Arsenic Exposure
Preventing arsenic exposure
As specialists in the field of occupational medicine, Concentra’s affiliated physicians provide treatment for a variety of workplace injuries and issues, including arsenic exposure.
Arsenic exists in three common forms: metalloid arsenic, which is generally regarded as nonpoisonous due to insolubility in water and body fluids; pentavalent arsenic; and trivalent arsenic, the most toxic form. Common sources of arsenic are both natural and industrial.
Naturally occurring arsenic is found in higher concentrations in certain geographic locations such as the southwest, northwest and Alaska. Therefore, its concentration in groundwater may vary. Other natural sources of arsenic include seafood and kelp, as well as tobacco and wine from products sprayed with arsenic-containing pesticides.
Although its use is on the decline in the industrial arena, sources have included smelting, purifying industrial gas, wood preservatives, pesticides, herbicides and electronics manufacturing.
Other sources have included traditional medicinals such as Fowler’s solution (potassium arsenite), antiparasitic drugs, kelp-containing health foods and some naturopathic remedies.
