms of arsenic in theurine of 2,557 participants aged six years and older who took part in the National Health andNutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2003—2004. By measuring arsenic in urine,scientists can estimate the amount of arsenic that has entered people’s bodies.

• Inorganic arsenic is converted in the body into the breakdown product (metabolite)called dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). DMA and arsenobetaine were found to be themajor components of urinary total arsenic levels.

Finding a measurable amount of the different forms of arsenic in urine does not imply that thelevels of arsenic cause an adverse health effect. Biomonitoring studies on levels of arsenic

https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Arsenic_FactSheet.html

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CDC - NBP - Factsheet - Arsenic Page 2 of 2

provide physicians and public health officials with reference values so that they can determinewhether people have been exposed to higher levels of arsenic than are found in the generalpopulation. Biomonitoring data can also help scientists plan and conduct research on exposureand health effects.

Additiona’ Resources

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

• Public Health Statement for Arsenichttps: //www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=18&tid=3

Environmental Protection Agenc

• Consumer fact sheet on Arsenichttps: / /www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic/

Page last reviewed: Friday December23 aoiSPage last updated: Friday December23 aoi6content source: centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA30329-4027, USA8oo-CDC-INTO (800-232-4636) TrY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC—INFO GDwt,nrnon9%YEasy ‘Z

https:Ilwww.cdc.gov/biomonitoringiArsenicFactSheet.html 81112017

PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENTArsenic

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This Public Health Statement is the summarychapter from the Toxicological Profile for Arsenic.It is one in a series of Public Health Statementsabout hazardous substances and their health effects.A shorter version, the ToxFAQsTM, is alsoavailable. This information is important becausethis substance may harm you. The effects ofexposure to any hazardous substance depend on thedose, the duration, how you are exposed, personaltraits and habits, and whether other chemicals arepresent. For more information, call the ATSDRInformation Center at 1-800-232-4636.

This public health statement tells you about arsenicand the effects of exposure to it.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)identifies the most serious hazardous waste sites inthe nation. These sites are then placed on theNational Priorities List (NPL) and are targeted forlong-term federal clean-up activities. Arsenic hasbeen found in at least 1,149 of the 1,684 current orformer NPL sites. Although the total number ofNPL sites evaluated for this substance is not known,the possibility exists that the number of sites atwhich arsenic is found may increase in the future asmore sites are evaluated. This information isimportant because these sites may be sources ofexposure and exposure to this substance may harmyou.

When a substance is released either from a largearea, such as an industrial plant, or from a container,such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment.Such a release does not always lead to exposure.You can be exposed to a substance only when youcome in contact with it. You may be exposed bybreathing, eating, or drinking the substance, or byskin contact.

Ifyou are exposed to arsenic, many factors willdetermine whether you will be harmed. Thesefactors include the dose (how much), the duration(how long), and how you come in contact with it.You must also consider any other chemicals you areexposed to and your age, sex, diet, family traits,lifestyle, and state of health.

1.1 WHAT IS ARSENIC?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that iswidely distributed in the Earth’s crust. Arsenic isclassified chemically as a metalloid, having bothproperties of a metal and a nonmetal; however, it isfrequently referred to as a metal. Elemental arsenic(sometimes referred to as metallic arsenic) is a steelgrey solid material. However, arsenic is usuallyfound in the environment combined with otherelements such as oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur.Arsenic combined with these elements is calledinorganic arsenic. Arsenic combined with carbonand hydrogen is referred to as organic arsenic.

Most inorganic and organic arsenic compounds arewhite or colorless powders that do not evaporate.They have no smell, and most have no special taste.Thus, you usually cannot tell if arsenic is present inyour food, water, or air.

Inorganic arsenic occurs naturally in soil and inmany kinds of rock, especially in minerals and oresthat contain copper or lead. When these ores areheated in smelters, most of the arsenic goes up thestack and enters the air as a fine dust. Smelters maycollect this dust and take out the arsenic as acompound called arsenic trioxide (As203).

