Arsenic: A Medical and Environmental Alert
Arsenic, symbolized as “As,” is a semi-metallic element that is part of the nitrogen family. It is naturally found in the environment, in rocks and soils, and becomes a concern when it contaminates water sources through contact with these elements. Additionally, the mining industry has played a significant role in the proliferation of this toxic chemical. The particularly alarming aspect of arsenic is its odorless and tasteless nature, which complicates its detection in water without specialized testing. It forms various compounds, including inorganic and organic arsenicals, with the inorganic variants being notably more harmful. Typically, water contains inorganic arsenic, while food can contain both types.
High Health Risks of Arsenic in Water:
The health implications of high-level arsenic exposure are profound, as it is a recognized carcinogen linked to cancer. It adversely affects the vascular system and is associated with a heightened risk of diabetes, posing severe threats to multiple organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning encompass skin thickening and discoloration, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in extremities, partial paralysis, and blindness. In the U.S., especially in the southwest, and in various parts of Canada, well water may exceed the safety standards for arsenic set by governmental bodies. Local health departments or geological surveys can offer insights into the prevalence of arsenic in specific locales.
Arsenic Elimination Strategies:
The premier approach for arsenic removal is through adsorption with titanium dioxide media, in a standalone tank, specifically designed to treat the various types of arsenic, effectively targeting Pentavalent Arsenic, (Arsenic 5, Arsenic V, or Arsenate) and Trivalent Arsenic, (Arsenic 3, Arsenic III, or Arsenite) without necessitating pre-oxidation. This method is considered a whole home treatment solution, typically plumbed to the entire home, ensuring a durable solution, particularly when preemptive treatment for heavy metals like iron and manganese is needed. In situations with notable iron content, traditional iron filters may incidentally lower arsenic levels, but again a separate tank designed for treatment is the best option and long lasting. This is why you must know what’s in the water source to be able to effectively reduce the arsenic levels. Our company requires a water test for any well before we will design a water system to help mitigate arsenic. With municipal sources of water, we can look up the water report for clarification of what is in the source water in order to build an effective system. When it comes to water, because it is the foundation of optimal health, my company designs custom water systems for what’s in the water source. Reverse osmosis systems may be beneficial for certain arsenic variants, but not all types of arsenic can be removed without reintroducing chlorine back into the water. Which in my opinion is counterproductive.
For those concerned about arsenic in their water, it is crucial to utilize specialized arsenic water systems, which are indispensable for safeguarding health. The quality of the media used in these systems is essential for their longevity, and having a detection mechanism to indicate when media or filters require replacement is crucial for ongoing protection. Caution is advised regarding reverse osmosis systems that claim to remove all arsenic types, as they cannot. Personally, I have reservations about arsenic systems due to their tendency to strip essential minerals and their potential harm to water molecules. Reverse osmosis, a technology over 40 years old, is outdated and, in my view, should be avoided. Fortunately, modern alternatives offer efficient removal and detection solutions, simplifying the process of ensuring water safety and health.
Common Questions
Boiling water does not serve as a viable method for removing arsenic. In fact, when water is boiled, some of it evaporates, potentially leading to a higher concentration of arsenic in the remaining water.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic in drinking water at 0.010 mg/L, or 10 parts per billion. Despite this enforced level, the USEPA acknowledges that the safest level of arsenic in drinking water is zero, indicating any presence of arsenic carries a potential health risk.
Arsenic can naturally seep into water supplies through mineral deposits in rocks and soils. Additionally, human activities such as industrial waste discharge, fossil fuel combustion, metal production and mining, improper use of pesticides and feed additives, and waste incineration can introduce arsenic into drinking water.
Yes and NO. Reverse osmosis is effective in removing pentavalent arsenic (Arsenic 5, Arsenic V, or Arsenate) from water. However, it has to re-introduce chlorine back into the system to remove trivalent arsenic (Arsenic 3, Arsenic III, or Arsenite). Arsenic 3 must be converted to Arsenic 5 in order for a reverse osmosis system to remove it.
