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213021A

AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

CASE STUDIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

Course: WBCBDV1576
Date: October 1, 2009
Expiration Date: October 1, 2011

ARSENIC TOXICITY
Key Concepts

About This
and Other
Case Studies
in
Environmental
Medicine

How to
Apply for
and Receive
Continuing
Education

Prolonged arsenic exposure causes skin and lung cancer

and may cause other internal cancers as well.
Skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, and anemia are
hallmarks of chronic arsenic exposure.

This educational case study document is one in a series of

self-instructional modules designed to increase the primary
care providers knowledge of hazardous substances in the
environment and to promote the adoption of medical
practices that aid in the evaluation and care of potentially
exposed patients. The complete series of Case Studies in
Environmental Medicine is located on the ATSDR Web site at
URL: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/emes/topics. In addition, the
downloadable PDF version of this educational series and
other environmental medicine materials provides content in
an electronic, printable format, especially for those who
may lack adequate Internet service.

See Internet address: www2.cdc.gov/atsdrce/ for more

information about continuing medical education credits,
continuing nursing education credits, and other continuing
education units.

Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge the work that the medical

writers, editors, and reviewers have provided to

produce this educational resource. Listed below are

those who have contributed to development of this
version of the Case Study in Environmental Medicine.
Please Note: Each content expert for this case study
has indicated that there is no conflict of interest to
disclose that would bias the case study content.
CDC/ATSDR Author(s): Kimberly Gehle MD, MPH
CDC/ATSDR Planners: Charlton Coles, Ph.D; John
Doyle, MPA; Bruce Fowler, PhD; Kimberly Gehle,
MD; Sharon L. Hall, Ph.D; Michael Hatcher, DrPH;
Kimberly Jenkins, BA; Ronald T. Jolly; Barbara M.
Riley, R; Delene Roberts, MSA; Oscar Tarrago,
MD, MPH, CHES; Brian Tencza, MS
Contributors: Selene Chou, PhD
Peer Reviewers: William S. Beckett MD, MPH

Disclaimer

CDC, our planners, and our presenters wish to disclose they

have no financial interests or other relationships with the
manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of
commercial services, or commercial supporters.
Presentations will not include any discussion of the unlabeled
use of a product or a product under investigational use.
There was no commercial support received for this activity.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine
Environmental Medicine and Educational Services
Branch

Table of Contents
Initial Check ....................................................................................... 5

What Is Arsenic? ............................................................................... 11

Where Is Arsenic Found? .................................................................... 15

What Are Routes of Exposure for Arsenic? ............................................ 23

Who Is at Risk of Overexposure to Arsenic? .......................................... 29

What Are Standards and Regulations for Arsenic Exposure? .................... 35

What Is the Biologic Fate of Arsenic in the Body?................................... 40

How Does Arsenic Induce Pathogenic Change? ...................................... 46

What Are the Physiologic Effects of Arsenic Exposure? ............................ 51

Clinical Assessment ........................................................................... 70

How Should Patients Overexposed to Arsenic Be Treated and Managed? ... 87

What Instructions Should be Given to Patients Potentially Overexposed to

Arsenic?

Sources of Additional Information........................................................ 99

Assessment and Posttest.................................................................. 104

Appendix: Literature Cited .............................................................. 113

How to Use This Course

Introduction

The goal of Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM)

is to increase the primary care providers knowledge of
hazardous substances in the environment and to help in
evaluation and treating of potentially exposed patients. This
CSEM focuses on arsenic toxicity.

How to Use This Course

Availability

Two versions of the Arsenic Toxicity CSEM are available.

The HTML version

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/arsenic/ provides
content through the Internet.
The downloadable PDF version provides content in an
electronic, printable format, especially for those who
may lack adequate Internet service.
The HTML version offers interactive exercises and
prescriptive feedback to the user.

Instructions

To make the most effective use of this course.

Instructional
Format

Section
Element
Title
Learning
Objectives
Text
Key Points
Progress
Check
Answers

Learning
Objectives
Content

Take the Initial Check to assess your current

knowledge about arsenic toxicity.
Read the title, learning objectives, text, and key points
in each section.
Complete the progress check exercises at the end of
each section and check your answers.
Complete and submit your assessment and posttest
response online if you wish to obtain continuing
education credit. Continuing education certificates can
be printed immediately upon completion.

