Complete Guide to Arsenic
What Is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid element found throughout the Earth's crust in rocks, soil, water, air, and living organisms. The chemical symbol is As. It exists in both inorganic and organic forms, with vastly different toxicity levels.
Essentiality status: Arsenic is NOT recognized as essential for humans by any major health organization. While some animal studies in the 1970s-1980s suggested possible essentiality in certain species (rats, goats, chickens) under extreme deficiency conditions, this has never been demonstrated in humans or higher animals, and the findings were never definitively replicated. Most scientists consider arsenic non-essential and purely toxic for humans.
Critical distinction: Arsenic is best known as a poison and human carcinogen. Unlike aluminum (which has unclear links to disease), arsenic has well-established health risks including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and developmental harm. This guide is about understanding and minimizing exposure, not supplementation.
Forms of arsenic:
Inorganic arsenic: Arsenic combined with elements like oxygen, chlorine, sulfur - MOST TOXIC and carcinogenic
Organic arsenic: Arsenic combined with carbon and other elements - MUCH LESS TOXIC
Arsenobetaine (found in seafood) - essentially non-toxic
Methylated arsenicals - intermediate toxicity
Some organic forms (like those in rice) can be converted to inorganic forms in the body
What It Does in the Body (Biological Effects)
Arsenic has no known essential biological function in humans. When it enters the body, it causes harm through multiple mechanisms:
Toxic mechanisms:
Enzyme inhibition - Binds to sulfhydryl groups on proteins, disrupting enzyme function
Oxidative stress - Generates reactive oxygen species, damaging cells
DNA damage - Causes mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, impaired DNA repair
Epigenetic changes - Alters gene expression without changing DNA sequence
Disrupts cellular respiration - Interferes with ATP production in mitochondria
Interferes with gene regulation - Affects transcription factors and signaling pathways
Immune suppression - Impairs immune cell function
Endocrine disruption - Affects hormone systems
Cardiovascular effects - Damages blood vessels, affects heart rhythm
Developmental toxicity - Harms fetal and child development
Routes of exposure:
Oral (drinking water): Most common worldwide; well-absorbed (>90% of inorganic arsenic)
Oral (food): Rice, certain foods; well-absorbed
Inhalation: Occupational, industrial, tobacco smoke; highly absorbed
Dermal: Minimal absorption through intact skin; more with broken skin
Metabolism:
Inorganic arsenic converted to organic forms (methylation)
Historically thought to be "detoxification" but some methylated forms also toxic
Individual variation in metabolism (genetic factors)
Excreted primarily in urine (days to weeks for most)
Some accumulation in hair, nails, skin (keratin-rich tissues)
Distribution in body:
Quickly absorbed and distributed
Accumulates in liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, skin, hair, nails
Crosses placenta (affects fetus)
Found in breast milk
"Benefits" of Arsenic
There are essentially NO health benefits to arsenic exposure for humans.
Theoretical/historical context:
Possible role in some animals (NOT humans):
Extreme deprivation studies in rats, goats, chickens suggested possible growth effects
Required impossibly low arsenic levels (<0.05 mcg/g diet)
Never replicated consistently
Never demonstrated in primates or humans
Most scientists reject essentiality claims
If there is any biological role, it's so minor that deficiency never occurs in real-world conditions
Historical medical uses (now abandoned or rare):
Fowler's solution (potassium arsenite): Used in 19th-early 20th century for various ailments
Caused toxicity and cancer
Abandoned
Salvarsan: Arsenic compound used for syphilis (early 1900s)
Replaced by antibiotics
Arsenic trioxide: Currently FDA-approved for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
Highly specific medical use under strict oncology supervision
Benefits outweigh risks for this particular cancer
NOT a general health benefit
Traditional uses (dangerous):
In some cultures, arsenic historically used as "tonic" or "complexion improver"
Extremely dangerous
Caused cancer and death
Bottom line: For the general public, there are no benefits to arsenic exposure. It is a toxin and carcinogen to avoid.
Negatives, Risks, and Health Concerns
Arsenic is a well-established poison and human carcinogen with extensive documented health effects.