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine

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DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health ServiceAgency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

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However, arsenic is no longer produced in theUnited States; all of the arsenic used in the UnitedStates is imported.

Presently, about 90% of all arsenic produced is usedas a preservative for wood to make it resistant torotting and decay. The preservative is copperchromated arsenate (CCA) and the treated wood isreferred to as “pressure-treated.” In 2003, U.S.manufacturers of wood preservatives containingarsenic began a voluntary transition from CCA toother wood preservatives that do not contain arsenicin wood products for certain residential uses, suchas play structures, picnic tables, decks, fencing. andboardwalks. This phase out was completed onDecember 31, 2003; however, wood treated prior tothis date could still be used and existing structuresmade with CCA-treated wood would not beaffected. CCA-treated wood products continue tobe used in industrial applications. It is not knownwhether, or to what extent, CCA-treated woodproducts may contribute to exposure of people toarsenic.

In the past. inorganic arsenic compounds werepredominantly used as pesticides, primarily oncotton fields and in orchards. Inorganic arseniccompounds can no longer be used in agriculture.However, organic arsenic compounds, namelycacodylic acid, disodium methylarsenate (DSMA),and monosodium methylarsenate (MSMA), are stillused as pesticides, principally on cotton. Someorganic arsenic compounds are used as additives inanimal feed. Small quantities of elemental arsenicare added to other metals to form metal mixtures oralloys with improved properties. The greatest useof arsenic in alloys is in lead-acid batteries forautomobiles. Another important use of arsenic

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compounds is in semiconductors and light-emittingdiodes.

1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO ARSENIC WHENIT ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT?

Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals and ittherefore may enter the air, water, and land fromwind-blown dust and may get into water fromrunoff and leaching. Volcanic eruptions are anothersource of arsenic. Arsenic is associated with orescontaining metals, such as copper and lead. Arsenicmay enter the environment during the mining andsmelting of these ores. Small amounts of arsenicalso may be released into the atmosphere from coal-fired power plants and incinerators because coal andwaste products often contain some arsenic.

Arsenic cannot be destroyed in the environment. Itcan only change its form, or become attached to orseparated from particles. It may change its form byreacting with oxygen or other molecules present inair, water, or soil, or by the action of bacteria thatlive in soil or sediment. Arsenic released frompower plants and other combustion processes isusually attached to very small particles. Arseniccontained in wind-borne soil is generally found inlarger particles. These particles settle to the groundor are washed out of the air by rain. Arsenic that isattached to very small particles may stay in the airfor many days and travel long distances. Manycommon arsenic compounds can dissolve in water.Thus, arsenic can get into lakes, rivers, orunderground water by dissolving in rain or snow orthrough the discharge of industrial wastes. Some ofthe arsenic will stick to particles in the water orsediment on the bottom of lakes or rivers, and some


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will be carried along by the water. Ultimately, mostarsenic ends up in the soil or sediment. Althoughsome fish and shellfish take in arsenic, which maybuild up in tissues, most of this arsenic is in anorganic form called arsenobetaine (commonlycalled “fish arsenic”) that is much less harmful.

1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TOARSENIC?

Since arsenic is found naturally in the environment,you will be exposed to some arsenic by eating food,drinking water, or breathing air. Children may alsobe exposed to arsenic by eating soil. Analyticalmethods used by scientists to determine the levelsof arsenic in the environment generally do notdetermine the specific form of arsenic present.Therefore, we do not always know the form ofarsenic a person may be exposed to. Similarly, weoften do not know what forms of arsenic are presentat hazardous waste sites. Some forms of arsenicmay be so tightly attached to particles or embeddedin minerals that they are not taken up by plants andanimals.

The concentration of arsenic in soil varies widely,generally ranging from about I to 40 parts ofarsenic to a million parts of soil (ppm) with anaverage level of 3—4 ppm. However, soils in thevicinity of arsenic-rich geological deposits, somemining and smelting sites, or agricultural areaswhere arsenic pesticides had been applied in thepast may contain much higher levels of arsenic.The concentration of arsenic in natural surface andgroundwater is generally about I part in a billionparts of water (1 ppb), but may exceed 1,000 ppb incontaminated areas or where arsenic levels in soil

______A&’L!P2.are high. Groundwater is far more likely to containhigh levels of arsenic than surface water. Surveysof U.S. drinking water indicate that about 80% ofwater supplies have less than 2 ppb of arsenic, but2% of supplies exceed 20 ppb of arsenic. Levels ofarsenic in food range from about 20 to 140 ppb.1-lowever, levels of inorganic arsenic, the form ofmost concern, are far lower. Levels of arsenic inthe air generally range from less than I to about2,000 nanograms (I nanogram equals a billionth ofa gram) of arsenic per cubic meter of air (less than1—2,000 ng/m3), depending on location, weatherconditions, and the level of industrial activity in thearea. However, urban areas generally have meanarsenic levels in air ranging from 20 to 30 ng/m3.

You normally take in small amounts of arsenic inthe air you breathe, the water you drink, and thefood you eat. Of these, food is usually the largestsource of arsenic. The predominant dietary sourceof arsenic is seafood, followed by rice/rice cereal,mushrooms, and poultry. While seafood containsthe greatest amounts of arsenic, for fish andshellfish, this is mostly in an organic form ofarsenic called arsenobetaine that is much lessharmful. Some seaweeds may contain arsenic ininorganic forms that may be more harmful.Children are likely to eat small amounts of dust orsoil each day, so this is another way they may beexposed to arsenic. The total amount of arsenic youtake in from these sources is generally about50 micrograms (1 microgram equals one-millionthof a gram) each day. The level of inorganic arsenic(the form of most concern) you take in from thesesources is generally about 3.5 microgram/day.Children may be exposed to small amounts ofarsenic from hand-to-mouth activities from playingon play structures or decks constructed out of CCAtreated wood. The potential exposure that children



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may receive from playing in play structuresconstructed from CCA-treated wood is generallysmaller than that they would receive from food andwater.

In addition to the normal levels of arsenic in air,water, soil. and food, you could be exposed tohigher levels in several ways. such as the following:

• Some areas of the United States containunusually high natural levels of arsenic inrock, and this can lead to unusually highlevels of arsenic in soil or water. If you livein an area like this, you could take inelevated amounts of arsenic in drinkingwater. Children may be taking in higheramounts of arsenic because of hand-to-mouth contact or eating soil in areas withhigher than usual arsenic concentrations.

• Some hazardous waste sites contain largequantities of arsenic. lithe material is notproperly disposed of, it can get intosurrounding water, air, or soil. If you livenear such a site, you could be exposed toelevated levels of arsenic from these media.

• If you work in an occupation that involvesarsenic production or use (for example,copper or lead smelting, wood treating. orpesticide application), you could be exposedto elevated levels of arsenic during yourwork.

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• If you saw or sand arsenic-treated wood, youcould inhale some of the sawdust into yournose or throat. Similarly, if you burnarsenic-treated wood, you could inhalearsenic in the smoke.

• If you live in a former agricultural areawhere arsenic was used on crops, the soilcould contain high levels of arsenic.

• In the past, several kinds of products used inthe home (raE poison, ant poison, weedkiller. some types of medicines) had arsenicin them. However, most of these uses ofarsenic have ended, so you are not likely tobe exposed from home products any longer.

