chemical information
CAS RN:
07440-38-2
Chemical Class:
Found in these people:
Found in these locations:
Bolinas, CA
Summary
Arsenic is classified as a known human carcinogen, associated with increased risk of developing cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder, kidney, liver, and colon (NTP 2002). Longer exposures to arsenic can be deadly. Arsenic is also associated with: eye irritation and infection; skin disorders (increased pigmentation, corns, warts, itchy rash); kidney failure, anemia; respiratory toxicity (irritation, infection, breakdown of the nasal septum, lung hemorrhage, fluid accumulation); circulation disorders (Raynaud's syndrome, blood vessel constriction, cold hands and feet, numbness in hands and feet); cardiological effects (low blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, high heart rate, arrhythmia) and neurotoxicity. Neurological effects of arsenic exposure include peripheral nerve damage, hallucinations, memory loss, and agitation. A high level of arsenic in drinking water is associated with diabetes. Exposure during pregnancy is associated with spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, stillbirth, and possible malformations (ATSDR 2000a).
In laboratory animals, arsenic causes weight loss, diarrhea, lesions of the ear and feet, gastrointestinal tract lesions, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, and increased susceptibility to infection (ATSDR 2000a). Arsenic compounds also cause lung and stomach tumors in lab animals (NTP 2002). Fetal exposure can result in decreased birth weight, fetal death, delayed growth, chromosomal abnormalities, and skeletal malformations (ATSDR 2000a).
Arsenic (inorganic only)
Known human carcinogen in pressure-treated wood and food. Common tap water pollutant.
Arsenic (inorganic only) has been found in 1 of the 9 people tested in EWG/Commonweal studies.
Top health concerns for Arsenic (inorganic only) (References)
| health concern or target organ | weight of evidence |
| Cancer | strong |
| Gastrointestinal (including liver) | limited |
Other health concerns for Arsenic (inorganic only) (References)
| health concern or target organ | weight of evidence |
| Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | limited |
| Reproduction and fertility | unknown |
| Birth defects and developmental delays | unknown |
| Skin | limited |
| Sense organs | limited |
| Cardiovascular system | limited |
| Hematologic (blood) system | limited |
| Kidney and renal system | limited |
| Endocrine system | known |
Violations, restrictions, and warnings for Arsenic (inorganic only) (References)
Unsafe for use in cosmetics, Canada
Other relevant risk considerations for Arsenic (inorganic only) (References)
Wildlife and environmental toxicity
Results for Arsenic (inorganic only)
in urine
Showing results from EWG/Commonweal Study #1, industrial chemicals and pesticides in adults
EWG/Commonweal results
- found in 1 of 9 people in the group
| 0 | ppb in urine | 21 |
 | ||
Arsenic (inorganic only) results
Detailed toxicity classifications (References)
| classification | governing entity/references |
| Toxic; Toxic by inhalation and ingestion; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| A1 - Confirmed human carcinogen, ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygeinists) | Amer Conf of Gov't Industrial Hygienists - Carcinogens |
| Prohibited from use in Canadian cosmetics | Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist |
| Priority water pollutant under the Clean Water Act | EPA Water Quality Standards Database |
| Group A: Human carcinogen according (EPA classification) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| May cause sensitization by skin contact, with allergic reaction in skin or lungs; | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| IARC Group 1: carcinogenic to humans (International Agency for Research on Carcinogens) | Inter'l Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Carcinogens |
| Toxic, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory programs | EPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999) |
| Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards: suspected | ATSDR, DIPA, EPA-HEN, KLAA, LADO, MALA, RTECS, STAC, ZIMM |
| Skin or sense organ toxicity hazards: suspected | ATSDR, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, LADO, RTECS |
| Cardiovascular or blood toxicity hazards: suspected | BENO, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, KRIS, LADO, MALA, OEHHA-CREL, RTECS, STAC |
| Respiratory toxicity hazards: suspected | EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, LADO, LU, NEME |
| Kidney toxicity hazards: suspected | EPA-HEN, LAND, MERCK, STAC |
| Reproductive toxicity hazards: suspected | FRAZIER, OEHHA-AREL |
| Endocrine toxicity hazards: suspected | KEIT, WWF |
| Developmental toxicity hazards: recognized | P65-MC |
| Cancer hazards: recognized | P65-MC |