Cancer (CONFIRMED human carcinogen - IARC Group 1):
Cancers caused by chronic arsenic exposure:
Skin cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease
Bladder cancer: Strong association
Lung cancer: Especially from inhalation, but also from drinking water
Liver cancer: Increased risk
Kidney cancer: Elevated risk
Prostate cancer: Some evidence
Dose-response relationship:
Risk increases with exposure level
Even relatively low levels (10-50 mcg/L in water) associated with increased cancer risk
Latency period: 10-20+ years between exposure and cancer
Synergism with smoking (multiplies lung cancer risk)
Non-cancer health effects (CONFIRMED):
Cardiovascular disease:
Increased risk of heart disease: Coronary artery disease, heart attacks
Peripheral vascular disease: "Blackfoot disease" in Taiwan - severe circulation problems, gangrene
Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure
Atherosclerosis: Accelerated plaque formation
Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeat
Carotid artery disease: Increased stroke risk
Skin effects (early signs of chronic exposure):
Hyperpigmentation: Dark patches, especially on chest and back
Keratosis: Thickened, rough patches on palms and soles (characteristic sign)
Raindrop depigmentation: Small light spots
"Arsenic melanosis": Distinctive pattern
These are warning signs - cancer may develop years later
Diabetes:
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Impairs insulin secretion and sensitivity
Dose-dependent relationship
Respiratory disease:
Chronic bronchitis
Reduced lung function
Increased respiratory infections
Neurological effects:
Peripheral neuropathy: Numbness, tingling, pain in hands and feet
Cognitive impairment
Developmental delays (children)
Reduced IQ (prenatal and childhood exposure)
Hearing loss
Reproductive and developmental effects:
Pregnancy complications: Spontaneous abortion, stillbirth
Low birth weight
Infant mortality: Increased risk
Birth defects: Neural tube defects, cardiac defects
Impaired fetal growth
Developmental delays: Motor and cognitive
Reduced IQ in children exposed in utero or early life
Immune system impairment in children
Kidney disease:
Chronic kidney disease
Proteinuria (protein in urine)
Reduced kidney function
Liver disease:
Portal hypertension
Liver fibrosis
Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis
Elevated liver enzymes
Immune system:
Impaired immune function
Increased infections
Reduced response to vaccines
Hematological effects:
Anemia
Leukopenia (low white blood cells)
Bone marrow suppression (high doses)
Acute arsenic poisoning (high single dose - 100+ mg):
Symptoms:
Severe gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, "rice water" diarrhea)
Abdominal pain (severe)
Dehydration and shock
Metabolic acidosis
Hypotension
Cardiac arrhythmias
Multi-organ failure
Death (without treatment)
Delayed effects of acute poisoning:
Peripheral neuropathy (weeks later)
Mees' lines (white lines on nails - appear 4-6 weeks later)
Hair loss
Bone marrow suppression
Chronic low-level exposure (most common scenario):
Develops over years to decades
Skin changes appear first
Cancer risk increases
Cardiovascular disease
Often asymptomatic until significant damage
Special concerns:
Children:
More vulnerable to developmental effects
Lower body weight (higher dose per kg)
Developing brains and organs more sensitive
Effects may be irreversible (IQ loss)
Long-term cancer risk from early exposure
Pregnant women:
Fetus exposed through placenta
Critical developmental windows affected
Increased risk of pregnancy complications
Populations with high exposures:
Bangladesh, India, China, Chile, Argentina, Taiwan, Mexico, USA (some regions)
Groundwater contamination affects millions worldwide
One of world's largest environmental health problems
"Recommended" Intake/Exposure
There is NO safe or recommended intake of inorganic arsenic because it's toxic and carcinogenic.
Regulatory limits and guidelines:
Drinking water standards:
United States (EPA):
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 10 mcg/L (10 parts per billion)
Set in 2001 (previously 50 mcg/L)
Based on balancing health risks with treatment feasibility
Not a "safe" level - still carries some cancer risk
Many public health experts believe it should be lower (5 mcg/L or less)
World Health Organization (WHO):
Guideline value: 10 mcg/L
Provisional (acknowledges health risks remain)
Many countries use this standard
Other countries:
Most developed countries: 10 mcg/L
Some regions struggle to meet standards (naturally high levels)
Private wells not regulated (homeowner responsibility)
Food:
No federal limits in US for arsenic in most foods (except rice)
FDA action levels:
Infant rice cereal: 100 ppb (parts per billion) inorganic arsenic
Apple juice: 10 ppb total arsenic (2013 guidance)
European Union: 200 ppb inorganic arsenic in rice; 100 ppb in infant rice products
Total dietary intake:
