In a sobering study, published in the Oxford Journal, focusing on the history of arsenic exposure and toxicity, researchers stated that while normal arsenic exposure from the environment isn’t considered a health risk – there are geographical global areas that raise concern of toxicity from natural and environmental pollution from human activity.
“Many of these areas have been identified, and efforts are being made to either remediate these areas or limit access to them. Arsenic is the number one substance in the most recent Comprehensive, Environmental, Response, Compensation and Liability Act.” These statistics were presented in a registry of toxic substances and disease ranked for frequency, toxicity, and potential human exposure.
The Toxicity Summary, released by the Environmental Protection Agency, reminds the public of the importance of continuing education on the health effects of arsenic exposure. The summary reports “Chronic inorganic arsenic exposure is known to be associated with adverse health effects on several systems of the body, but is most known for causing specific types of skin lesions, (sores, hyperpigmentation, and other lesions) and increased risks of cancer of the lung and skin. Other reported effects of chronic arsenic exposure in adults include kidney damage and failure, anemia, low blood pressure and shock, and central nervous symptoms such as headaches, weakness, and delirium. There also may be an increased risk of diabetes in chronically-exposed adults and children.”
The summary concluded that exposure might also be linked to elevated bladder, liver, kidney, and prostate cancer rates. The report adds exposure may cause adverse liver and respiratory effects, mucous membrane irritation, as well as elevated pre-term delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and infant mortality for pregnant women.
Marjorie James, a representative for a popular health and wellness brand, responded to the alarming news, saying “It is paramount for people to explore research documenting levels of inorganic arsenic in foods and supplements. For example, recent findings in a Dartmouth Superfund Research Program drew attention to recent studies that identified rice and rice based foods as arsenic sources, and included cereal bars and energy shots, some brands of juice, and some seaweed products. When looking at any natural product, consumers should know that a Certificate of Analysis outlining exactly what the product contains should be readily accessible.” James quoted a study published at the National Institutes of Health, advising people to avoid hijiki seaweed, as it could “significantly increase dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic.”