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What is Arsenic Poisoning?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Arsenic poisoning is accidental or intentional exposure to arsenic in some form. In many cases, the poisoning takes place by either handling products containing high doses of arsenic without proper protection or ingesting foods or liquids containing unhealthy doses of arsenic. The range of symptoms with arsenic poisoning can range from mild headaches to death, depending on the extent of the exposure to the toxic chemical.

While many people tend to think in terms of arsenic poisoning taking place due to someone intentionally mixing the product into food or drink, it is possible to experience the poisoning by contact with substances that have not been doctored by anyone. For example, some types of lumber products once used arsenic as a preservative. Anyone sawing lumber treated in this manner could conceivably be poisoned over time due to exposure to airborne fragments and the sawdust that results of the sawing activity. In like manner, untreated water sources may contain amounts of arsenic that would build up in the system over time and begin to cause distress.

Mild headaches are often an early sign of arsenic poisoning.
Mild headaches are often an early sign of arsenic poisoning.

In the early stages, arsenic poisoning often begins with a feeling of general lethargy accompanied by mild headaches. As time goes on, the headaches and lack of energy become more pronounced. Abdominal pains may also begin to develop. If left untreated, the presence of arsenic in the system will begin to interfere with the body’s natural function and lead to organ failure and finally death.

Blood and urine samples are collected to detect arsenic poisoning.
Blood and urine samples are collected to detect arsenic poisoning.

Fortunately, there are a number of tests that can detect the presence of arsenic in the body. Various tests call for samples of hair, blood, fingernails, and urine. Urine tests can detect the presence of exposure to arsenic over the last couple of days, while hair and fingernail testing can be used to create an accurate record of the accumulation of arsenic in the body for as much as the past twelve months. Depending on the level of arsenic present, various medications can be administered to begin eliminating the chemical from the body and minimize the potential for long-term health problems related to the poisoning.

Arsenic exposure may increase an individual's risk of developing bladder cancer.
Arsenic exposure may increase an individual's risk of developing bladder cancer.

Avoiding arsenic poisoning normally means wearing protective gloves and clothing when handling any products containing arsenic. Working with older lumber calls for wearing a face mask in order to minimize the possible chances of contamination. It is also a good idea to not drink water from sources that are suspect.

Should an individual suspect he or she has developed arsenic poisoning for any reason, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately. The testing process can return results quickly, making it possible to begin treatment before any additional damage can be done to the body or any of its systems.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Mild headaches are often an early sign of arsenic poisoning.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Mild headaches are often an early sign of arsenic poisoning.
    • Blood and urine samples are collected to detect arsenic poisoning.
      By: angellodeco
      Blood and urine samples are collected to detect arsenic poisoning.
    • Arsenic exposure may increase an individual's risk of developing bladder cancer.
      By: joshya
      Arsenic exposure may increase an individual's risk of developing bladder cancer.
    • People in the early stages of arsenic poisoing may experience lethargy and an overall lack of energy.
      By: Coka
      People in the early stages of arsenic poisoing may experience lethargy and an overall lack of energy.
    • Arsenic poisoning may cause an individual to experience confusion.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Arsenic poisoning may cause an individual to experience confusion.
    • Some occupations may require protective gear and filtered masks due to the possibility of arsenic exposure.
      By: Destonian
      Some occupations may require protective gear and filtered masks due to the possibility of arsenic exposure.
    • Prolonged arsenic in the system will begin to interfere with the body’s natural function and can lead to organ failure and death.
      By: Robert Hoetink
      Prolonged arsenic in the system will begin to interfere with the body’s natural function and can lead to organ failure and death.
    • Arsenic poisoning can occur by ingesting foods or liquids that contain unhealthy doses of the substance.
      By: snpolus
      Arsenic poisoning can occur by ingesting foods or liquids that contain unhealthy doses of the substance.
    • Arsenic poisoning may result in organ failure.
      By: 7activestudio
      Arsenic poisoning may result in organ failure.