A reverse osmosis system can selectively remove pentavalent arsenic (Arsenic 5, Arsenic V, or Arsenate) from water. However, its capability to remove trivalent arsenic (Arsenic 3, Arsenic III, or Arsenite) directly is limited. To tackle trivalent arsenic, commonly found in municipal water sources, the system employs pre-chlorination. This process involves adding chlorine to the water to convert trivalent arsenic into its pentavalent form, making it susceptible to removal by reverse osmosis. This step is crucial for ensuring the effective treatment of water contaminated with trivalent arsenic, despite the paradox of reintroducing a chemical—chlorine—back into the water to achieve purification.
Yes. While reverse osmosis may remove pentavalent arsenic (Arsenic 5, Arsenic V, or Arsenate), it cannot directly eliminate trivalent arsenic (Arsenic 3, Arsenic III, or Arsenite). To address trivalent arsenic, pre-chlorination is used to convert it into its pentavalent form, making it removable by reverse osmosis. However, adding chlorine back into the water post-treatment raises concerns about reintroducing substances the system aims to eliminate, suggesting the need for alternative arsenic treatment methods that do not compromise water purity.
Arsenite is an inorganic form of arsenic, known scientifically as Arsenic III, characterized by its oxidative state. This form is notably more toxic compared to Arsenic V (pentavalent arsenic) and poses a significant risk due to its solubility in water. It is commonly encountered in groundwater, raising concerns for potential contamination of drinking water supplies.
Chlorination plays a critical role in water treatment, primarily for disinfection, and also aids in improving taste, odor, and removing certain metals and gases. It is a widely used method to ensure water safety and is applied at various stages, including initial preparation (pre-chlorination) and final disinfection (post-chlorination). However, the regular intake of chlorinated water poses potential health risks, as it introduces chlorine—a chemical disinfectant—into the gut and throughout the body’s tissues. This exposure can have adverse effects on our health, especially gut health and the bio dome of friendly and unfriendly bacteria in the gut. This highlights the importance of seeking alternative water purification methods for personal use to avoid the long-term consequences of chlorine consumption. Chlorination is a versatile water treatment method primarily used for disinfection. Beyond purifying water, it helps manage taste, odor, and the removal of iron, manganese, and certain gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. While it’s the predominant method for disinfecting water, chlorination can be applied at different stages of the treatment process, including pre-chlorination for initial water preparation and post-chlorination to ensure water safety before it reaches its municipalities consumers.
For comprehensive arsenic detection, it is essential to conduct tests for both Arsenic 3 (Trivalent Arsenic) and Arsenic 5 (Pentavalent Arsenic). These tests should be performed by a certified laboratory, which will provide a detailed written report of the results. This approach ensures accurate identification and quantification of arsenic forms present in the water sample.
To ensure the safety and quality of your water supply, it is advisable to conduct tests for both Arsenic 3 (Trivalent Arsenic) and Arsenic 5 (Pentavalent Arsenic) periodically. The frequency of testing can depend on several factors, including previous water test results, changes in water taste or appearance, and any known contamination issues in the area. However, as a general guideline, testing at least annually is recommended to monitor the levels of these arsenic forms and to take any necessary corrective actions promptly.
The cost of testing water for both Arsenic 3 (Trivalent Arsenic) and Arsenic 5 (Pentavalent Arsenic) can vary depending on the laboratory and the comprehensiveness of the test. It is advisable to obtain quotes from several certified laboratories to ensure competitive pricing. Generally, prices can range significantly, so it’s important to consider both the cost and the reputation of the laboratory. For the most accurate and current pricing, directly contacting certified testing facilities is recommended.
For targeted testing of Arsenic 3 and Arsenic 5, our fee is $89, which includes a certified report detailing the findings. For a comprehensive water analysis that identifies contaminants present, that are required to build and assists in designing an effective mitigation system, the cost is $350. This thorough examination ensures a tailored solution for water purification needs.