This course is designed to help you learn efficiently. Topics

are clearly labeled so that you can skip sections or quickly
scan sections you are already familiar with. This labeling will
also allow you to use this training material as a handy
reference. To help you identify and absorb important content
quickly, each section is structured as follows:
Purpose
Serves as a focus question that you should be able to
answer after completing the section
Describes specific content addressed in each section and
focuses your attention on important points
Provides the information you need to answer the focus
question(s) and achieve the learning objectives
Highlights important issues and helps you review
Enables you to test yourself to determine whether you have
mastered the learning objectives
Provide feedback to ensure you understand the content and
can locate information in the text
Upon completion of the Arsenic Toxicity CSEM, you will be
able to
Objectives
4

Area
Overview

Describe arsenic.

Identify where in the United States arsenic is found

today.
Identify the major routes of exposure to arsenic.

Who Is at
Risk

Identify the populations most heavily exposed to arsenic.

Standards
and
Regulations
Biological
Fate

Describe U.S. standards for arsenic exposure.

Describe what happens when arsenic enters the body.

Physiologic
Effects

Describe the ways arsenic induces illness.

Describe the health effects associated with arsenic
exposure.

Clinical
Assessment

Identify the primary focuses of the patient history

(including the exposure history).
Describe the most typical physical findings on patient
examination.
Describe the tests you would order for patients exposed
to arsenic.

Exposure
Pathways

Treatment
and
Management

Identify primary strategies for treating arsenic associated

diseases.

Patient
Education
and
Counseling

Describe instructions for patient self-care.

Initial Check

Instructions

This initial check will help you assess your current knowledge

about arsenic toxicity. To take the initial check, read the

case below, and then answer the questions that follow.
Case

Case StudyThirty-five-year-old carpenter

A 35 year-old male presents because of numbness and
tingling of his hands and feet.
History of present illness: His symptoms began
approximately 3 months ago, with gradual onset of
numbness and tingling in his toes and fingertips, progressing
over weeks to involve the feet and hands in a symmetric
"stocking-glove" pattern. About 1 month ago he had an
episode of nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which
resolved after 3 days. In the past 2 to 3 weeks, the tingling
has taken on a progressively painful, burning quality and he
has noted weakness in gripping tools.
Past medical history: non-contributory.
Family history is unremarkable; his wife, parents, and two
younger brothers are in good health.
Social history: The patient has been a carpenter since
completing high school 17 years ago. For the last 10 years,
he has lived in a rural, wooded area in a home he built in the
wooded foothills of the Cascade Range in Northwest
Washington. Approximately 10 months ago, he married and
moved with his wife, an elementary school teacher, into a
newly built home on an adjacent parcel of land. The patient
consumes 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks a week and quit smoking 2
years ago after a 15 pack/year history. He takes 1
multivitamin a day, but no other supplements or prescription
medications.
Review of Systems: He notes episodes of increased
sweating in the last 3 months.
Physical Examination:
Vital signs: temperature 37. 5 degrees C; pulse 60 and
regular; respirations 12; BP 124/76.

Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat are within normal

limits.
Respiratory, cardiovascular, and abdominal systems
are also normal to auscultation and palpation, with no
hepatosplenomegaly. There is no lymphadenopathy.
Dermatologic examination reveals brown patches of
hyperpigmentation, with scattered overlying pale spots in
and around the axillae, groin, nipples, and neck. The palms
and soles show multiple hyperkeratotic corn-like elevations 4
to 10 mm in diameter. Three irregularly shaped, sharply
demarcated, erythematous, scaly plaques, measuring 2 to 3
cm, are noted on the patient's torso.
Neurologic examination reveals diminished proprioception
in the hands and feet, with a hyperesthetic response to
pinprick on the soles. Motor bulk and tone are normal, but
there is slight bilateral muscular weakness in dorsiflexors of
the toes and ankles, wrist extensors, and hand intrinsics.
Reflexes are absent at the ankles and 1+ at the biceps and
knees. Coordination and cranial nerve function are within
normal limits. Joints have full range of motion, with no
erythema, heat, or swelling.
The remainder of the physical examination is normal.
On initial laboratory evaluation, the following results
came back:
Complete blood count (CBC):
o slight macrocytic anemia with hematocrit 35%
(normal range 40% to 52%),
o mean corpuscular volume 111 fL (normal range 80
to 100 fL),
o white blood cell count (WBC) is 4,300/mm3 (normal
range 3,900 to 11,700 /mm3);
o the differential reveals moderate elevation of
eosinophils at 9% (normal range 0% to 4%).
Basophilic stippling of red cells was seen on blood

smear.