1.4 HOW CAN ARSENIC ENTER ANDLEAVE MY BODY?

If you swallow arsenic in water, soil, or food, mostof the arsenic may quickly enter into your body.The amount that enters your body will depend onhow much you swallow and the kind of arsenic thatyou swallow. This is the most likely way for you tobe exposed near a waste site. If you breathe air thatcontains arsenic dusts, many of the dust particlessettle onto the lining of the lungs. Most of thearsenic in these particles is then taken up from thelungs into the body. You might be exposed in thisway near waste sites where arsenic-contaminatedsoils are allowed to blow into the air, or if you workwith arsenic-containing soil or products. If you getarsenic-contaminated soil or water on your skin,only a small amount will go through your skin intoyour body, so this is usually not of concern.


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Both inorganic and organic forms leave your bodyin your urine. Most of the inorganic arsenic will begone within several days, although some willremain in your body for several months or evenlonger. lfyou are exposed to organic arsenic, mostof it will leave your body within several days.

1.5 HOW CAN ARSENIC AFFECT MYHEALTH?

Scientists use many tests to protect the public fromharmful effects of toxic chemicals and to find waysfor treating persons who have been harmed.

One way to learn whether a chemical will harmpeople is to determine how the body absorbs, uses,and releases the chemical. For some chemicals,animal testing may be necessary. Animal testingmay also help identify health effects such as canceror birth defects. Without laboratory animals,scientists would lose a basic method for gettinginformation needed to make wise decisions thatprotect public health. Scientists have theresponsibility to treat research animals with careand compassion. Scientists must comply with strictanimal care guidelines because laws today protectthe welfare of research animals.

Inorganic arsenic has been recognized as a humanpoison since ancient times, and large oral doses(above 60,000 ppb in water which is 10,000 timeshigher than 80% of U.S. drinking water arseniclevels) can result in death. lfyou swallow lowerlevels of inorganic arsenic (ranging from about300 to 30,000 ppb in water; 100—10,000 timeshigher than most U.S. drinking water levels), youmay experience irritation of your stomach and

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intestines, with symptoms such as stomachache,nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other effects youmight experience from swallowing inorganicarsenic include decreased production of red andwhite blood cells, which may cause fatigue,abnormal heart rhythm, blood-vessel damageresulting in bruising, and impaired nerve functioncausing a “pins and needles” sensation in yourhands and feet.

Perhaps the single-most characteristic effect oflong-term oral exposure to inorganic arsenic is apattern of skin changes. These include patches ofdarkened skin and the appearance of small “corns”or “warts” on the palms, soles, and torso, and areoften associated with changes in the blood vesselsof the skin. Skin cancer may also develop.Swallowing arsenic has also been reported toincrease the risk of cancer in the liver, bladder, andlungs. The Department of Health and HumanServices (DHHS) has determined that inorganicarsenic is known to be a human carcinogen (achemical that causes cancer). The InternationalAgency for Research on Cancer (IARC) hasdetermined that inorganic arsenic is carcinogenic tohumans. EPA also has classified inorganic arsenicas a known human carcinogen.

If you breathe high levels of inorganic arsenic, thenyou are likely to experience a sore throat andirritated lungs. You may also develop some of theskin effects mentioned above. The exposure levelthat produces these effects is uncertain, but it isprobably above 100 micrograms of arsenic percubic meter (j.tg/m3) for a brief exposure. Longerexposure at lower concentrations can lead to skineffects, and also to circulatory and peripheralnervous disorders. There are some data suggestingthat inhalation of inorganic arsenic may also


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interfere with normal fetal development, althoughthis is not certain. An important concern is theability of inhaled inorganic arsenic to increase therisk of lung cancer. This has been seen mostly inworkers exposed to arsenic at smelters, mines, andchemical factories, but also in residents living nearsmelters and arsenical chemical factories. Peoplewho live near waste sites with arsenic may have anincreased risk of lung cancer as well.

If you have direct skin contact with highconcentrations of inorganic arsenic compounds.your skin may become irritated, with some rednessand swelling. However, it does not appear that skincontact is likely to lead to any serious internaleffects.

