Arsenic Inorganic Contaminant in Drinking Water that Impacts Your Health and can be associated with Iron and Manganese | Problems with your Tap or Well Water
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Contact UsL3-NATE-W-2 | WaterCheck DeluxeShareShareShareShareGet Informed | ArsenicWhat is Arsenic?Arsenic is a semimetal, or metalloid, that is a member of the nitrogen family, and is recognized by the World Health Organization as the most significant chemical contaminant in drinking-water globally. As an element of the Periodic Table, it is designated by the symbol “As.” Arsenic occurs naturally and is the 20th most abundant trace element in the earth’s crust. It is odorless and tasteless.It has been estimated that elevated levels of arsenic adversely impact over 200 million people worldwide and 44 million individuals in the United States. Of those in the USA, roughly 2 million are drinking from private wells that have high concentrations of arsenic. A recent survey by the U.S Geological Survey (USGS) found that arsenic exceeded 5 parts per billion (ppb), in 8% of the wells in Pennsylvania.How Does Arsenic become a problem?Sources of arsenic contamination can be natural or industrial. Naturally occurring deep subsurface brines containing arsenic can seep upwards into drinking water due to processes used in producing oil and natural gas. Consumption of food and water are the primary sources of exposure to arsenic for the majority of US citizens. People may also be exposed through industrial sources, as arsenic is used in semiconductor manufacturing, petroleum refining, wood preservatives, animal feed additives, and herbicides. Arsenic used to be utilized as a pesticide in orchards, therefore a primary concern for exposure through food would be juices, especially apples.Arsenic can combine with other elements to form inorganic and organic chemical compounds called arsenicals. In general, inorganic forms are regarded as more toxic than the organic forms. While food contains both inorganic and organic arsenicals, water primarily contains only inorganic forms. Arsenic in groundwater is largely the result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils. It is often associated with methane gas, hydrogen sulfide gas, saline water, and anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions in a wellbore.What are the Health Risks for Arsenic?Depending on the level and duration of exposure, arsenic has been associated with the following health issues: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cancer, liver disease, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular problems, digestive difficulties, thickening and discoloration of the skin, cramping muscles, nervous system disorders, numbness in the hands and feet, partial paralysis, and blindness. A recent study has correlated low levels of arsenic exposure with heart damage after only 5 years of exposure.What are the Standards for Arsenic?On January 22, 2001, the EPA adopted a new standard for arsenic in drinking water of 10 parts per billion (ppb), replacing the old standard of 50 ppb. Public water systems had to comply with the new standard by January 23, 2006, to protect consumers from the effects of long-term, chronic exposure to arsenic. Based on a cancer risk of 1 in 1,000,000, Pennsylvania has a clean-up standard for a use aquifer that is 0.002 mg/L (2 ppb) and California has a maximum contaminant level goal of 0.004 mg/L (4 ppb). In certain states, such as New Jersey, the drinking water standard for Arsenic is as low as 0.005 mg/L (5 ppb).Get Tested | ArsenicComprehensive water testing should be done to determine more than just the presence of arsenic. It is critical to know the form of arsenic present as some forms are more effectively removed than others, and knowledge of other water quality characteristics will influence the technology selected to treat the problem. Information should be gathered about your water supply source, well construction, surrounding land-use, and local geology. All of these factors should be considered in designing an effective treatment system.Level 1 | Observational Self-TestingLevel 1 Testing is done with simple observations that an individual can make with their own senses such as sight, smell, and taste. These observations can be readily apparent or can be observed as they change over time. In addition, accessible related information about the home can also be used to narrow down the cause of your water issues.Observations for ArsenicArsenic