Liver transaminases are slightly elevated.

Urinalysis and electrolytes, including glucose, blood

Initial Check
Questions

1. What additional laboratory testing is indicated by this

patients presentation?
2. The patients main occupational activities are framing
new houses and performing renovations on existing
homes. He uses pressure treated lumber (treated with
a wood preservative) for framing and building exterior
decks. He usually heats his home with a wood stove
burning scrap lumber from building jobs, most of which
is pressure-treated lumber. Water supply to his home is
from an artesian well. What potential sources of
exposure to arsenic does he have?
3. A 24-hour urine collection shows 320 micrograms total
arsenic per gram creatinine and a nerve conduction
study shows a sensory-motor peripheral neuropathy
with evidence of axon damage. What medical
recommendations would you make for this patient?
4. Is his wife at risk for arsenic exposure?

Initial Check

1.

Answers

Additional evaluation should start with a 24-hour urine

collection for arsenic and creatinine, and a nerve
conduction study of the lower extremities.
Where total urinary arsenic level is high the patient
should be asked about recent consumption of seafood.
Generally speaking, the forms of arsenic found in
seafood are not toxic to humans. There are two options
the clinician can take. One is to request testing for
speciation of arsenic (i.e., analysis of organo-arsenicals
or different inorganic species, rather than total). The
other would be to wait 48 hours after last consumption
of seafood and run 24 hour urine for total arsenic.
Seafood arsenic should have cleared the body in 48
hours.
Not all labs that perform arsenic levels also can perform
speciation. If your laboratory does not perform this test,
you may wish to consult your local Poison Control
Center for this information.
In addition, not all labs adjust the arsenic value per
gram of creatinine which accounts for the dilution or
concentration of the sample. This adjustment may give
a more accurate measure of arsenic excretion when
incomplete 24 hour or spot urine samples are analyzed.
More information for this answer can be found in the
Clinical Assessment section.

2.

He may have inhalational and dermal exposure to

arsenic compounds used in pressure treating lumber as
a preservative, both from inhaling sawdust and handling
the lumber. He may have additional exposure to arsenic
from inhaling smoke or fumes from scrap lumber
burned in his home. He may have ingestion exposure
from drinking artesian well water, which may contain
higher-than-normal levels of arsenic from underground
mineral deposits.
More information for this answer can be found in the
Where is Arsenic Found?, What are Routes of
Exposure to Arsenic?, and Who is at Risk of

Overexposure to Arsenic? sections.

3.

This is an abnormally high amount of total arsenic

excretion which may indicate excessive exposure.
However, a history of recent seafood ingestion should
be taken and the 24 hour urine for total arsenic can be
run again in 48 hours after seafood ingestion ceases.
Or, a speciated arsenic testing would give information
on inorganic vs. organic forms of arsenic.
Given the chronicity of his symptoms, initial
management will be to remove him from arsenic
exposure and monitor his clinical course. He has normal
renal function, and thus is able to excrete arsenic
rapidly. Monitoring might include repeating his urine
arsenic testing after an interval of time away from
exposure, to assure that excretion (and thus exposure)
is decreasing.
More information for this answer can be found in the
Clinical Assessment section.

4.

His wife drinks from the same well and is exposed to

smoke from wood burned in the home. She is at risk for
exposure and should be tested with a 24-hour urine
collection, even though she is asymptomatic. The same
considerations regarding seafood consumption (either
repeat of total 24 hour urine arsenic 48 hours after the
last seafood meal or ordering speciated arsenic testing)
would apply.
More information for this answer can be found in the
Where is Arsenic Found?, What are Routes of
Exposure to Arsenic?, Who is at Risk of Overexposure
to Arsenic?, and Clinical Assessment sections.

10

What Is Arsenic?

Learning
Objective

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

Definition

describe arsenic.

Arsenic is an element and a naturally occurring mineral

found widely in the environment.

Arsenic mineral ores, orpiment (left) and realgar

(right).
Environmental sources of arsenic exposure are

food,
water,
soil, and
air.