Current estimated exposure (US population):
Average: 3-20 mcg/day total arsenic from all sources
Inorganic arsenic (the concerning form): ~1-10 mcg/day for most people
Varies by diet (rice consumption), water source, seafood intake
Goals:
PTDI (Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake) - WHO: 2-7 mcg/kg body weight/day (withdrawn in 2011 as insufficient)
Goal: Minimize exposure as much as practical
No "safe" threshold established for cancer risk
Occupational exposure:
OSHA PEL: 10 mcg/m³ (8-hour time-weighted average) for inorganic arsenic
NIOSH REL: 2 mcg/m³ (15-minute ceiling)
The reality:
Complete avoidance impossible (naturally occurring)
Goal is to minimize unnecessary exposure
Focus on high-exposure sources (water, rice, certain foods)
How to Reduce Exposure (Critical Section)
Since arsenic is toxic, this section is about minimizing exposure:
Drinking Water (often the biggest source):
Test your water:
Private wells: Test at certified lab
Especially important in areas with known contamination
Test every few years
After flooding or changes to well
Public water: Should meet EPA standards, but check annual water quality report
Areas of concern in US: Parts of Southwest, Midwest, New England
If water is contaminated (>10 mcg/L):
Treatment options:
Reverse osmosis (RO): Very effective (>95% removal)
Under-sink or whole-house systems
Requires maintenance
Cost: $200-2,000+ depending on system
Distillation: Very effective
Removes essentially all arsenic
Expensive to operate (energy intensive)
Anion exchange: Effective for arsenic(V)
May need pre-oxidation
Requires regeneration
Activated alumina: Effective
Requires pH adjustment
Needs replacement
Iron-based filters: Can be effective
Depends on chemistry
NOT effective for arsenic:
Standard carbon filters: Do NOT remove arsenic effectively
Water softeners: Don't remove arsenic
Sediment filters: Don't remove dissolved arsenic
Bottled water:
Usually low in arsenic
Check manufacturer info
Expensive long-term solution
Boiling:
Does NOT remove arsenic (concentrates it)
Don't boil water to remove arsenic
Food Sources - Rice and Rice Products (major dietary source):
Why rice is a concern:
Rice accumulates arsenic from soil and water (more than other grains)
Inorganic arsenic (the most toxic form)
Especially concerning for infants and children
Types of rice (arsenic levels):
White rice (from California, India, Pakistan): Lower arsenic
Brown rice: Higher than white (arsenic in bran layer)
Basmati rice (California, India, Pakistan): Lower arsenic
Rice from Southern US states: Higher arsenic (historically, arsenic used in cotton fields)
Organic vs. conventional: No consistent difference
Strategies to reduce rice arsenic:
Limit rice consumption:
Especially for infants, young children, pregnant women
Diversify grains (quinoa, bulgur, barley, wheat, oats)
Choose lower-arsenic rice:
White basmati from California, India, Pakistan
Sushi rice from California
Instant rice (lower than regular)
Cooking methods:
Cook rice in excess water (6:1 ratio) and drain: Reduces arsenic by 40-60%
Like cooking pasta
Discard cooking water
Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking:
Reduces arsenic by ~10-25%
Limit rice products:
Rice milk
Rice cereal (especially for infants)
Rice crackers, cakes
Rice syrup
Rice pasta
Rice protein powder
FDA recommendations for infants:
Limit infant rice cereal
Offer variety of fortified cereals (oat, barley, multi-grain)
Diversify baby's diet
Other foods with notable arsenic:
Fruit juices (especially apple and grape):
Can contain arsenic (inorganic and organic)
FDA action level for apple juice: 10 ppb
Recommendations:
Limit juice for children (AAP recommends minimal juice anyway)
<4 oz/day for toddlers
Dilute with water
Vary juice types
Whole fruit better than juice
Seafood:
Contains organic arsenic (arsenobetaine) - much less toxic
Total arsenic high but mostly non-toxic forms
Not a major concern for most people
Benefits of seafood (omega-3s) likely outweigh minimal risk
Exception: Hijiki seaweed (high inorganic arsenic - avoid)
Chicken (historically):
Arsenic-containing drugs (roxarsone) used in chicken feed (growth promotion)
Phased out/banned in US (2013-2015)
Legacy contamination in some poultry litter
Current chicken: much lower arsenic than past
Other foods:
Rice-based products (see above)
Some mushrooms can accumulate arsenic (if grown in contaminated soil)
Leafy vegetables (if irrigated with contaminated water)
Root vegetables (if grown in contaminated soil)
Wine and beer:
Can contain low levels
Not typically a major source
Varies by source of ingredients and water
Dietary approaches:
Diversify grains:
Amaranth, barley, bulgur, buckwheat, farro, millet, oats, quinoa, wheat
These accumulate less arsenic than rice
Adequate nutrients:
Folate: May reduce arsenic metabolism problems
B-vitamins: Support arsenic methylation/excretion
Selenium: May offer some protection (but relationship complex)
Antioxidants: Vitamins C, E - combat oxidative stress
Protein: Adequate protein supports detoxification
Specific compounds that may help (limited human evidence):
Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts (sulforaphane)
Selenium-rich foods: Brazil nuts, fish (but balance with arsenic in seafood)
Folate-rich foods: Leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains
Garlic and onions: Sulfur compounds may help excretion
Occupational and environmental:
Workplace:
Proper protective equipment
Ventilation systems
Personal hygiene (shower at work)
Don't bring contaminated clothes home
Follow safety protocols
Medical surveillance
Pressure-treated wood:
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) wood (pre-2004)
Banned for residential use in US (2003)
Legacy structures still exist (decks, playgrounds)
Leaches arsenic over time
Don't burn (releases arsenic)
Seal if still using
Replace when possible
Wash children's hands after contact
Modern pressure-treated wood: Usually arsenic-free (copper-based)
Soil:
Areas with CCA wood, former orchards (arsenic pesticides), industrial sites
Test soil if concerned
Create barriers (landscaping fabric, raised beds with clean soil)
Wash vegetables from garden
Remove shoes before entering home
Tobacco smoke:
Contains arsenic
Another reason not to smoke or be around secondhand smoke
Traditional medicines:
Some traditional Asian medicines contain high arsenic
Particularly Chinese and Ayurvedic products
Can cause toxicity
Verify purity and testing
What Increases Arsenic Absorption/Toxicity
Factors that worsen arsenic effects:
Nutritional deficiencies:
Folate deficiency: Impairs arsenic methylation/excretion
Protein deficiency: Reduces detoxification capacity
Selenium deficiency: May worsen effects (relationship complex)
B-vitamin deficiency: Impairs metabolism
Medical conditions:
Kidney disease: Reduced excretion, accumulation
Liver disease: Impaired metabolism
Malnutrition: Multiple pathways affected
Genetic polymorphisms: Some people metabolize arsenic poorly
Co-exposures:
Smoking: Synergistic effect on lung cancer (multiplies risk)
UV exposure: Increases skin cancer risk
Other heavy metals: Additive toxicity
Life stages:
Fetal development: Most vulnerable period
Infancy and childhood: Critical developmental windows
Pregnancy: Increased needs, effects on fetus
Dietary factors:
High rice consumption: Major exposure source
Low protein diet: Impairs detoxification
Inadequate micronutrients: Multiple effects
Who Should Be Most Concerned About Arsenic
Highest risk groups:
Geographic vulnerability:
People in high-arsenic areas:
Parts of Bangladesh, India, China (tens of millions affected)
Chile, Argentina, Mexico
Parts of US: Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico), Midwest, New England
Those with private wells in contaminated areas
Life stages:
Pregnant women: Fetal vulnerability
Risk of developmental harm
Pregnancy complications
Long-term effects on child
Infants and young children:
Rice cereal exposure
Juice consumption
Developmental sensitivity
Lower body weight
Long lifetime ahead (cumulative effects)
Children: Growth and development affected
Medical conditions:
Kidney disease: Reduced excretion
Liver disease: Impaired metabolism
Cardiovascular disease: Arsenic worsens
Diabetes: Arsenic increases risk and complications
Compromised immune systems
Dietary patterns:
High rice consumers:
Asian diets
Gluten-free diets (rice substitutions)
Vegetarians/vegans relying heavily on rice
Body builders using rice protein
Occupational:
Smelter workers
Pesticide applicators (historical arsenic pesticides)
Wood preservative workers
Semiconductor manufacturing
Glass manufacturing
Agricultural workers (legacy contamination)
Lifestyle:
Smokers: Additive cancer risk
Heavy alcohol users: Impaired detoxification
Who Can Be Less Concerned (But Still Aware)
Lower risk:
Municipal water users in areas meeting standards
Diverse diet without heavy rice reliance
Limited juice consumption
No occupational exposure
Adequate nutritional status
Normal kidney function
However:
Even low-level exposure carries some risk
Prudent to minimize unnecessary exposure
Test private wells
Follow dietary guidance
Stay informed
Arsenic "Deficiency" - This Does Not Exist
There is no arsenic deficiency in humans.
No biological function means no deficiency syndrome
Never documented in any human
No symptoms from low arsenic levels
No medical conditions caused by insufficient arsenic
No tests for arsenic deficiency
The animal studies:
1970s-1980s: Some researchers claimed essentiality in rats, goats, chickens
Required extreme deprivation (<0.05 mcg/g diet - impossible naturally)
Results inconsistent and never definitively replicated
Never demonstrated in primates
Most scientists reject these findings
If there's any biological role (highly doubtful), it's so minimal that deficiency never occurs
If you have low arsenic levels, celebrate - this is good for your health.
