Learn About the Dangers of Arsenic Exposure
Arsenic Exposure
Humans are generally exposed to arsenic
through drinking contaminated water, breathing contaminated air, or eating
contaminated foods.
If you are living near a hazardous waste site or an
area with natural arsenic in rocks, the dangers are significantly higher and you
may have a possible Arsenic lawsuit.
At higher levels, inorganic arsenic
is fatal. Lower levels of arsenic can cause nausea and vomiting, decreased
production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood
vessels, and a sensation of "pins and needles" in hands and
feet.
Exposure to lower levels for a long time can cause a discoloration
of the skin and the appearance of small corns or warts on limbs and
torso.
Studies have shown that inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of
lung cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and
prostate cancer.
The World Health Organization, the Department of Health
and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency have identified
arsenic as a carcinogen.
Arsenic poisoning is difficult to without
tests, as many common illnesses carry symptoms.
To prevent a massive
arsenic epidemic in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency
decided in 2001 to develop a strict new arsenic standard, the Safe
Water Drinking Act.
Synonyms include arsenic oxide,
arsenious acid, arsenious oxide, arsenious trioxide, arsenous acid anhydride,
crude arsenic, arsenolite, and white arsenic.
Description
There are many forms of arsenic, but this medical
Management Guideline focuses specifically on arsenic trioxide
(As2O3), one of the most toxic and prevalent
forms.
Arsenic trioxide is a white or transparent solid in the form of
glassy, shapeless lumps or a crystalline powder that resembles sugar.It has no
odor or taste.
It forms readily when elemental metallic arsenic is heated
to high temperatures or burned.
When arsenic trioxide is burned, it
releases toxic fumes and arsine gas which is highly toxic.
Routes of Exposure
Arsenic trioxide dust is readily
absorbed from the lungs, but inhaled quantities are usually insufficient to
cause acute systemic toxicity. Arsenic trioxide has no odor. Thus, odor provides
no warning of hazardous airborne concentrations.
Direct
contact with arsenic trioxide dust can cause localized skin irritation,
but systemic absorption through the skin is negligible.
Skin contact is
unlikely to cause systemic effects unless the dermal barrier is compromised.
Arsenic trioxide dust is irritating to the
eyes.
Ingestion is the most important route of acute
exposure of arsenic trioxide.
Ingested arsenic trioxide is quickly absorbed
and can be extremely hazardous.
Significant tissue and organ damage and death
may result. Most acute intoxications are from suicidal or homicidal
ingestion.
Health Effects
Acute signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, and
hypovolemic shock. Symptoms are dose dependent and can be delayed.
Act Now! It is essential that you inquire
about your Arsenic concern as soon as possible. Your individual state's law may
limit your time to bring a legal
claim to protect your rights. Your legal review is free and there is no
commitment. You case will be evaluated immediately, so get started on your claim
today!
see also:
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