Because it is an element, arsenic persists in the environment

and does not deteriorate.
Arsenic production has greatly decreased in the United
States, but imports of arsenic have increased steadily.
Arsenic
Compounds

Arsenic compounds can be classified into three major

groups:
1. inorganic,
2. organic, and

11

3. arsine gas.
Classes

The most common valence states are

1. As(0) (metalloid arsenic, 0 oxidation state),
2. As(III) (trivalent, 3 oxidation state, such as arsenites),
3. As(V) (pentavalent, 5 oxidation state, such as
arsenates), and
4. Arsine Gas (-3 oxidation state).
The relative toxicity of an arsenical depends primarily on

inorganic or organic form,

valence state,
solubility,
physical state and purity, and
rates of absorption and elimination [ATSDR 2007].

The toxicity of arsenic compounds can vary greatly. In

general, arsenic compounds can be ranked from highest to
lowest toxicity:

inorganic trivalent compounds,

organic trivalent compounds,
inorganic pentavalent compounds,
organic pentavalent compounds, and
elemental arsenic [Gorby 1988].

Inorganic arsenic is generally more toxic than organic

arsenic. Forms of arsenic that are more rapidly absorbed are
more toxic, while those most rapidly eliminated tend to be
less toxic. Arsenite and arsenate forms are highly soluble in
water.
Although organic arsenicals are usually viewed as being less
toxic than the inorganics, several methyl and phenyl
derivatives of arsenic that are widely used in agriculture are
of possible health concern on the basis mostly of animal
studies. Chief among these are monomethylarsonic acid
(MMA) and its salts and dimethyl arsinic acid (DMA) and its
salts, and roxarsone [ATSDR 2007].
Arsenobetaine and arsenocholine are the organic forms

12

known as fish arsenic and are relatively nontoxic to

humans.
Arsine gas is the most toxic arsenical (acute exposure).
Key Points

Progress
Check

1.

Arsenic is an element and is a naturally occurring

mineral found widely in the environment.
Arsenic exists in four common valence states.
Arsenic is widely used commercially, a fact that
increases the risk of overexposure.. Workers may be
overexposed occupationally to arsenic.
Inorganic arsenic is generally more toxic than organic
arsenic.
Arsenic is a
A.
B.
C.
D.

Select the
one best
choice

2.

Naturally occurring mineral.

Synthetic substance.
Commercially useless substance.
Vegetable byproduct.

The toxicity of arsenic is in part related to

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Organic or inorganic form.

Valence state.
Solubility.
Rate of absorption and elimination.
A and D.
All of the above.

13

Progress
Check
Answers

1.

The correct answer is A. Arsenic is a naturally occurring

mineral often found in combination with other mineral
ores. Being a mineral element, it is not synthesized and
it is not a vegetable by product. Arsenic and its
compounds do have beneficial uses in industry.
To review relevant content, see Definition in this
section.

2. The correct answer is F, all of the above. The toxicity of

arsenic is in part related to its form, valence state,
solubility, rate of absorption and elimination from the
body. Inorganic arsenic is generally more toxic than
organic arsenic. Forms of arsenic that are more rapidly
absorbed by the body are more toxic, while those most
rapidly eliminated tend to be less toxic.
To review relevant content, see Classes in this
section.

14

Where Is Arsenic Found?

Learning
Objective

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

Introduction

Release of arsenic in the environment is a result of both

manmade and natural activity. Arsenic enters the
environment naturally through

Natural and
Industrial
Sources

identify where in the United States arsenic is found

today.

ground water,
mineral ore, and
geothermal processes.

Arsenic is released into the air by volcanoes, through

weathering of arsenic-containing minerals and ores, and by
commercial or industrial processes.
Arsenic occurs naturally in the earths crust, and much of its
dispersion in the environment stems from mining and
commercial uses. In industry, arsenic is a byproduct of the
smelting process (separation of metal from rock) for many
metal ores such as

cobalt,
gold,
lead,
nickel, and
zinc.

In the 19th Century, arsenic was used in paints and dyes for
clothes, paper, and wallpaper [Meharg 2003].
Arsenic
Products

There has been no domestic production of arsenic since

1985. In 2003, the worlds largest producer of arsenic
compounds was China, followed by Chile and Peru. In 2003,
the United States was the worlds largest consumer of
arsenic [ATSDR 2007].

