What causes Arsenic Toxicity?

Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals, and may enter the air, water, and soil. It is also used:

• To preserve or pressure-treat wood (this use is being phased out except for specific applications such as railroad ties and utility poles, but old stocks may still be around and pose a risk)
• As a pesticide
• To produce glass
• In copper and other metal manufacturing
• In the electronics industry
• In medicine

Arsenic toxicity may occur when a person is exposed to toxic amounts of arsenic due to:

• Breathing air containing arsenic
• Eating food contaminated with arsenic
• Drinking water contaminated with arsenic
• Living in areas with high natural levels of arsenic
• Working in a job that involves arsenic

Inhalation of Arsenic

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