What Research has been conducted on Arsenic?
During the 1940s when a standard for arsenic was first established, the key health effects of ingesting arsenic were believed to be limited to skin cancer and black foot disease. Since that time, extensive research has been done around the world linking arsenic to a wide range of health effects including both cancer and non-cancer causing illnesses.The majority of toxicity and epidemiology research on the topic has been performed outside of the United States, which has been a key factor in the controversy over which level of arsenic is safe for drinking water. On April 23, 2001, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) was directed by EPA to analyze the research conducted on the health effects of arsenic and make an appropriaterecommendation for the United StatesIn its analysis, NAS used research published through the fall of 1999. In a renewed effort to determine the appropriate level by the Bush Administration, the EPA again has turned to the NAS requesting an analysis of health effect
