Arsenic

Arsenic is a notoriously poisonous metalloid with many allotropic forms, including a yellow (molecular non-metallic) and several black and grey forms (metalloids). Three metalloidal forms of arsenic, each with a different crystal structure, are found free in nature (the minerals arsenic sensu stricto and the much rarer arsenolamprite and pararsenolamprite). However, it is more commonly found as arsenide and in arsenate compounds, several hundred of which are known. Arsenic and its compounds are used as pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and in various alloys.

Arsenic is very toxic and harmful for the human body. Ingestion of arsenic through drinking water can lead to symptoms including violent stomach pains in the region of the bowels; tenderness and pressure; retching; excessive saliva production; vomiting; diarrhea; convulsions and cramps; clammy sweats; delirium; death. Some of these symptoms may be absent where the poisoning results from inhalation, as of arseniuretted hydrogen. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning start with mild headaches and can progress to lightheadedness and usually, if untreated, will result in death.

Occupational exposure to arsenic may occur with copper or lead smelting and wood treatment, among workers involved in the production or application of pesticides containing organic arsenicals. Humans are exposed to arsenic primarily through air, drinking water, and food. Arsenic is more commonly found in well water but can also be found in municipal city water.

Regular activated carbon water filters cannot remove arsenic from tap water. A reverse osmosis system will remove 93-98% of arsenic to deliver safe drinking water.

* Some info courtesy of Wikipedia.

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