In the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (Fourth Report), CDC scientists measured total arsenic, and seven different forms (or species) of arsenic. Studies have not found organic arsenic in seafood to be toxic to humans. Inorganic arsenic and arsenic compounds are considered to be cancer-causing chemicals. These conditions include skin disorders, an increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and several types of cancer. Long-term exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic in drinking water is associated with certain medical conditions. Unusually large doses of inorganic arsenic can cause symptoms ranging from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to dehydration and shock. These forms of arsenic are considered to be non-toxic or considerably less toxic than inorganic arsenic. Other sources of inorganic arsenic exposure include contact with contaminated soil or dust, or with wood preserved with arsenic compounds.Įxposure to organic arsenic compounds happens when people eat seafood. People can also be exposed to inorganic arsenic by eating such foods as rice and some fruit juices. This is especially true in areas with water sources that naturally have higher levels of inorganic arsenic. People are most likely exposed to inorganic arsenic through drinking water. Today laws restrict using arsenic-containing pesticides, wood preservatives, and medicines. People also used them as wood preservatives and as a treatment for a variety of ailments. In the past people used inorganic forms of arsenic in pesticides and paint pigment.
Organic arsenic compounds exist mainly in fish and shellfish.
These compounds occur either naturally, or as a result of mining, ore smelting, or when using arsenic for industrial purposes. Inorganic arsenic compounds are in soils, sediments, and groundwater. Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, can combine with either inorganic or organic substances to form many different compounds.