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Arsenic poisoning might be a favorite way for murders to kill their victims in murder mysteries, but it can also happen if you are exposed to excess arsenic in groundwater, food and other sources over a period of time. Chronic arsenic poisoning occurs when you are exposed to small levels that accumulate in your body, leading to symptoms and problems. This differs from an acute situation in which you ingest a large amount of arsenic. It is important to be aware of the issue so that you know whether you are at risk, and when it is necessary to have arsenic removal in your water system. Sources of Arsenic There are two types of arsenic: inorganic and organic. The use of organic here is not the same as it is when discussing food. Here, it means the molecular structure of the arsenic. Organic arsenic is generally found in food sources and is less toxic than inorganic arsenic. Inorganic arsenic generally comes from pollution due to industrial processes. You might also come in contact with arsenic through cigarette smoke, polluted air or consuming contaminated food. Rice and apples are known to have some levels of arsenic, but it generally is organic arsenic, so it is not as dangerous. Symptoms of Chronic Arsenic Poisoning Chronic arsenic poisoning generally has a better prognosis than acute arsenic poisoning, although it can still be life threatening. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dark colored urine, destruction of your red blood cells, delirium, dehydration and vertigo. In more serious situations, you might also experience shock, heart problems or even death. For chronic arsenic poisoning, it is common to have skin problems or changes to your kidney and liver function. There have also been links to certain cancers and chronic exposure to low levels of arsenic. What You Can Do If you believe that you might be suffering from chronic or acute arsenic poisoning, always talk to a medical professional. They will run some tests to determine whether you have elevated level of arsenic or other lab markers of potential poisoning. Although acute cases of arsenic poisoning are difficult to treat, chronic arsenic poising is treatable and generally has a good outcome. The best course of action is to prevent your exposure. You can do this by reviewing the sources of arsenic and taking action, such as not smoking and using an arsenic removal water filtration system. It is best to act quickly if you suspect any health problems. If you know that you live in an area with arsenic in the groundwater, then make sure you have a good arsenic removal water filtration system in place to prevent exposure.
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