Arsenic in drinking water

Natural element arsenic found in Earth's crust and is found in some drinking water supplies, including wells. can cause exposure to high levels of arsenic health effects.
Background
There are trace amounts of arsenic in all living matter.For most Canadians is the main source of arsenic exposure to food, water, soil and air. Drinking water will be the only major source of exposure for people living near the source of arsenic.
Arsenic may enter the Lakes, rivers and groundwater is normal when the mineral deposits or rocks that contain arsenic. arsenic can also get water through industrial waste dump and through deposit of dust particles arsenic in, or dissolved in the rain or snow. you can enter these particles of arsenic in the environment through:
* Burning fossil fuels (coal);
* Production of minerals (such as gold and mining);
* Agricultural use (in feed additives, pesticides); or
* Waste incineration.
The data collected to the levels of arsenic in drinking Canadian generally less than 0.005 milligram per litre (0.005 ppm parts per million), although concentrations may be higher in some areas.
Test for arsenic
Arsenic and where the taste and smell, will not be able to see if your drinking water but the arsenic tends to find very specific areas of the country may be worried about drinking in your area ... If you live in the natural sources of arsenic or is known to have high levels of arsenic in groundwater, it is recommended that you have your water tested. to do this, please contact the Office of public health; if getting your drinking water from municipal supply and want to have your water tested, should contact the local water authorities.
Specialized laboratories for tests can measure arsenic in your body. tests on arsenic in urine will show the last exposure.
Health effects of arsenic
Arsenic in drinking water absorbed by the body when you swallow it, and distributed in the bloodstream. Enter the body through the skin or inhalation during bathing or showering.The highest levels of arsenic in nails and hair, arsenic accumulation over time., your body gets rid of arsenic mostly through the urine, with smaller amounts through the skin, hair and nails.
Health Canada and the International Agency for research on cancer consider arsenic cancer-causing human factor.Having examined the impacts on residents in Taiwan where drinking water contains naturally high levels of arsenic (more 0.35 ppm).The results suggest that the consumption of drinking water with very high levels of arsenic lifetime, can increase the risk of cancer in internal organs such as the bladder, liver and lungs.
The prolonged exposure (over many years or decades) to high levels of arsenic in drinking water:
* Thickness of skin color change;
* Nausea and diarrhoea;
* Reduced production of blood cells;
* The abnormal rhythm cardiovascular damage; or
* Numbness in hands and feet.
Could result in short-term (days/weeks) to very high levels of arsenic in drinking water:
* In the abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea;
* Muscle pain or cramping;
* Weak and cleaning of the skin, rashes;
* Numbness, burning or tingling sensation or pain in hands and feet.
* Thickness of skin on the palms and soles of the feet; or
* Loss of mobility and sensory responses.
Studies show a greater risk of health effects in children and pregnant women and other vulnerable populations.
Reduce your risk
Because it can cause cancer, arsenic, every effort should be made to keep the levels of arsenic in drinking water to a minimum.
If you live in the natural sources of arsenic or is known to have high levels of arsenic in groundwater in, you should test your well water. to do this, contact your Regional Office of public health; if excessive concentrations of arsenic in drinking water, you may need to:
* Search for alternative water source with low concentrations of arsenic. where possible, connection to public water supply system.
* Purchase a home water treatment could reduce the level of arsenic. look for processing machinery by accredited certification appropriate NSF International meeting (front)/drinking American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for a processing to remove arsenic. these criteria are designed to protect drinking water. they help to ensure the safety and performance of products coming into contact with drinking water; make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding use and maintenance.
If you are concerned about health risks from consumption of water containing arsenic, contact your doctor.
Government role in Canada
Federal, provincial and territorial governments share responsibility for providing safe drinking water in Canada; Health Canada works with provincial and territorial guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality. "guidelines designed to ensure that Canadians to drinking water is constantly refining it to reflect the new data on contaminants in drinking water. all jurisdictions in Canada is used as the basis for the development of drinking water quality requirements.
Arsenic is one of the many chemicals that you select "Health Canada guidelines. new steering principle was created in 0.010 mg/litre, and will continue to review reflects new therapies and new information on health risks when they become available. guideline on a life of arsenic exposure of drinking water, taking into account the ability to measure arsenic and removed from drinking water.