Toxicity Symptoms
Arsenic toxicity ranges from acute poisoning to chronic low-level effects:
Acute arsenic poisoning (rare in modern times, 60-200+ mg dose):
Immediate effects (30 min - 2 hours):
Severe gastrointestinal: Violent nausea, vomiting
"Rice water" diarrhea: Watery, sometimes bloody
Severe abdominal pain: Cramping
Garlic odor on breath: Characteristic sign
Metallic taste
Progressive effects:
Dehydration and shock: From fluid loss
Hypotension: Low blood pressure
Tachycardia: Rapid heart rate
Cardiac arrhythmias: Potentially fatal
Multi-organ failure: Liver, kidneys, heart
Coma
Death (without treatment)
Delayed effects (if survived):
Peripheral neuropathy (1-3 weeks later): Numbness, pain, weakness in extremities
Mees' lines (4-6 weeks): White horizontal lines across fingernails
Hair loss (2-3 weeks)
Bone marrow suppression: Anemia, low WBC
Encephalopathy: Confusion, seizures
Treatment for acute poisoning:
Medical emergency: Call 911
Supportive care: IV fluids, electrolytes, cardiovascular support
Chelation therapy: Dimercaprol (BAL), DMSA, DMPS
Binds arsenic for excretion
Most effective if given early
Hemodialysis: If kidney failure
Gastric lavage: If recent ingestion
Chronic arsenic poisoning (common, long-term low-level exposure):
Early signs (years of exposure, 50-100+ mcg/L water):
Skin manifestations (usually first):
Hyperpigmentation: "Raindrop" pattern - dark and light spots
Chest, back, abdomen
Speckled appearance
Hyperkeratosis: Thickened, rough skin on palms and soles
Corns and calluses unrelated to pressure
Characteristic arsenical keratosis
Warning sign - precancerous
Skin cancers: Squamous cell, basal cell, Bowen's disease
Vascular effects:
Blackfoot disease (severe): Gangrene of feet and legs (Taiwan)
From extremely high exposure (>500 mcg/L water)
Rare in US
Peripheral vascular disease: Poor circulation
Raynaud's phenomenon: Cold, numb fingers/toes
Later effects (chronic exposure):
Cancer (10-30+ years latency):
Skin, bladder, lung, liver, kidney cancers
Often multiple cancer types
Cardiovascular disease:
Heart attacks
Stroke
Atherosclerosis
Hypertension
Arrhythmias
Neurological:
Peripheral neuropathy: "Stocking-glove" distribution
Numbness, tingling, burning pain
Weakness
Loss of reflexes
Cognitive impairment: Memory, concentration
Hearing loss
Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes develops
Respiratory:
Chronic cough
Reduced lung function
Increased infections
Hematological:
Anemia
Leukopenia
Pancytopenia (all blood cells low)
Hepatic:
Liver fibrosis
Portal hypertension
Elevated enzymes
Renal:
Chronic kidney disease
Proteinuria
Reduced function
Prenatal/childhood exposure effects:
Low birth weight
Developmental delays
Reduced IQ
Increased infant mortality
Birth defects
Subclinical effects (may occur before obvious symptoms):
Chromosomal abnormalities
Oxidative stress markers
Altered gene expression
Subtle cardiovascular changes
Mild cognitive impacts
When to suspect arsenic poisoning:
Acute:
Sudden severe GI symptoms
After known/suspected ingestion
Multiple people affected (contaminated water/food)
Garlic breath odor
Chronic:
Characteristic skin changes (hyperpigmentation, keratosis)
Peripheral neuropathy
Multiple cancers
Living in high-arsenic area
High rice consumption + symptoms
Occupational exposure
Diagnosis:
Urine arsenic test (speciated - differentiates inorganic from organic)
24-hour collection best
Random sample acceptable
Avoid seafood 48-72 hours before test
Blood arsenic: Only for acute exposure (clears quickly)
Hair and nail analysis: Long-term exposure (but contamination issues)
Skin biopsy: If cancer suspected
Reference ranges:
Urine total arsenic: <50 mcg/L (but includes non-toxic organic arsenic)
Inorganic arsenic + metabolites: <10 mcg/L considered low risk; >50 mcg/L concerning
After seafood: Can be >200 mcg/L (organic forms, not concerning)
Timing and Context Considerations
This section addresses when exposure occurs and how to time reduction strategies:
Daily exposure patterns:
Morning:
Drinking water: First draw from tap (may have more arsenic)
Let water run 30 seconds
Use cold water (hot leaches more from pipes)
Breakfast: Rice cereal (if used - problematic)
Juice: If consumed
Throughout day:
Water consumption
Rice-based meals/snacks
Tea (if using tap water to brew)
Cooking:
Rice preparation (evening/any time)
Using contaminated water for cooking concentrates arsenic
Strategies by timing:
Daily:
Morning: Let tap water run, use cold water
Meals: Cook rice in excess water, drain
Snacks: Choose non-rice options
Hydration: Use filtered/bottled water if tap contaminated
Weekly:
Meal planning: Limit rice to 2-3 times/week maximum
Grocery shopping: Buy low-arsenic rice, diversify grains
Juice: Limit or eliminate
Long-term:
Water testing: Test private well every 2-3 years
Home filtration: Install and maintain RO system
Diet diversification: Establish non-rice grain habits
Health monitoring: Regular checkups if high-risk
Sources of Arsenic Exposure
Understanding sources helps target reduction:
Drinking water (often #1 source in high-arsenic areas):
Natural contamination:
Geological - arsenic in bedrock dissolves into groundwater
More common in certain rock types
