Arsenic toxicity occurs when a person is exposed to arsenic. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. It has no smell or taste. If you suspect you have been exposed to arsenic, contact your doctor immediately.
There are two primary forms of arsenic:
Inorganic arsenic is usually more harmful than organic arsenic.
Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals, and may enter the air, water, and soil. It is also used:
Arsenic toxicity may occur when a person is exposed to toxic amounts of arsenic due to:
Anyone can develop arsenic toxicity as a result of arsenic exposure. But certain people are more likely to be exposed to arsenic. The following factors increase your chances of being exposed to arsenic. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
In addition, children may be more susceptible than adults to the health effects of arsenic. There is some evidence that arsenic exposure may harm pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Ingesting very high levels of arsenic can result in death. Arsenic has also been linked to increased risks of caner of the lung , skin , bladder , liver , kidney , and prostate .
Symptoms of arsenic exposure include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis of arsenic poisoning because symptoms are so varied. If you have concerns about arsenic causing symptoms in yourself or a family member be sure to tell these to your doctor. Tests on blood and urine can quickly establish or “rule out” this diagnosis.
Tests may include the following:
There is no effective treatment for arsenic toxicity. There is increasing evidence that treatment with the chelating drug 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate (DMPS) may benefit some arsenic poisoned persons. An alternative is succimer. Chelation therapy involves putting a chemical, or chelating agent , into the bloodstream. The chelating agent combines with a toxin to help remove it from the body. Chelating agents may be given by pill or by injection.
If chelation is not indicated or is ineffective, your treatment will be designed to help manage and relieve your symptoms.
To help reduce your chances of getting arsenic toxicity, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
US Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
http://www.ccohs.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
Drinking water: arsenic and drinking water from private wells. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/healthywater/factsheets/arsenic.htm . Accessed March 1, 2006.
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine . 16th ed. McGraw Hill; 2005.
ToxFAQs for arsenic. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website. Available at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts2.html . Accessed March 1, 2006.
What is arsenic? Navy Environmental Health Center website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/cgi/medlineplus/leavemedplus.pl?[...] Accessed March 1, 2006.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.