Arsenic (As)

 

Sources:

  • Air pollution
  • Water
  • Shellfish
  • Supplements based on herbs, algae, and kelp
  • Protein powders

Effects of Toxicity:

  • Note: organic arsenic is rarely problematic; inorganic arsenic is toxic
  • Acute exposure: upset stomach, pain/numbness, muscle weakness, heart rhythm changes
  • Chronic exposure: pain/numbness, skin and lung cancer, peripheral vascular disease,  liver damage
  • Note: arsenic crosses placenta to fetus; low in breast milk