Why is Arsenic harmful to human health?
A. Some people who drink water with Arsenic in excess of the MCL of 10 ppb over many years may experience skin damage, circulatory system problems and may have an increased risk of cancer and the enhancement of cancer progression. Arsenic also appears to act as endocrine disrupter to block glucocorticoid action which may contribute to the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. More specifically, a variety of human cancers are associated with Arsenic ingestion such as, but not limited to, lung, bladder, prostate, skin, and liver cancer. At the cellular level, Arsenic can also inhibit chromosomal repair and mitochondrial respiration. In addition, Arsenic can also cause circulatory system and neurological damage and promote diabetes. Therefore all users of water from wells and other sources with Arsenic levels over 10 ppb are required to drink and cook with potable bottled water.