Almost no information is available on the effects oforganic arsenic compounds in humans. Studies inanimals show that most simple organic arseniccompounds (such as methyl and dimethylcompounds) are less toxic than the inorganic forms.In animals, ingestion of methyl compounds canresult in diarrhea, and lifetime exposure can damagethe kidneys. Lifetime exposure to dimethylcompounds can damage the urinary bladder and thekidneys.

1.6 HOW CAN ARSENIC AFFECTCHILDREN?

This section discusses potential health effects inhumans from exposures during the period fromconception to maturity at 18 years of age.

Children are exposed to arsenic in many of the sameways that adults are. Since arsenic is found in the

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soil, water, food, and air, children may take inarsenic in the air they breathe, the water they drink,and the food they eat. Since children tend to eat ordrink less of a variety of foods and beverages thando adults, ingestion of contaminated food orjuice orinfant formula made with arsenic-contaminatedwater may represent a significant source ofexposure. In addition, since children often play inthe soil and put their hands in their mouths andsometimes intentionally eat soil, ingestion ofcontaminated soil may be a more important sourceof arsenic exposure for children than for adults. Inareas of the United States where natural Levels ofarsenic in the soil and water are high, or in areas inand around contaminated waste sites, exposure ofchildren to arsenic through ingestion of soil andwater may be significant. In addition, contact withadults who are wearing clothes contaminated witharsenic (e.g., with dust from copper- or lead-smelting factories, from wood-treating or pesticideapplication, or from arsenic-treated wood) could bea source of exposure. Because of the tendency ofchildren to taste things that they find, accidentalpoisoning from ingestion of pesticides is also apossibility. Thus, although most of the exposurepathways for children are the same as those foradults, children may be at a higher risk of exposurebecause of normal hand-to-mouth activity.

Children who are exposed to inorganic arsenic mayhave many of the same effects as adults, includingirritation of the stomach and intestines, blood vesseldamage, skin changes, and reduced nerve function.Thus, all health effects observed in adults are ofpotential concern in children. There is also someevidence that suggests that long-term exposure toinorganic arsenic in children may result in lower IQscores. We do not know if absorption of inorganicarsenic from the gut in children differs from adults.


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There is some evidence that exposure to arsenic inearly life (including gestation and early childhood)may increase mortality in young adults.

There is some evidence that inhaled or ingestedinorganic arsenic can injure pregnant women ortheir unborn babies, although the studies are notdefinitive. Studies in animals show that large dosesof inorganic arsenic that cause illness in pregnantfemales can also cause low birth weight, fetalmalformations, and even fetal death. Arsenic cancross the placenta and has been found in fetaltissues. Arsenic is found at low levels in breastmilk.

In animals, exposure to organic arsenic compoundscan cause low birth weight, fetal malformations,and fetal deaths. The dose levels that cause theseeffects also result in effects in the mothers.

1.7 HOW CAN FAMILIES REDUCE THERISK OF EXPOSURE TO ARSENIC?

If your doctor finds that you have been exposed tosubstantial amounts of arsenic, ask whether yourchildren might also have been exposed. Yourdoctor might need to ask your state healthdepartment to investigate.

Many communities may have high levels of arsenicin their drinking water, particularly from privatewells, because of contamination or as a result of thegeology of the area. The north central region andthe western region of the United States have thehighest arsenic levels in surface water andgroundwater sources, respectively. Wells used toprovide water for drinking and cooking should be

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tested for arsenic. As of January 2006, EPA’sMaximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for arsenic indrinking water is 10 ppb. If you have arsenic inyour drinking water at levels higher that the EPA’sMCL, an alternative source of water should be usedfor drinking and cooking should be considered.

