A condition known as arsenicosis develops after ingesting or inhaling large concentrations of arsenic. Arsenic is a carcinogen that is gray, silver, or white. Arsenic is exceedingly dangerous for humans. It is particularly risky because it has no taste or smell, so it’s to be exposed to it without realizing it. Inorganic (or “man-made”) formulae for arsenic are also available in addition to its natural occurrence. Mining, manufacturing, and agriculture all use these.
Arsenic poisoning symptoms
Arsenic poisoning symptoms could include:
- Stomachache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Skin that is rosy or puffy
- Skin changes like new warts or lesions
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Muscular pain
- Tingling in the toes and fingers
Arsenic poisoning might result in more severe symptoms if it is prolonged. If you develop any of the following symptoms following a possible arsenic exposure, you should get medical care right away:
- Skin color fading
- Recurring painful throat
- Ongoing stomach problems.
The World Health Organization states that long-term symptoms frequently begin in the skin and can appear five years after exposure. Extreme poisoning cases might be fatal.
Causes of arsenic poisoning
Arsenic poisoning is most often caused by contaminated groundwater. The earth already contains arsenic, and it can leak into the groundwater. Additionally, discharge from industrial plants may be present in groundwater. Poisoning can result from repeatedly drinking water that contains arsenic. This is why arsenic removal from drinking water is crucial.
Arsenic poisoning may also result from the following other factors:
- Eating food tainted with arsenic — this is uncommon, but some seafood and animal products may contain trace amounts of arsenic
- Being exposed to landfills or waste sites
- Inhaling air contaminated by arsenic-using plants or mines
- Taking in arsenic-contaminated air
- Consuming tobacco products
- Residing close to industrial areas
- Inhaling smoke or dust from wood or garbage previously treated with arsenic.
Arsenic poisoning treatment
Treatment for arsenic poisoning doesn’t have a set standard. Eliminating exposure to arsenic is the most effective treatment for the illness. It could take weeks or months for a person to recover fully. It all depends on how much exposure you’ve had. Another factor to consider is the intensity of your symptoms.
Alternative treatments to lessen the consequences of exposure to arsenic include vitamin E and selenium supplementation. It is believed that these compounds balance one another out. More human research is still required to support vitamin E and selenium as effective therapy options.
How to avoid consuming too much arsenic
Arsenic poisoning continues to occur in groundwater most frequently. Ensure you drink clean, filtered water, one of the best ways to avoid arsenic poisoning. You should also ensure that all meals are prepared with arsenic-filtered water.
Take extra measures if you work in industries that use arsenic. Wear a mask and bring your water from home to prevent unintentional arsenic inhalation. Consider solely consuming bottled water while you’re traveling.
The prognosis for arsenic poisoning
While short-term arsenic poisoning might result in unpleasant symptoms, the prognosis is still favorable. The most severe issues usually result from prolonged exposure to arsenic. This can occur at work every day or by ingesting or breathing toxins often. The earlier you discover arsenic poisoning, the better the prognosis.