15

In the past, the United States primarily used arsenic in

insecticides such as ant killers and animal dips (the
concentrated liquid forms of these are most toxic to
humans). However, regulatory restrictions for arsenic,
especially for home products, have reduced its use and
should also reduce the exposure risk to it [NAS 1977].
Other sources include

algaecides,
desiccants used in mechanical cotton harvesting,
glass manufacturing,
herbicides (such as weed killers for telephone and
railroad posts and Agent Blue, which was used by U.S.
troops in Vietnam), and
nonferrous alloys [Garcia-Vargas and Cebrian 1996].
Arsenic trioxide may be found in pesticides and defoliants
and as a contaminant of moonshine whiskey [Murunga and
Zawada 2007].
Presently, arsenic is widely used in the electronics industry in
the form of gallium arsenide and arsine gas as components
in semiconductor devices.
Production of wood preservatives, primarily copper
chromated arsenic (CCA), accounted for more than 90% of
domestic consumption of arsenic trioxide in 2003. Wood
treated with CCA is known as pressure treated wood. In
response to consumer concerns, U.S. manufacturers of
arsenical wood preservative began a voluntary transition
from CCA to other wood preservatives for certain residential
wood products. In 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) reached an agreement with the manufacturers
of wood preservative products containing CCA to cancel the
registration of CCA for use in virtually all residential
applications. As of December 31, 2003, it is illegal to treat
dimensional lumber used in residential applications with CCA.
However, wood treated prior to this date can still be used,
and CCA-treated wood products continue to be used in
industrial applications [ATSDR 2007]. There are sealants that
can be used to reduce the leaching of arsenic from CCAtreated wood for up to twelve months of natural weathering

16

[EPA 2007].
Many outdoor wood structures such as playgrounds and
decks have been treated with copper-chromate-arsenate
wood preservative. The photo at the left below shows one
such playground. The preservative often gives wood a
greenish color, as seen in the photo at the right below.

17

Arsenic in
Drugs

Arsenic is and has been used medicinally.

Arsenic is currently used for induction and consolidation

chemotherapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia and
other cancers [Miller et al. 2002; Hu et al. 2005].

Arsenic may be found in some traditional remedies from

a number of Asian countries [Garvey et al. 2001; Chan
1994]. Arsenic may also be found in some naturopathic
or homeopathic remedies [Kerr and Saryan 1986].
Fowlers solution, which is 1% arsenic trioxide, was
used historically to treat skin conditions such as
psoriasis and eczema. It was also used to treat
leukemia and stomatitis. When skin cancer resulted
from the use of Fowlers solution, there was a marked
decrease in medicinal use of arsenic [Rossman 2007].
Arsphenamin (Salvarsan) was the first effective cure for
syphilis until replaced by antibiotics after World War II
[Rossman 2007].

Industrial
Production of
Arsenic

Arsenic production has currently ceased in the United States.

Arsenic has been phased out of domestic pesticides, but
commercial use of imported arsenic is still high [ATSDR
2007].

Component
Uses of
Arsenicals

Discontinued arsenic-containing pesticides may still be found

in some U.S. farms and homes [ATSDR 2007].
Gallium arsenide is used in integral components of

discrete microwave devices,

lasers,
light-emitting diodes,
photoelectric chemical cells, and
semiconductor devices.

Arsine gas, the most toxic arsenical (acute exposures), is

used commercially in the microelectronics industry, and it is
encountered accidentally in metallurgical and mining
processes.
Arsine gas is used in the production of semiconductors,
18

although substitutes of lower toxicity such as tributylarsine

have also been used.
Arsine forms when acid or other reducing substances are
added to arsenic-containing compounds, such as metals in
which arsenic is a low level contaminant [ATSDR 2007].
Arsine gas produces a clinical syndrome very different from
other arsenic compounds.
Use of
Arsenicals in
Chemical
Warfare

Use of arsenicals in chemical warfare.

Other
Industrial
Processes

Other industrial processes that use arsenic include

Food

Arsenic may be found in foods.

