Toxic Metals - Arsenic
Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment as an element of the earth’s crust. Arsenic is combined with other elements such as oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganic arsenic compounds. Exposure to higher-than-average levels of arsenic occurs mainly in workplaces, near or in dangerous waste sites, and areas with high levels naturally occurring in soil, rocks, and water. Exposure to arsenic at low levels for extended periods of time can cause a discoloration of the skin and the appearance of small corns or warts. Exposure to high levels of arsenic can cause death.
Arsenic exposure in the workplace occurs through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal or eye contact. Chronic exposure to arsenic can lead to dermatitis, mild pigmentation keratosis of the skin, vasospasticity, gross pigmentation with hyperkeratinization of exposed areas, wart formation, decreased nerve conduction velocity, and lung cancer. acute contacts can cause lung distress and death. |
