Most Frequently Asked Questions About Arsenic
- How do I know that arsenic is present in my water?
Dissolved arsenic does not have any color, odour or specific taste. Thus, the only way of knowing its presence is through appropriate analysis in a reliable chemical laboratory.
- I do not show any external signs of arsenic poisoning. Does that confirm that I am unaffected?
No. Collect samples of your hair, nail and urine and get them analyzed for arsenic. Arsenic poisoning often takes years to manifest themselves.
- A member of my family is suffering from arsenic poisoning. Is it safe to share utensils, bed and daily usables with him/her?
Yes, it is safe. Arsenic-induced diseases are non-contagious and there is absolutely nothing to fear from arsenic-affected individuals.
- Where is arsenic really coming from?
Arsenic is often present in soil in trace amounts. Arsenic contamination of groundwater occurs from slow leaching of soil. Arsenic contamination of groundwater has been reported in many developed countries including USA.
- Is overwithdrawal of groundwater responsible for arsenic leaching?
There is no clear evidence at this time that groundwater withdrawal is responsible for arsenic leaching from soil in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Scientifically, however, such a possibility exists.
- Is over fertilization of agricultural land responsible for arsenic leaching?
Both phosphate and nitrate have been found in groundwaters; they evidently resulted from the application of fertilizer. It is well known that phosphate enhances leaching of arsenic from soil.
- Can simple filtration remove arsenic from the groundwater?
To some extent, yes. The groundwaters in Gangetic basin often contain dissolved iron. Upon withdrawal, the irons precipitate out and remove arsenic by the process of adsorption. Thus, several hours after collection of tubewell water, simple filtration using a household cotton cloth is expected to remove arsenic.
- Is it true that arsenic poisoning affects poor people more severely?
Several studies have suggested a positive correlation between severity of arsenic poisoning and nutritional uptake. Thus poor people suffering from malnutrition are more susceptible to arsenic poisoning.
- Does the toxicity of arsenic contaminated groundwater depend on arsenic speciation?
In groundwater arsenic exists as As(V) and As(III) species. Although As(III) is more toxic compared to As(V), the chronic toxicity at such low concentration is influenced only by total arsenic concentration.