does not impart a noticeable taste, odor, or appearance to the water. Indicators that arsenic may be present in your water include:Your drinking water has elevated levels of iron and manganese as these elements share common geological sources with arsenic.You, or other consumers of your water source exhibit any symptoms outlined in the Health Risks for Arsenic section above.You are located in the US in an area of this map shown to have known elevated levels of arsenic.Click on Map to See Full Scale - Arsenic concentrations in Ground Water of the United States. (Source USGS)"The USGS has developed maps that show where and to what extent arsenic occurs in groundwater across the country. The current maps are based on samples from 31,350 wells. Widespread high concentrations were found in the West, the Midwest, parts of Texas, and the Northeast. (See Ryker (2001) for more information. See Focazio and others (2000) for the use of available data for characterizing arsenic concentrations in public-water supply systems."Try Our Level 1 Drinking Water Self-Diagnostic ToolHave water issues? Answer our self-diagnosis questionnaire from your observations to get an initial diagnosis. Then follow our recommended steps to remediate your issue. Self-Diagnostic ToolLevel 2 | Do-It-Yourself Water TestingLevel 2 Testing is Do-It-Yourself testing that can be done in your own home using a Testing Kit. After you’ve done Level 1 Testing, Level 2 Testing can confirm if your observations are correct. If your test results reveal the presence of a contaminant that is cause for concern, you can either proceed to determine the best treatment (see below) or continue to Level 3 Testing.Notes on Level 2 Testing for ArsenicYou might be concerned about arsenic in your drinking water if the general mapping information suggests you may have a problem, you are experiencing a problem with water that has an iron, manganese, or sulfur issue; your water is from a deep well; or you are located near a known hazard, such as an old apple orchard, civil war era cemetery, landfill, or commercial facility that uses arsenic, or you show symptoms associated with arsenic exposure.Recommended Level 2 TestsL2-AMAZ-I-01AmazonIn-home Arsenic Screening Test (5 tests)L2-AMAZ-I-01 | In-home Arsenic Screening Test (5 tests)ViewL2-AMAZ-P-04AmazonProfessional Field Arsenic Screening Test (100 tests)L2-AMAZ-P-04 | Professional Field Arsenic Screening Test (100 tests)ViewL2-AMAZ-T-01AmazonToxic & Essential Hair Elements TestL2-AMAZ-T-01 | Toxic & Essential Hair Elements TestViewL2-AMAZ-N-01AmazonNIDS® ACE Rapid 5 Minute Pesticide, Toxic/Heavy Metal, Arsenic Test (3 Tests/Pack)L2-AMAZ-N-01 | NIDS® ACE Rapid 5 Minute Pesticide, Toxic/Heavy Metal, Arsenic Test (3 Tests/Pack)ViewL3-NATE-W-2National Testing LabsWater Check DeluxeNote: For rural Areas with Herbicides and Pesticides UsageL3-NATE-W-2 | WaterCheck DeluxeViewL3-NATE-C-3National Testing LabsCityCheck StandardNote: Use in combination with Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria TestL3-NATE-C-3 | CityCheck StandardViewST-CRYS-D-04Crystal QuestArsenic Removal Countertop Filter TripleST-CRYS-D-04 | Arsenic Removal Countertop Filter TripleViewST-FILT-F-03Filter WaterFW-210 Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System (Code A27AC)Note: If the concentration is < 0.01 mg/LNote: Uranium less than < 0.030 mg/LST-FILT-F-03 | FW-210 Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis SystemViewLT-CRYS-A-01Crystal QuestArsenic and Whole-House Filter Dual-TankLT-CRYS-A-01 | Arsenic and Whole-House Filter Dual-TankViewBK-AMAZ-W-01AmazonWater Well Rehabilitation and ReconstructionBK-AMAZ-W-01 | Water Well Rehabilitation and ReconstructionViewBK-AMAZ-W-03AmazonWater Treatment Grade 2 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOBK-AMAZ-W-03 | Water Treatment Grade 2 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOViewBK-AMAZ-W-04AmazonWater Treatment Grades 3 and 4 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOBK-AMAZ-W-04 | Water Treatment Grades 3 and 4 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOViewL2-FILT-A-01Filter WaterArsenic Quick Test Mini KitL2-FILT-A-01 | Arsenic Quick Test Mini KitViewL2-AMAZ-I-09AmazonHealth Metric | In-Home DIY Drinking Water with TDSL2-AMAZ-I-09 | Health Metric - In-Home DIY Drinking Water with TDSViewRecommended ProductsAmazonL2-AMAZ-I-01 | In-home Arsenic Screening Test (5 tests)ViewAmazonL2-AMAZ-P-04 | Professional Field Arsenic Screening Test (100 tests)ViewAmazonL2-AMAZ-T-01 | Toxic & Essential Hair Elements TestViewAmazonL2-AMAZ-N-01 | NIDS® ACE Rapid 5 Minute Pesticide, Toxic/Heavy Metal, Arsenic Test (3 Tests/Pack)ViewNational Testing LabsL3-NATE-W-2 | WaterCheck DeluxeNote: For rural Areas with Herbicides and Pesticides UsageViewNational Testing LabsL3-NATE-C-3 | CityCheck StandardNote: Use in combination with Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria TestViewCrystal QuestST-CRYS-D-04 | Arsenic Removal Countertop Filter TripleViewFilter WaterST-FILT-F-03 | FW-210 Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis SystemNote: If the concentration is < 0.01 mg/LNote: Uranium less than < 0.030 mg/LViewCrystal QuestLT-CRYS-A-01 | Arsenic and Whole-House Filter Dual-TankViewAmazonBK-AMAZ-W-01 | Water Well Rehabilitation and ReconstructionViewAmazonBK-AMAZ-W-03 | Water Treatment Grade 2 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOViewAmazonBK-AMAZ-W-04 | Water Treatment Grades 3 and 4 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOViewFilter WaterL2-FILT-A-01 | Arsenic Quick Test Mini KitViewAmazonL2-AMAZ-I-09 | Health Metric - In-Home DIY Drinking Water with TDSViewNeighborhood Environmental Report Order a Neighborhood Environmental Report to learn about potential hazards in your community.Level 3 | Informational Water TestingLevel 3 Testing is done through an accredited Water Testing Laboratory. With Level 3 Testing, you can order a testing kit that is used to prepare your sample and submit it to the lab. By utilizing a lab, you have the assurance that a certified water expert had analyzed your water sample. If your test results reveal the presence of a contaminant that is cause for concern, you can either proceed to determine the best treatment options (see below) or continue to Level 4 Testing - Certified Testing.Notes on Level 3 Testing for ArsenicFor well owners and private water systems, we would recommend the Water Check Standard Testing Kit, but if you are located in an agricultural or industrial area we would recommend the Deluxe Testing Kit. For City Water customers, we would recommend the City Water Standard Testing Kit.Recommended Level 3 TestsL2-AMAZ-I-01AmazonIn-home Arsenic Screening Test (5 tests)L2-AMAZ-I-01 | In-home Arsenic Screening Test (5 tests)ViewL2-AMAZ-P-04AmazonProfessional Field Arsenic Screening Test (100 tests)L2-AMAZ-P-04 | Professional Field Arsenic Screening Test (100 tests)ViewL2-AMAZ-T-01AmazonToxic & Essential Hair Elements TestL2-AMAZ-T-01 | Toxic & Essential Hair Elements TestViewL2-AMAZ-N-01AmazonNIDS® ACE Rapid 5 Minute Pesticide, Toxic/Heavy Metal, Arsenic Test (3 Tests/Pack)L2-AMAZ-N-01 | NIDS® ACE Rapid 5 Minute Pesticide, Toxic/Heavy Metal, Arsenic Test (3 Tests/Pack)ViewL3-NATE-W-2National Testing LabsWater Check DeluxeNote: For rural Areas with Herbicides and Pesticides UsageL3-NATE-W-2 | WaterCheck DeluxeViewL3-NATE-C-3National Testing LabsCityCheck StandardNote: Use in combination with Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria TestL3-NATE-C-3 | CityCheck StandardViewST-CRYS-D-04Crystal QuestArsenic Removal Countertop Filter TripleST-CRYS-D-04 | Arsenic Removal Countertop Filter TripleViewST-FILT-F-03Filter WaterFW-210 Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System (Code A27AC)Note: If the concentration is < 0.01 mg/LNote: Uranium less than < 0.030 mg/LST-FILT-F-03 | FW-210 Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis SystemViewLT-CRYS-A-01Crystal QuestArsenic and Whole-House Filter Dual-TankLT-CRYS-A-01 | Arsenic and Whole-House Filter Dual-TankViewBK-AMAZ-W-01AmazonWater Well Rehabilitation and ReconstructionBK-AMAZ-W-01 | Water Well Rehabilitation and ReconstructionViewBK-AMAZ-W-03AmazonWater Treatment Grade 2 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOBK-AMAZ-W-03 | Water Treatment Grade 2 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOViewBK-AMAZ-W-04AmazonWater Treatment Grades 3 and 4 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOBK-AMAZ-W-04 | Water Treatment Grades 3 and 4 WSO: AWWA Water System Operations WSOViewL2-FILT-A-01Filter WaterArsenic Quick Test Mini KitL2-FILT-A-01 | Arsenic Quick Test Mini KitViewL2-AMAZ-I-09AmazonHealth Metric | In-Home DIY Drinking Water with TDSL2-AMAZ-I-09 | Health Metric - In-Home DIY Drinking Water with TDSViewL3-NATE-W-2 | WaterCheck DeluxeLevel 4 | Certified Water TestingA Level 4 Certified Test Test uses chain-of-custody with a water professional coming to your home to prepare the water sample a… truncated (8,294 more characters in archive)