Varies greatly even in same region (neighbor's well may differ)
Affected areas worldwide:
Bangladesh, West Bengal (India), Inner Mongolia (China)
South America: Argentina, Chile, Mexico
Taiwan
United States: parts of Midwest, Southwest, New England
Southeast Asia, parts of Africa
US high-risk states/regions:
Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada
Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota
Maine, New Hampshire
Parts of California, Utah, Montana
Anthropogenic contamination:
Mining operations
Industrial waste
Historical pesticide use (orchards, cotton fields)
Smelting operations
Private vs. public water:
Private wells: Not regulated; owner's responsibility to test
Public water systems: Required to meet MCL (10 mcg/L)
But some systems exceed standards
Check annual water quality report
Rice and rice products (major dietary source):
Why rice accumulates arsenic:
Grows in flooded conditions (anaerobic)
Arsenic more soluble and bioavailable under these conditions
Efficiently takes up arsenic from soil/water
More than other grains
Arsenic levels by rice type (approximate):
White rice (California, India, Pakistan basmati): 100-150 ppb
Brown rice: 150-250 ppb (higher in bran)
Rice from Southern US: 200-350+ ppb
Instant rice: Lower (partially cooked, arsenic leached out)
Rice products:
Rice cereal (infant): 100-200 ppb (FDA limit: 100 ppb)
Rice crackers: 100-300 ppb
Rice milk: 50-150 ppb
Rice syrup: 500-1,200 ppb (concentrated)
Rice pasta: Similar to rice grain
Rice protein powder: Variable, often high
Other food sources:
Juices (primarily apple, grape, pear):
Total arsenic: Usually <10 ppb (FDA action level)
Inorganic arsenic: 2-6 ppb typically
Some products higher
Concern for children (large relative consumption)
Seafood (mostly organic arsenic - less toxic):
Total arsenic: Very high (1,000-10,000+ ppb)
Inorganic arsenic: Usually <5% of total (except hijiki)
Arsenobetaine (main form) essentially non-toxic
Benefits likely outweigh risks
Exception: Hijiki seaweed - HIGH inorganic arsenic; avoid
Chicken:
Historical contamination (roxarsone in feed - discontinued)
Current levels lower
Not a major source now
Vegetables and fruits:
Usually low (<50 ppb)
Can be higher if:
Grown in contaminated soil
Irrigated with contaminated water
Historical orchard land (arsenic pesticides used until 1980s)
Wine and beer:
Low levels (2-10 ppb typically)
Not a major source for most
Occupational sources:
High-risk industries:
Copper, lead, zinc smelting - Arsenic in ores
Pesticide manufacturing/application - Historical; now restricted
Wood preservative - CCA wood (phased out residential use 2003)
Glass manufacturing - Arsenic as decolorizer
Semiconductor industry - Arsenic in gallium arsenide
Mining - Direct arsenic ore or associated ores
Environmental sources:
Pressure-treated wood (CCA):
Chromated Copper Arsenate
Used until 2003 for residential (decks, playgrounds)
Still used for industrial/marine applications
Leaches arsenic over time
Legacy concern: Old structures, soil contamination
Tobacco smoke:
Contains arsenic (tobacco plants accumulate from soil)
Mainstream and secondhand smoke
Another cancer risk multiplier
Soil:
Former orchards (arsenic pesticides: lead arsenate until 1980s)
Near CCA wood structures
Mining/smelting areas
Industrial sites
Some naturally high areas
Air:
Usually low exposure route except:
Near coal-fired power plants
Near smelters
Industrial areas
Occupational settings
Traditional medicines:
Some Asian traditional medicines
Particularly certain Chinese herb formulas
Some Ayurvedic preparations
Can contain very high levels (milligrams)
Cause of serious poisonings
Miscellaneous:
Contaminated well water irrigation of crops
Dust from contaminated soil
Burning CCA wood (releases arsenic - never burn)
Arsenic Chemistry and Forms
Inorganic arsenic (most toxic):
Oxidation states:
Arsenite [As(III)]: More toxic, more mobile
Arsenate [As(V)]: Less toxic, more oxidized
Common inorganic forms:
Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) - highly toxic, used historically as poison
Arsenic pentoxide (As₂O₅)
Sodium arsenite, arsenate
Various salts
Sources:
Natural (geological)
Industrial processes
Historical pesticides
Organic arsenic (less toxic):
Arsenobetaine:
Found in seafood (fish, shellfish)
Essentially non-toxic (trimethylated)
Rapidly excreted unchanged
"Fish arsenic"
Arsenosugars:
Found in seaweed
Metabolized to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)
Low to moderate toxicity
Methylated arsenicals:
Monomethylarsonic acid (MMA)
Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)
Products of arsenic metabolism
Intermediate toxicity (historically thought less toxic, but DMA may be genotoxic)
Arsenic drugs (pharmaceutical):
Arsenic trioxide (Trisenox): Approved for acute promyelocytic leukemia
Historical drugs (discontinued)
Why the distinction matters:
Testing: Total arsenic includes all forms
Speciation: Differentiates inorganic from organic
Risk assessment: Only inorganic arsenic and some metabolites are concerning
Seafood: High total arsenic, mostly non-toxic organic forms
Additional Important Information
Global Arsenic Crisis:
Scale of problem:
Largest mass poisoning in history (WHO statement)
