Toxicology by Steven G. Gilbert: A Small Dose of Arsenic
ARSENIC DOSSIER
Name: Arsenic
Use: wood preservative, pesticides, semiconductor manufacturing
Source: coal combustion, drinking water, environment, medical drug, seafood
Recommended daily intake: none (not essential)
Absorption: inhalation, intestine - inorganic high, organic low, skin
Sensitive individuals: children
Toxicity/symptoms: Peripheral nervous system (tingling in hands in feet), skin cancer (ingestion), lung cancer (inhalation); Hyperpigmentation (keratosis) of palms and soles; vascular complications
Regulatory facts: EPA - Drinking water 10 µg/L (0.01 ppm)
EPA - RfD - 0.3 µg/kg/day
OSHA - Workplace air 10 µg/m3
ATSDR - MRL - 0.3 µg/kg/day
General facts: long history of use as medicine and poison
Environmental: global environmental contaminate, bioaccumulates in fish and shellfish (mostly in a form that is not harmful)
Recommendations: avoid, do not use arsenic treated lumber, test drinking water
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References / Additional Information (updated 6/19/04)