Cancer Risks From Arsenic in Drinking Water

NRDC: Arsenic in Drinking Water FAQ:

What are the possible health effects of arsenic in drinking water? According to a 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences, arsenic in drinking water causes bladder, lung and skin cancer, and may cause kidney and liver cancer. The study also found that arsenic harms the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as heart and blood vessels, and causes serious skin problems. It also may cause birth defects and reproductive problems.

Does it occur often? NRDC analyzed data compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on arsenic in drinking water in 25 states. Our most conservative estimates based on the data indicate that more than 34 million Americans drink tap water supplied by systems containing average levels of arsenic that pose unacceptable cancer risks. We consider it likely that as many as 56 million people in those 25 states have been drinking water with arsenic at unsafe levels -- and that's just the 25 states that reported arsenic information to the EPA.

Can I buy a filter that will remove arsenic from my water? Yes. You should purchase filters certified by NSF International (1-800-NSF-MARK) to remove arsenic (such as water distillation systems). While such certification is not necessarily a guarantee of safety, it is better than no certification at all. It is critically important that all filters be maintained and replaced at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer; otherwise they might make the problem worse.

Read more Arsenic in Drinking Water FAQ's at NRDC: Arsenic in Drinking Water FAQ.

Learn more about NSF Approved Arsenic Drinking Water Filters at Crystal Quest.


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