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Top rated, 2004-2007

At EWG, our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know.

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arsenic

In the chemical families: Arsenic compounds, Metals

Arsenic is a known human carcinogen found in most outdoor wooden structures ("pressure-treated" wood) built before 2004. Arsenic sticks to children's hands when they play on the wood, and is absorbed through the skin and ingested when they put their hands in their mouths. Thanks to pressure from EWG, arsenic is no longer used for pressure-treating outdoor wood -- but children still risk exposure when playing on decks and playgrounds built before the ban.

EWG Research on arsenic


Related News Clips on arsenic


Health Effects related to arsenic: Birth or developmental effects, Cancer, Endocrine system, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Reproduction and fertility

Routes of Exposure related to arsenic:

  • Consumer products: decks, playground equipment
  • Environment: agriculture
  • Food: chicken, rice
  • Found in people
  • Water: tap water

More chemicals in Arsenic compounds: view all...

More chemicals in Metals: Uranium, chromium oxide, chromium hydroxide, thimerosal, bismuth, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide greens, chromium hydroxide green, titanium dioxide, iron, view all...