If you use arsenic-treated wood in home projects,personal protection from exposure to arsenic-containing sawdust may be helpful in limitingexposure of family members. These measures mayinclude dust masks, gloves, and protective clothing.Arsenic-treated wood should never be burned inopen fires, or in stoves, residential boilers, or fireplaces, and should not be composted or used asmulch. EPA’s Consumer Awareness Program(CAP) for CCA is a voluntary program establishedby the manufacturers of CCA products to informconsumers about the proper handling, use, anddisposal of CCA-treated wood. You can find moreinformation about this program in Section 6.5.Hand washing can reduce the potential exposure ofchildren to arsenic after playing on play structuresconstructed with CCA-treated wood, since most ofthe arsenic on the children’s hands was removedwith water.

If you live in an area with a high level of arsenic inthe water or soil, substituting cleaner sources ofwater and limiting contact with soil (for example,through use of a dense groundcover or thick lawn)would reduce family exposure to arsenic. Bypaying careful attention to dust and soil control inthe home (air filters, frequent cleaning), you canreduce family exposure to contaminated soil. Somechildren eat a lot of soil. You should prevent yourchildren from eating soil. You should discourageyour children from putting objects in their mouths.Make sure they wash their hands frequently and



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before eating. Discourage your children fromputting their hands in their mouths or engaging inother hand-to-mouth activities. Since arsenic maybe found in the home as a pesticide, householdchemicals containing arsenic should be stored out ofreach of young children to prevent accidentalpoisonings. Always store household chemicals intheir original labeled containers; never storehousehold chemicals in containers that childrenwould find attractive to eat or drink from, such asold soda bottles. Keep your Poison ControlCenter’s number by the phone.

It is sometimes possible to carry arsenic from workon your clothing, skin, hair, tools, or other objectsremoved from the workplace. This is particularlylikely if you work in the fertilizer, pesticide, glass,or copper/lead smelting industries. You maycontaminate your car, home, or other locationsoutside work where children might be exposed toarsenic. You should know about this possibility ifyou work with arsenic.

Your occupational health and safety officer at workcan and should tell you whether chemicals youwork with are dangerous and likely to be carriedhome on your clothes, body, or tools and whetheryou should be showering and changing clothesbefore you leave work, storing your street clothes ina separate area of the workplace, or laundering yourwork clothes at home separately from other clothes.Material safety data sheets (MSDS) for manychemicals used should be found at your place ofwork, as required by the Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA) in the U.S.Department of Labor. MSDS information shouldinclude chemical names and hazardous ingredients,and important properties. such as fire and explosiondata, potential health effects, how you get the

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chemical(s) in your body, how to properly handlethe materials, and what to do in the case ofemergencies. Your employer is legally responsiblefor providing a safe workplace and should freelyanswer your questions about hazardous chemicals.Your state OSHA-approved occupational safety andhealth program or OSHA can answer any furtherquestions and help your employer identify andcorrect problems with hazardous substances. Yourstate OSHA-approved occupational safety andhealth program or OSHA will listen to your formalcomplaints about workplace health hazards andinspect your workplace when necessary.Employees have a right to seek safety and health onthe job without fear of punishment.

1.8 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TODETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEENEXPOSED TO ARSENIC?

Several sensitive and specific tests can measurearsenic in your blood, urine, hair, or fingernails, andthese tests are often helpful in determining if youhave been exposed to above-average levels ofarsenic in the past. These tests are not usuallyperformed in a doctor’s office. They requiresending the sample to a testing laboratory.

Measurement of arsenic in your urine is the mostreliable means of detecting arsenic exposures thatyou experienced within the last several days. Mosttests measure the total amount of arsenic present inyour urine. This can sometimes be misleading,because the nonharmful forms of arsenic in fish andshellfish can give a high reading even if you havenot been exposed to a toxic form of arsenic. Forthis reason, laboratories sometimes use a more


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CAS#: 7440-38-2(4ATSDR

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complicated test to separate “fish arsenic” fromother forms. Because most arsenic leaves yourbody within a few days, analysis of your urinecannot detect if you were exposed to arsenic in thepast. Tests of your hair or fingernails can tell if youwere exposed to high levels over the past 6—12 months, but these tests are not very useful indetecting low-level exposures. If high levels ofarsenic are detected, this shows that you have beenexposed, but unless more is known about when youwere exposed and for how long, it is usually notpossible to predict whether you will have anyharmful health effects.

