Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Arsenic poisoning is a type of heavy metal poisoning. Arsenic is a metalloid element found naturally in the environment. Poisoning occurs when a person ingests too much arsenic. This can happen through the contamination of food and water. You can also be exposed to arsenic in the air in the form of a gas.
Because arsenic has no odor or taste, it is impossible to detect. However, arsenic poisoning symptoms may be a clue that someone has been exposed.
Types of Arsenic
There are two types of arsenic:
Arsenic Poisoning Symptoms
Arsenic poisoning can be acute or chronic. If you’re exposed to high levels of arsenic all at once, you’ll typically experience symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes.
Symptoms of acute poisoning include:
Without treatment, your cardiovascular and central nervous systems will begin to shut down, and death will occur within a few hours.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
You can also be exposed to small amounts of arsenic over a long period. Symptoms of chronic exposure include:
Other potential long-term effects include:
While symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning usually happen within an hour, symptoms of chronic exposure can take up to eight weeks to present themselves.
Causes of Arsenic Poisoning
You can be exposed to arsenic in various ways, including through:
Arsenic RegulationThis substance is highly regulated because of toxicity and adverse effects linked to arsenic exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits arsenic levels to 10 micrograms per liter of U.S. drinking water. The limit for foods is specific to those that typically contain higher levels of arsenic, such as rice cereal (100 parts per billion).
Arsenic Regulation
This substance is highly regulated because of toxicity and adverse effects linked to arsenic exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits arsenic levels to 10 micrograms per liter of U.S. drinking water. The limit for foods is specific to those that typically contain higher levels of arsenic, such as rice cereal (100 parts per billion).
Arsenic Poisoning Diagnosis
Because symptoms aren’t always the same in everyone, it can be difficult for a healthcare professional to diagnose arsenic from a physical examination and medical history alone. Symptoms of chronic exposure may also be more vague and difficult to identify.
Testing for arsenic can be done using:
How Can I Avoid Arsenic Exposure?
Keep in mind that most household water filters don’t remove arsenic from drinking water.
Treating Arsenic Poisoning
There’s no specific treatment for arsenic poisoning. However,chelation therapymay help in some cases.
This treatment involves injecting or ingesting a chelating agent. Once in your bloodstream, it combines with the toxic arsenic and helps expel it from the body. Chelating agents aren’t always recommended because they have adverse effects and aren’t helpful for chronic arsenic exposure.
Otherwise, treatment aims to manage symptoms. For example, a doctor might treat you with intravenous (IV, infused into a vein) hydration to counteract the effects of severe diarrhea.
Summary
Arsenic is a heavy metal that occurs naturally. Ingesting or breathing in too much of it can cause harmful effects. Poisoning can be chronic (over a long time) or acute (a sudden onset).
Because arsenic is challenging to detect without testing, you may not know you’ve been exposed. Diagnosis involves various lab tests that check for arsenic. Treatment aims at managing symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to arsenic, it’s essential to see a doctor for treatment. If the source of arsenic is known, it’s also vital to avoid further exposing yourself to the substance.
If you work somewhere where arsenic exposure is possible, ask about safety regulations in place to minimize chronic arsenic exposure.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Arsenic.Winchester Hospital.Arsenic toxicity.American Cancer Society.Arsenic and cancer risk.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Heavy metal poisoning.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.How should patients overexposed to arsenic be treated and managed?
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Arsenic.Winchester Hospital.Arsenic toxicity.American Cancer Society.Arsenic and cancer risk.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Heavy metal poisoning.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.How should patients overexposed to arsenic be treated and managed?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
World Health Organization.Arsenic.Winchester Hospital.Arsenic toxicity.American Cancer Society.Arsenic and cancer risk.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Heavy metal poisoning.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.How should patients overexposed to arsenic be treated and managed?
World Health Organization.Arsenic.
Winchester Hospital.Arsenic toxicity.
American Cancer Society.Arsenic and cancer risk.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Heavy metal poisoning.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.How should patients overexposed to arsenic be treated and managed?
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