Widespread Arsenic Poisoning Reported in Texas

Arsenic poisoning a widespread problem in Texas: For over a decade, at least 34 Texas counties have

reported that there is unsafe levels of arsenic in those communities tap water in excess of EPA standards. The State of Texas, while acknowledging that the arsenic levels in those communities water exceeds safe limits, has refused to do anything about it. Exposure to unsafe levels of arsenic in drinking water over a period of 5 or more years can result in health problems such as skin problems, cancer, and other diseases.

Arsenic poisoning affected 51,000 People for a decade, most are unaware

Arsenic, just like lead, can cause irreversible harm in humans. The problem in Texas may actually be worse than the problem in Flint, because it continues to fly under the radar. Texas officials have made no effort to alert citizens to the danger lurking in their tap water. The EPA limits the amount of arsenic in water to 10 parts per billion (ppb). But is 10 ppb of arsenic in water safe? Not really. Your chances of developing cancer from drinking water laced with 10 ppb of arsenic is 1 in 2,000. That means that out of the 51,000 people in Texas that are drinking arsenic laced water, at least 25 of them are going to get cancer from it. The actual number of people that will get cancer in Texas from drinking the arsenic laced water will actually be much higher because some communities have water with 20 ppb arsenic or higher. At 20 ppb, your chances of developing cancer doubles.

How Arsenic affects your Health

Arsenicosis is the clinical name for arsenic poisoning that happens over a long period of time, typically 5 to 20 years. Symptoms of arsenicosis include:

• Skin hardening and discoloration’
• Skin cancer
• Cancers of the bladder, kidney, and lung
• Blood vessel diseases
• Reproductive disorders
• Extreme cases: Black foot disease

 

Skin hardening and discoloration: Discoloration will be apparent on hands and skin. It can appear as white, grey, or black spots. These spots will often harden into patches of rough, dry, discolored skin. Skin problems are often the first sign of arsenicosis, if you have any of the symptoms described here, see a doctor immediately.

Skin cancers: Such as melanosis, which appears as a dark spot on the skin is caused by excessive melanin production in the tumor. Keratosis is a waxy brown, black or tan growth that appears elevated above the surface of the skin.

Cancers of the bladder, kidney, and lung Are more prevalent in areas with high arsenic content in the water. The problem is that these cancers don’t manifest themselves for decades, so connecting them definitively to arsenicosis is difficult.

Blood vessel disease: Blood vessels in the arms and legs get severely damaged by arsenic. It also damages the heart and can cause or contribute to congestive heart failure. High blood pressure and hardened arteries are also linked with long term arsenic poisoning.

Reproductive disorders: Arsenic is extremely harmful to the unborn. It results in birth defects, miscarriages, and stunted growth after birth.

Black foot disease: In the more extreme cases of Arsenicosis the blood vessels in the feet are so badly damaged that gangrene sets in.

How to treat arsenicosis

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from arsenicosis, see a doctor right away. The doctor can treat arsenicosis and document your injuries should you choose to sue your local water authority for arsenic poisoning.

Vitamin A and E: Are powerful antioxidant that may be helpful for preventing the cancers caused by arsenic poisoning.

Selenium: Is an essential mineral that may promote increased excretion of arsenic

Ionized alkaline water: Can act as an antioxidant that could rapidly reduce the damage caused by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which are a type of free radical that is generated in the body as a result of arsenic poisoning. Ionized alkaline water can also help detox from arsenic because it raises urine pH. Arsenic is an acidic toxin, raising urine pH helps the body expel arsenic more efficiently.

You should reduce your exposure to known sources of arsenic such as fish and contaminated drinking water.

How to filter arsenic from water

Life Ionizers offers several different options for filtering arsenic from your water. Our Arsenic, Lead, and Fluoride filter protects you from all three of those toxic metals. The Heavy Metal and Fluoride Super Filter reduces all types of heavy metals including arsenic and fluoride. These filters fit in standard, 10 inch filter housings. Life also carries complete drinking water filter systems that can be equipped with arsenic removal filters.

If you purchase a Life Ionizer, we will include a custom filtration system with it that filters arsenic from your water free with your purchase.

Worried about arsenic or other toxins in your water supply? Call us at 877-959-7977 for a free copy of your local water quality report, and we’ll discuss your options on how to make your water safe.

 

References

 

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Hiraoka, A, M Takemoto, and et al. “Studies on the Properties and Real Existence of

Aqueous Solution Systems that are Assumed to Have Antioxidant Activities by the Action of “Active Hydrogen.”Journal of Health Science. Journal of Health Science, 09 Jun 2004. Web. 2 Jul 2013. <http://image.sciencenet.cn/olddata/kexue.com.cn/upload/blog/file/2009/8/200986121047259319.pdf>

 

Abraham, Guy, and Jorge Flebas. “The effect of daily consumption of 2 liters of

electrolyzed water for 2 months on body composition and several physiological parameters in four obese subjects: a preliminary report.” Highbeam Research. Original Internist, 01 Sep 2011. Web. 2 Jul 2013. <http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-269433201.html>

 

Rosborg, I, B Nihlgard, and L Gerhardsson. “Hair element concentrations in females in

one acid and one alkaline area in southern Sweden.” PubMed NCBI. Ambio, n.d. Web. 3 Jul 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14703901>