Certified reference materials for arsenic species in biological materials

Both arsenite and arsenate accumulate in biological tissues because of their affinity for proteins, lipids and other cellular compounds. The ability of aquatic organisms to transform inorganic arsenic into complex organoarsenicals appears to be retained along the food chain. More than 80 arsenic species have been reported in biological tissues. The interest in arsenic speciation results from the complex metabolism and the great differences in the toxicity of the different species. In general, organo-arsenic compounds are significantly less toxic than inorganic arsenic compounds. Arsenic speciation therefore plays a role in differentiating the exposure routes for humans (occupational exposure, water, seafood).