Arsenic (As)
A naturally occurring metalloid and Group 1 carcinogen. Arsenic leaches from rock formations into groundwater worldwide and accumulates in food crops, particularly rice. The EPA set a maximum contaminant level of 10 ppb in 2001, though many toxicologists argue the standard should be 3 ppb or lower.
Overview
Arsenic exists in two primary forms: inorganic (the more toxic form found in water and soil) and organic (found in seafood, generally considered less harmful). Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic, even at low levels, is associated with multiple cancers, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disruption.
Arsenic contamination of groundwater affects over 140 million people globally, with the worst affected regions in Bangladesh, West Bengal, Vietnam, and parts of the western United States. In the US, private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act and are the most common source of high-arsenic tap water.
Beyond water, arsenic enters the food supply through rice cultivation. Rice paddies flooded with arsenic-contaminated water concentrate inorganic arsenic in the grain. This makes rice, rice cereal, rice milk, and rice syrup meaningful dietary exposure routes, particularly for infants and young children.
Health Effects
- Cancer -- bladder, lung, skin, kidney, and liver cancers. IARC classifies inorganic arsenic as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans). Dose-response relationship is well-established.
- Cardiovascular disease -- associated with coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and QT prolongation. Chronic exposure damages vascular endothelium.
- Diabetes -- linked to type 2 diabetes through disruption of insulin signaling and pancreatic beta cell function. Multiple epidemiological studies show dose-dependent association.
- Skin lesions -- keratosis (thickening of palms and soles), hyperpigmentation, and depigmentation. Often the earliest clinical sign of chronic arsenic exposure.
- Neurological effects in children -- reduced IQ, impaired cognitive development, and learning disabilities. Prenatal and early childhood exposure is most damaging.
Regulatory Thresholds
EPA MCL
United States (set 2001, some experts advocate 3 ppb)
10 ppb
WHO Guideline
World Health Organization
10 ppb
CA Public Health Goal
California OEHHA
4 ppb
EU Drinking Water Directive
European Union
10 ug/L
FDA Bottled Water
United States
10 ppb
Exposure Sources
Groundwater
Naturally occurring in rock formations, especially in the western United States, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. Leaches into well water and aquifers. Private wells are unregulated and highest risk.
Rice and rice products
Rice absorbs arsenic from soil and water more efficiently than other grains. Rice cereal, rice milk, rice syrup, and brown rice are significant dietary sources, especially for infants.
Apple juice
Some apple juice products contain measurable inorganic arsenic from pesticide residue in orchard soil. FDA proposed an action level of 10 ppb for apple juice.
Wine
Arsenic-based pesticides (lead arsenate) were used in vineyards through the mid-20th century. Residual contamination persists in some wine regions.
Pressure-treated wood
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was used to treat lumber until 2003. Older decks, playgrounds, and fences may leach arsenic into surrounding soil.
Some salts
Redmond Real Salt contains 0.08 ug arsenic per teaspoon (ABNRF testing). Naturally occurring from the ancient salt deposit geology.
Where We Test for Arsenic
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arsenic in my tap water?
It depends on your water source. Private wells in arsenic-prone geology (western US, parts of New England, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia) carry the highest risk. Arsenic leaches naturally from rock formations into groundwater. Use the Alternative Health tap water lookup tool to check your public utility's reported arsenic levels. Private well owners should test independently through a certified lab.
How much arsenic is in rice?
White rice typically contains 3 to 7 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving. Brown rice contains 5 to 10 micrograms because arsenic concentrates in the bran layer. Basmati and jasmine varieties tend to have lower arsenic levels than other long-grain or short-grain rice. Rinsing rice thoroughly and cooking in excess water (6:1 ratio) can reduce arsenic content by approximately 30%.
Do water filters remove arsenic?
Reverse osmosis systems remove over 95% of arsenic from water. Some activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 specifically for arsenic reduction are also effective. Standard pitcher-style filters (Brita, PUR) do not meaningfully remove arsenic. For well water with high arsenic, whole-house RO or arsenic-specific adsorption media (iron-based) are recommended.
Is there arsenic in Redmond Real Salt?
Yes. Independent testing by ABNRF found 0.08 micrograms of arsenic per teaspoon of Redmond Real Salt. This is below California Prop 65 thresholds but is a measurable, non-zero amount. Arsenic occurs naturally in the ancient salt deposit in Redmond, Utah. See the salt rankings page for comparative data across brands.