140+ million people exposed to arsenic in drinking water >10 mcg/L
Bangladesh: 35-77 million people affected (groundwater)
West Bengal, India: 6-10 million affected
Global problem: Affects countries on every continent
Why it's widespread:
Naturally occurring (geological)
Groundwater contamination
Poor populations rely on contaminated wells
Limited resources for treatment
Often invisible problem (no taste, smell, color)
Mitigation efforts:
Deep tube wells (arsenic lower in deeper aquifers in some areas)
Surface water treatment
Community filtration
Rainwater harvesting
Piped water systems (expensive)
Ongoing public health challenge
Arsenic in the United States:
Drinking water:
13 million Americans served by public water systems exceeding 10 mcg/L (at least occasionally)
Private wells: 2+ million estimated to exceed 10 mcg/L
More in certain regions (Southwest, Midwest, New England)
Food supply:
Relatively low concern for most foods
Rice and rice products main dietary source
Juices monitored
Historical use:
Arsenic pesticides (lead arsenate, calcium arsenate)
Used on cotton (Southern states): 1900s-1980s
Used in orchards (apples, others): 1900s-1980s
Legacy soil contamination persists
Now banned or restricted
Roxarsone in chicken feed: Phased out 2013-2015
CCA pressure-treated wood: Residential ban 2003
Testing and Treatment:
Water testing:
When: Private well owners, new home, concern
Where: EPA-certified lab
Cost: $20-50 typically
Frequency: Every 2-3 years; after flooding; after well work
Personal testing:
Urine arsenic: Available through doctors, some commercial labs
Cost: $50-200
Speciation important: Differentiates organic (seafood) from inorganic (toxic)
Avoid seafood 72 hours before test for accurate inorganic arsenic level
Treatment of poisoning:
Acute: Medical emergency, chelation, supportive care
Chronic: Remove exposure source
Chelation generally not used (arsenic already distributed/bound)
Supportive care
Monitor for complications (cancer screening, cardiovascular care)
Chelation agents:
Dimercaprol (BAL): IM injection, for acute/severe
DMSA (succimer): Oral, better tolerated
DMPS: Not FDA approved in US
Work best within hours to days of exposure
Arsenic and Rice - Detailed:
Consumer Reports testing (2012, 2014):
Tested 200+ rice products
Found measurable inorganic arsenic in all
Some exceeded FDA guidance (infant cereal)
Public health concern raised
FDA response:
Tested 1,300+ rice samples
Set action level for infant rice cereal (100 ppb inorganic As)
Issued guidance on rice consumption
Continues monitoring
Cooking methods (reduction):
Rinse thoroughly: 10-28% reduction
Excess water (6:1) and drain: 40-60% reduction
Parboil, rinse, cook again: Up to 80% reduction (but labor-intensive)
Pressure cooker: No significant benefit
Rice cooker: Standard amount water - no reduction
Rice alternatives:
Quinoa, bulgur, barley, farro, wheat berries
Oats, buckwheat, millet, amaranth
Couscous, pasta (wheat)
Cauliflower rice (not grain but low-carb alternative)
All have much lower arsenic than rice
Genetic Factors:
Arsenic metabolism:
Individual variation in methylation efficiency
Genetic polymorphisms affect:
AS3MT gene (arsenite methyltransferase)
Other genes involved in metabolism
Some people are "poor metabolizers"
Accumulate more toxic forms
Higher disease risk at same exposure
Implications:
Population variation in susceptibility
Some ethnic groups may be more vulnerable
Personalized risk assessment possible (future)
Children and Developmental Effects:
Critical windows:
In utero: Brain and organ development
Infancy: Rapid growth and development
Early childhood: Ongoing brain development
Effects documented:
IQ loss: 5-10 point reduction with higher exposure
Reduced cognitive function: Memory, learning, attention
Behavioral problems: ADHD-like symptoms
Motor development delays
Immune impairment: More infections
Growth impairment
Increased infant mortality
Sources in children:
Rice cereal: Major concern (FDA now limits)
Juice: Relative to body weight, large exposure
Water: If contaminated
Adult behaviors: Hand-to-mouth, dirt ingestion (if contaminated soil)
Recommendations:
Diversify infant cereals (oat, barley, multi-grain)
Limit juice (<4 oz/day for toddlers; none for infants)
Test water if private well
Variety in toddler diet
Cancer Risk Assessment:
EPA estimates:
Drinking water at 10 mcg/L (current MCL): ~1 in 500 lifetime bladder/lung cancer risk
Proposed 3 mcg/L: Would reduce to ~1 in 2,000 risk
Debate on whether standard should be lowered
Factors affecting cancer risk:
Dose (concentration × duration)
Age of exposure (earlier = higher risk)
Genetic factors
Nutritional status
Co-exposures (smoking)
Latency period (10-30+ years)
Types of cancer by exposure level:
Very high (>500 mcg/L): Skin, bladder, lung, liver, kidney
Moderate (50-500 mcg/L): Skin, bladder, lung
Low (10-50 mcg/L): Bladder, lung (smaller increase)
<10 mcg/L: Risk exists but lower
Cardiovascular Risk:
Mechanisms:
Endothelial dysfunction
Atherosclerosis promotion
Oxidative stress
Inflammation
Impaired nitric oxide signaling
Direct cardiac toxicity
Disease associations:
Coronary artery disease
Peripheral vascular disease
Stroke
