Drinking Water and Arsenic Exposure Risks Examined in New Study

Exposure to low-to-moderate levels of arsenic in drinking water was examined in the May 2019 issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging. The journal, from the American Heart Association (AHA), published a new study that looked at how arsenic exposure from groundwater could be associated with disproportionate growth of the heart.

It has long been known that exposure to elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water can cause health issues. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports health effects may include:

• Thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and liver effects
• Cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, neurological, reproductive and endocrine effects
• Cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver and prostate

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the greatest threat to public health from arsenic originates from contaminated groundwater. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified arsenic, arsenic compounds and arsenic in drinking water is carcinogenic to humans. In 2001, the EPA adopted a lower standard for arsenic in drinking water that applies to both community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems. The updated arsenic standard of 10 parts per billion (ppb) replaced the old standard of 50 ppb.

“This new study is a reminder for people that get their drinking water from private wells that they should have their water tested on a regular basis as arsenic is a potential threat to many Americans,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Arsenic from wells is a concern in many parts of the country because natural deposits of arsenic can be found in places from New England and the Mid-Atlantic to the Southeast, Southwest and West Coast. Some areas also have issues due to contamination from past agricultural and industrial uses of arsenic.”

To identify arsenic and other drinking water contamination concerns, EMSL offers comprehensive water testing services and provides all of the supplies necessary to collect and properly submit samples. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about arsenic exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/QIjNcli0kvA.

To learn more about arsenic testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail