Arsenic “Because of its sinister, homicidal uses, arsenic became world-renowned as the ‘inheritance powder,’” “What made arsenic such a good homicidal poison is the same thing that makes it dangerous in environmental exposures — it gives no warning”.

Arsenic occurs naturally Drinking water Industrial by-products – Smelting – Coal Emissions Treated wood Pesticides or herbicides Food – Juices, Rice, Seafood

Forms of Arsenic Most common and stable – Arsenite (+3) – Arsenate (+5) Can bind to other elements to form inorganic/organic As. – Readily binds to Sulfur.

Why do we care? 20th most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust A known multiple organ carcinogen Non-cancer endpoints

Health Effects

Reproductive Effects Known developmental toxicant and teratogen. Readily crosses the placenta

Smedley, Pauline L Sources and distribution of arsenic in groundwater and aquifers. In: Appelo, Tony, (ed.) Arsenic in Groundwater : a World Problem. British Geological Survey Arsenic: continues to poison the water of millions around the globe

As contamination around the world