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Sudden cardiac death
Risk estimates:
10 mcg/L increase in water associated with ~10-20% increased CVD risk (some studies)
May be as important as cancer risk
Affects wider population
Regulations and Policy:
History of US standard:
Pre-2001: 50 mcg/L (set in 1940s, based on toxicity not cancer)
2001: Lowered to 10 mcg/L (balanced health risk with feasibility)
Debate: Public health advocates want 5 mcg/L or lower
Feasibility: Treatment costs, natural contamination
International standards:
Most countries: 10 mcg/L (WHO guideline)
Some stricter: 5 mcg/L
Many countries struggle to meet standards
Food:
Less regulated than water
FDA action levels (infant cereal, apple juice)
Consumer pressure leading to voluntary industry standards
Occupational:
OSHA, NIOSH limits
Required monitoring
Medical surveillance
Practical Guidance Summary:
High-priority actions:
Test private well water
If >10 mcg/L, install RO system or alternative water
Limit rice (especially children, pregnant women)
Cook rice in excess water and drain
Diversify grains
Limit juice (children)
Choose low-arsenic rice types when consuming
Moderate-priority: 8. Check public water reports 9. Adequate folate and B-vitamins 10. Cruciferous vegetables 11. Avoid hijiki seaweed 12. Don't burn CCA wood 13. Occupational safety (if relevant)
Lower-priority (but reasonable): 14. Varied diet 15. Antioxidant-rich foods 16. Soil testing (if former orchard, near CCA structures) 17. Air purification (if near industrial sources)
Monitoring:
Urine arsenic test if high-risk exposure
Regular medical checkups
Skin exams (for those with past exposure)
Cancer screening (bladder, lung) if appropriate
Resources:
Testing water:
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 800-426-4791
State certification officers: Find certified labs
Information:
ATSDR Arsenic Toxicological Profile
FDA Arsenic in Food Information
Consumer Reports Arsenic in Rice
Bottom Line
Arsenic is a confirmed human carcinogen and toxic element with no beneficial biological function. It is one of the world's most significant environmental health hazards, affecting millions of people globally through contaminated drinking water and food.
Key takeaways:
NOT essential: No biological role; purely toxic
Well-established carcinogen: Skin, bladder, lung, liver, kidney cancers
Cardiovascular toxin: Heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis
Developmental toxin: Reduces IQ, causes birth defects, pregnancy complications
Forms matter: Inorganic arsenic (toxic) vs. organic arsenic in seafood (mostly non-toxic)
Major sources:
Contaminated drinking water (natural and anthropogenic)
Rice and rice products
Fruit juices (apples, grapes)
Occupational exposure
No safe level: Even 10 mcg/L water standard carries some risk
Global crisis: 140+ million people exposed to >10 mcg/L in water
Practical action plan:
Critical (do these):
Test private well water - If >10 mcg/L, take action
Install reverse osmosis or alternative water source if contaminated
Limit rice consumption - Especially for children, pregnant women
Cook rice in excess water (6:1) and drain
Diversify grains - Use quinoa, oats, barley, wheat instead of rice
Limit juice for children - Follow AAP guidelines
Important: 7. Choose white basmati rice (California, India) when eating rice 8. Avoid infant rice cereal exclusively - use variety 9. Adequate folate, B-vitamins 10. Don't smoke (synergistic cancer risk)
If high-risk exposure: 11. Urine arsenic testing 12. Regular medical monitoring 13. Skin cancer screening 14. Cardiovascular care
Who needs to be most concerned:
Private well users in high-arsenic areas
Pregnant women and young children
High rice consumers (gluten-free diets, Asian cuisines, bodybuilders)
People with cardiovascular disease or diabetes
Occupational exposure workers
Who can worry less (but stay aware):
Municipal water users (meeting standards)
Limited rice consumption
Diverse diet
No occupational exposure
But: Everyone should be aware and minimize unnecessary exposure
The science is clear:
Arsenic causes cancer (proven)
Arsenic harms cardiovascular system (proven)
Arsenic impairs child development (proven)
No therapeutic benefit exists
Perspective:
Unlike some elements discussed (tin, vanadium), arsenic risks are well-established, not controversial
This is a real, preventable environmental health hazard
Simple actions (water filtration, rice alternatives) dramatically reduce exposure
Testing is cheap, treatment is available, prevention is effective
Not about fear, but informed action
The fundamental message: Arsenic is a proven human carcinogen and toxin found in drinking water and food (especially rice). Test your water if using a private well. If contaminated, install reverse osmosis filtration. Limit rice consumption, especially for children and pregnant women. Cook rice in excess water and drain. Diversify grains. These simple steps can substantially reduce your arsenic exposure and lower your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and developmental harm. Unlike aluminum (controversial) or vanadium (lack of research), arsenic's dangers are well-established. Take this seriously, but don't panic - practical solutions exist.