Arsenic (As) Test – Detect Hidden Poisoning from Water & Food Early

Overview

Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring toxic element that can be found in soil, water, air, and certain foods. It belongs to the group of heavy metals and has no known beneficial role in the human body.
Even at very small amounts, arsenic can be harmful if exposure continues over time. Because of its potential to cause organ damage, nerve problems, and cancer, it is considered one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants worldwide.

The Arsenic test (blood, urine, hair, or nails) helps detect exposure or poisoning from arsenic. It is particularly useful for individuals who live in areas with contaminated groundwater, work in industries using heavy metals, or show symptoms of arsenic toxicity.

What is Arsenic (As)?

Arsenic is a chemical element (atomic number 33) that exists in both organic and inorganic forms.

• Organic arsenic (found in seafood like fish or shellfish) is usually less toxic and easily excreted.
• Inorganic arsenic, found in contaminated groundwater, industrial waste, and pesticides, is highly toxic and harmful to human health.

In the body, arsenic interferes with cellular energy production and damages DNA, which can lead to cell death and cancer if exposure continues for long periods.

Where It Comes From / How It Enters the Body

Arsenic does not form naturally inside the body — it enters through external sources such as:

• Contaminated drinking water, especially from deep wells and groundwater in regions such as Bangladesh, India, and some parts of the USA.
• Industrial pollution from smelting, metal refining, and coal burning.
• Certain pesticides, herbicides, and wood preservatives containing arsenic compounds.
• Seafood, especially shellfish (contains organic arsenic, which is usually non-toxic).
• Mining and smelting activities that release arsenic dust or fumes into the environment.
• Airborne particles near industrial waste sites.

Once it enters the body, arsenic is distributed through the bloodstream and can accumulate in liver, kidneys, skin, hair, and nails.

Main Effects and Importance of Testing

Arsenic testing is essential because exposure can occur silently over many years without clear symptoms. Detecting arsenic early helps prevent long-term complications.

1. Acute Poisoning

• Ingestion of large doses can cause severe toxicity or death within hours or days.
• Symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, confusion, and shock.

2. Chronic Exposure

• Long-term low-dose exposure can cause:
  • Skin pigmentation changes (dark patches or white spots)
  • Thickened skin (keratosis), especially on palms and soles
  • Peripheral nerve damage (tingling or numbness in hands and feet)
  • Liver and kidney injury
  • Increased risk of cancers (skin, bladder, and lung)

3. Organ Damage

Arsenic affects multiple organs:

• Liver: Causes hepatitis-like damage and enzyme imbalance.
• Kidneys: Impairs filtration and toxin removal.
• Heart: Increases risk of hypertension and arrhythmias.
• Nervous System: Causes weakness, tingling, and cognitive problems.

4. Public Health Importance

Regular testing of water sources and human samples helps detect early exposure and prevent community-level poisoning. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that drinking water arsenic should not exceed 10 µg/L.

Causes of Low Arsenic Levels

There is no health concern with low arsenic levels — in fact, the lower the level, the better.
Healthy individuals may have small traces of arsenic from food, but these are non-toxic organic forms.

Low Level Causes

• Normal diet and clean water consumption
• Absence of industrial or environmental exposure
• Regular detoxification through kidneys

Symptoms of Low Levels

• No symptoms — low or undetectable arsenic levels are considered normal and safe.
  The body does not need arsenic for any metabolic or hormonal function.

Causes of High Arsenic Levels

High levels of arsenic occur due to environmental, dietary, or occupational exposure. Common causes include:

• Drinking contaminated groundwater with inorganic arsenic
• Eating crops or vegetables grown in arsenic-rich soil
• Occupational exposure (miners, smelters, pesticide workers)
• Burning arsenic-treated wood
• Living near industrial waste or smelting areas

In such environments, arsenic can enter through drinking, breathing, or skin contact.

Symptoms of High Arsenic Levels

Acute Exposure (Sudden High Dose)

• Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Dehydration and low blood pressure
• Muscle cramps, confusion, and seizures
• In extreme cases, shock or death

Chronic Exposure (Low Dose Over Time)

• Darkening or spotting of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Thickened skin patches (keratosis) on palms or soles
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Weakness and fatigue
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Increased risk of cancers (especially of the skin, bladder, and lungs)

Reference Ranges (Normal Values)

(Reference ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory.)

Sample Type and Collection

• Common sample: Urine (preferred for recent exposure detection)
• Other samples: Blood, hair, or nails (for detecting past exposure)
• Collection method: Standard specimen collection from a vein or urine sample
• Fasting: Usually not required

For accurate results, avoid seafood for at least 2–3 days before the test, since it can temporarily raise organic (non-toxic) arsenic levels.

Test Preparation

1. No fasting needed unless advised by your doctor.
2. Avoid seafood (fish, shellfish, seaweed) for 48–72 hours before the test.
3. Avoid occupational exposure before testing (for industrial workers).
4. Use clean containers for urine or blood collection to prevent contamination.
5. Inform your doctor if you work in metal or chemical industries.

When to Consult a Doctor

You should consult a doctor and get an arsenic test if you have:

• Skin changes such as dark patches or thick rough areas
• Unexplained fatigue or numbness in hands and feet
• History of drinking groundwater or well water in affected regions
• Work exposure to metals, chemicals, or mining environments
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, cramps) without clear cause
• Unexplained liver or kidney test abnormalities

Early detection allows detoxification treatments and helps prevent permanent organ damage.

Important Word Explanations

• Heavy Metal Poison: A toxic element that accumulates in body tissues and disrupts normal function.
• Keratosis: A skin condition with thickened, rough patches due to chronic arsenic exposure.
• Hyperpigmentation: Dark discoloration of the skin.
• Inorganic Arsenic: Toxic form of arsenic found in water and industrial products.
• Organic Arsenic: Less toxic form, found in seafood.
• Toxicity: Harmful effects due to excess intake of a substance.
• µg/L (Microgram per Liter): Measurement unit for arsenic concentration in body fluids.