1.9 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THEFEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TOPROTECT HUMAN HEALTH?

The federal government develops regulations andrecommendations to protect public health.Regulations can be enforced by law. The EPA, theOccupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA), and the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) are some federal agencies that developregulations for toxic substances. Recommendationsprovide valuable guidelines to protect public health,but cannot be enforced by law. The Agency forToxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)and the National Institute for Occupational Safetyand Health (NIOSH) are two federal organizationsthat develop recommendations for toxic substances.

Regulations and recommendations can be expressedas “not-to-exceed” levels, that is, levels of a toxicsubstance in air, water, soil, or food that do notexceed a critical value that is usually based onlevels that affect animals; they are then adjusted to

August2007

levels that will help protect humans. Sometimesthese not-to-exceed levels differ among federalorganizations because they used different exposuretimes (an 8-hour workday or a 24-hour day),different animal studies, or other factors.

Recommendations and regulations are also updatedperiodically as more information becomes available.For the most current information, check with thefederal agency or organization that provides it.Some regulations and recommendations forARSENIC include the following:

The federal government has taken several steps toprotect humans from arsenic. First, EPA has setlimits on the amount of arsenic that industrialsources can release into the environment. Second,EPA has restricted or canceled many of the uses ofarsenic in pesticides and is considering furtherrestrictions. Third, in January 2001, the EPAlowered the limit for arsenic in drinking water from50 to 10 ppb. Finally, OSHA has established apermissible exposure limit (PEL), 8-hour time-weighted average, of 10 pg/m3 for airborne arsenicin various workplaces that use inorganic arsenic.

1.10 WHERE CAN I GET MOREINFORMATION?

If you have any more questions or concerns, pleasecontact your community or state health orenvironmental quality department, or contactATSDR at the address and phone number below.

ATSDR can also tell you the location ofoccupational and environmental health clinics.These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating,


www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfocdc.gov

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CAS#: 7440-38-2


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2007

and treating illnesses that result from exposure tohazardous substances.

Toxicological profiles are also available on-line atwww.atsdr.cdc.gov and on CD-ROM. You mayrequest a copy of the ATSDR ToxProfilesTCD-ROM by calling the toll-free information andtechnical assistance number at l-800-CDCINFO (I800-232-4636), by e-mail at cdcinfocdc.gov, orby writing to:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease RegistryDivision of Toxicology and EnvironmentalMedicine1600 Clifton Road NEMailstop F-32Atlanta, GA 30333Fax: 1-770-488-4178

Organizations for-profit may request copies of finalToxicological Profiles from the following:

National Technical Information Service (NTIS)5285 Port Royal RoadSpringfield, VA 22161Phone: 1-800-553-6847 or 1-703-605-6000Web site: http://www.ntis.gov/


winv.atsdr.cdc.pov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfocdc.gov

ATSDR - Toxic Substances - Arsenic Page 1 of 2

ToxFAOsFact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions about acontaminant and its health effects.

Public Health StatementSummary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One of itsrespective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.

Fact Sheets

Chromated copper arsenate (CC4) is a water-solubleinorganic pesticide most commonly used as a woodpreservative to make it resistant to attack by termites andfungi that cause decay.

Medical Management Guidelines (MMG) for Acute ChemicalExposure

Medical Management Guideline (MMG) for Acute Chemical ExposurePublication intended to aid emergency department physicians and other

ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry

Arsenic

CAS ID #: 7440-38-2

Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Gastrointestinal (Digestive), Hepatic (Liver),Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Cancer Classification: EPA: Confirmed human carcinogen. IARC: Carcinogenic to humans.NTP: Known to be a human carcinogen.

Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancerclassification.

