webassets/waterheader999.jpg

Arsenic in drinking water - Reverse Osmosis System

What is arsenic?

Arsenic is a natural element widely found in soil, bedrock and water. Pure arsenic is a silver-gray or white brittle metal, has no odour and is almost tasteless. Arsenicals are used commercially and industrially – e.g. as alloying agents, in processing of glass and pigment, in pesticides and in wood preservatives

How does arsenic get into water?

Arsenic may enter water supplies through discharge of industrial wastewater and agricultural pollution, or the dissolution of natural arsenic particles in rain, snow or groundwater. Arsenic is also released into the environment through the manufacturing of pesticides and the burning of fossil fuels. It is also a by-product of copper smelting, mining and coal burning.

Rocks and soil release arsenic into the ground water which can be drawn into water wells. Sometimes natural erosion can also introduce large quantities of arsenic into a local water source.

How does arsenic affect my health?

Arsenic has been recognized as a poison since ancient times. A long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water causes bladder, lung, skin, kidney and liver cancer. It can also harm the central and peripheral nervous systems, affect heart functions, damage bloods vessels, and can cause tremors, headaches, numbness and serious skin problems. It can also cause birth defects and reproductive problems.

Some symptoms linked to long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water include thickening and discoloration of the skin, nausea and diarrhea, decreased production of blood cells, keratosis and peripheral vascular diseases. Acute arsenic poisoning associated with ingestion of water with high levels of arsenic includes abdominal pain, vomiting, and pain to the extremities and muscles.

Other considerations

Arsenic poisoning in drinking water is a global problem. As research continues to find more advanced and practical techniques of detecting contaminated water sources and remediating them, we must seek to implement updated analytical methods to avoid the hazardous consequences of arsenic poisoning.

Inorganic arsenic is documented as a human carcinogen, and some organic arsenic compounds are regarded as non-toxic to humans. It is difficult to compare the intake of arsenic from food directly with that from drinking water, as the form and biological availability in these two sources vary. It has been estimated that about 25% of the intake of arsenic from food is inorganic and 75% is organic.

Maximum Acceptable Concentration for Drinking Water = 0.01 mg/L. In water, arsenic has no taste, smell, or colour. It can only be detected through a chemical test. The Canadian drinking water quality guideline for arsenic is 0.01 milligrams per litre (mg/L). The guideline limit for arsenic is based on the level that can be achieved by certified treatment units. Make every effort to keep arsenic levels as low as possible in drinking water.