Where does arsenic come from and what is it used for?
Arsenic is naturally present in equal amounts throughout the planet. The concentrations associated with arsenic poisoning are usually caused by mining and industrial operations or by foul intent (homicide or suicide). Arsenic is used to harden metals such as lead and copper. On the industrial side, arsenic is used in pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives, paints, and alloyed with other commonly used metals. Arsenic poisoning, either acute or chronic, is mostly result from workers being exposed or the element finding its way into the ground water (Pate and Hudson, 2010). It was also used to exterminate rodents in farmer’s fields and as a murder weapon. How toxic is arsenic and what are signs of poisoning? The Environmental Protection Agency places a limit for drinking water with arsenic at 10 parts per billion. According to the local water management company Truckee Meadows Water Authority, the arsenic level in the water averages 6.31 ppb and 16.8 ppb (high range). Tumor growth and