Chemical Classification: Inorganic substances

Summary: Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the earth’s crust. Inthe environment, arsenic is combined with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganicarsenic compounds. Arsenic in animals and plants combines with carbon and hydrogen to formorganic arsenic compounds. Inorganic arsenic compounds are mainli’ used to preserve wood.Copper chromated arsenic (CCA) is used to make “pressure-treated” lumber. CCA is no longerused in the U.S. for residential uses; it is still used in industrial applications. Organic arseniccompounds are used as pesticides, primarily on cotton plants.

Community Members

Emergency Responders

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp?toxid=3 8/1/20 17

ATSDR - Toxic Substances - Arsenic Page 2 of 2

Toxicological and Health Professionals

-. 4 Toxicological Profile

i? .r( Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effectsinformation for a hazardous substance.

Addendum to the Profile (PDF. 3414KB*)

Addendum to the Toxicological Profile for Arsenic (September 2015)

ToxGuide (PDF. 74Ka*)

Quick reference guide providing information such as chemical and physicalproperties, sources of exposure, routes of exposure, minimal risk levels,children’s health, and health effects for a substanc

Priority List of Hazardous SubstancesPrioritization of substances based on a combination of their frequency,toxicity, and potential for human exposure at National Priorities List (NPL)sites.

Minimal Risk Levels (MRL)The MRL is an estimate of the daily human exposure to a hazardoussubstance that is likely to be without appreciable risk of adverse, non-cancer health effects over a specified duration of exposure. The informationin this MRL serves as a screening tool to help public health professionalsdecide where to look more closely to evaluate possible risk of adversehealth effects from human exposure.

Interaction ProfilesSuccintly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effectsinformation for mixtures of hazardous substances.

Medical Education and TrainingCase Study in Environmental Medicine (CSEM)

• Self-instructional publication designed to increase primary care provider’sknowledge of a hazardous substance in the environment and to aid in theevaluation of potentially exposed patients.

• Page bst reviewed: March 3, 2011

• Page ‘ast updated: March 3, 2011

• content source: Agency far Toxic substances and Disease Registn

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, *Atlanta, GA 30341 “ CContact CDC: 800-232-4636 / Tfl: 888-232-6348

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Contact Us Page 1 of

No’ionol Toxicdogy ProgramUS Dq.scl,ti;to(Ht.miu

https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/contact

Contact Us

Receive NTP News by Email

Register to have notices of NTP news, events, and publications delivered to your inbox.

Primary Contacts

Contact the Office of Liaison, Policy and Review for general questions about the NIP policies, programs, or mailinglists.

Office of Liaison, Policy and ReviewNational Toxicology ProgramP.O. Box 12233, MD K2-03Research Triangle Park, NC 27709Telephone: 919-541-7539[use our contact formi

Contact Central Data Management for all other questions or if you are unclear about whom to contact.

Central Data ManagementP.O. Box 12233, MD K2-05Research Triangle Park, NC 27709Telephone: 919-541-3419cdmniehs.nih.gov (or use our contact form)

Program Contacts:

NTP Center for PhototoxicologyNCTR/FDA, HFT-1103900 NCTR RoadJefferson, AR 72079Telephone: (870) 543-7672[use our contact form]

NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological MethodsP.O. Box 12233, MD K2-16Research Triangle Park, NC 27709Telephone: 919-316-4668Website: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/niceatm[use our contact form]

Office of Health Assessment and TranslationP.O. Box 12233, MD K2-04Research Triangle Park, NC 27709Telephone: 919-541-2999Website: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/ohat

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Contact Us Page 2 ofP.O. Box 12233, MD K2-02Research Triangle Park, NC 27709Telephone: 919-541-5710[use our contact lbrm]

Office of the Report on CarcinogensP.O. Box 12233, MD K2-14Research Triangle Park, NC 27709Telephone: 919-316-4637Website: http://ntp.niehs.nihjov/o/oroc[use our contact fop]

Web page last updated on Jan. 26, 2017

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