Chlorovinyl dichloroarsine (also known as lewisite) was

developed as a chemical warfare vesicant in the 1920s.
It was declared obsolete in the 1950s in the United
States and stockpiles were neutralized and disposed of.
Unexploded ordnance containing Lewisite can still be
found at U.S. former munition ranges [EPA 2008].
Lewisite is a compound from the chemical family of
arsines that has different health effects than arsenic
compounds. For example, it causes severe skin burns
on contact at very low concentrations.

coal-fired power plants,

hardening metal alloys, and
purifying industrial gases (removal of sulfur)

Seafood (especially bivalves [clams, oysters, scallops,

mussels], crustaceans [crabs, lobsters], and certain
cold water and bottom feeding finfish, and
seaweed/kelp.
The organic forms of arsenic found in seafood (mainly
arsenobetaine and arsenocholine, also referred to as
fish arsenic) are generally considered to be nontoxic,
and are excreted in urine within 48 hours of ingestion
[ATSDR 2007].
However, inorganic forms of arsenic have been found in

19

some types of seaweed. Recent literature suggests hijiki

seaweed has very high levels of inorganic arsenic
(MMA) [Rose et al. 2007].

While found in lower amounts in many foods and particularly seafoods, higher
concentrations of dietary organic arsenic may be found in bivalve mollusks (clams,
oysters, mussels) and crustaceans (crabs and lobsters). The organic forms of
arsenic found in seafood (mainly arsenobetaine and arsenocholine, also referred
to as fish arsenic) are generally considered to be nontoxic, and are excreted in
urine within 48 hours of ingestion [ATSDR 2007].

Table 1

Key Points

Arsenic Source vs. Potential Environmental

Contamination
Environmental
Arsenic Source
Contamination
Artesian and tube wells
Drinking water
supplied by geologically
contaminated aquifers
Mineral ore
Drinking water and soil
Erosion of natural land
Drinking water and soil
sources, discarded mine
and mill tailings, arseniccontaining materials
transported via rain.

Inorganic arsenic is found in industry, in copperchromate-arsenate treated lumber, and in private well

20

Progress
Check
Select the
one best
choice

3.

water in some parts of the country.

Organic arsenic is found in many foods and particularly
in some shellfish. The organic forms and amounts of
arsenic found in seafood are generally considered to be
nontoxic.
Most of the arsenic used industrially in recent years in
the United States has been for the manufacture of
A.
B.
C.
D.

Pesticides.
Wood preservative.
Metal ores.
Power.

21

Progress
Check
Answers

3.

The correct answer is B. Most of the arsenic used

industrially in recent years in the United States has
been for the manufacture of wood preservative.
However, use of copper-chromate-arsenic wood
preservative has now been largely phased out.
To review relevant content, see Arsenic Products in
this section.

22

What Are Routes of Exposure for Arsenic?

Learning
Objective

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

identify the major routes of exposure to arsenic.

Introduction

The primary routes of arsenic entry into the body are via
ingestion and inhalation. Dermal exposure can occur, but is
not considered a primary route of exposure. Exposure dose
is the cumulative exposure by all routes.

Ingestion

In the general U.S. population, the main source of arsenic

exposure is via ingestion of food containing arsenic. Intake
from air, soil, and drinking water is usually much less. It has
been estimated that the average daily dietary intake of
arsenic by adults in the United States is 40 micrograms per
day [ATSDR 2007].

Arsenic
Containing
Foods

Meat, fish, and poultry account for 80% of dietary arsenic

intake. Fish, bivalve shellfish, and algae also contain arsenic
in the form of arsenobetaine and arsenocholine, sometimes
referred to as "fish arsenic." Fish arsenic has low toxicity to
humans and is rapidly excreted in urine [ATSDR 2007].
Recent studies have shown one form of seaweed, hijiki, to
contain high levels of inorganic arsenic [Rose et al. 2007].

Arsenic from
Water and
Soil

Well water contaminated by natural sources such as bedrock

containing arsenic has been reported to be the cause of
arsenic toxicity throughout the world. Arsenic in drinkingwater has attracted much attention since recognition in the
1990s of its wide occurrence in well-water in Bangladesh
[WHO 2001].
Table 2. Countries where arsenic toxicity has been
reported from natural source contamination of well
water [NRC 2000].
Argentina
India

23

Bangladesh

Japan

Bolivia

Mexico

Canada

Mongolia

Chile

Romania

China

Spain

Germany (Bavaria)

Taiwan

Ghana

United States

Greece

Vietnam

Hungary

Areas in the United States with the highest natural

groundwater concentrations of arsenic are the Southwest,
Northwest, Northeast, Alaska, and other areas near
geothermal activity [ATSDR 2007].
The form of ingested arsenic from drinking water sources will
vary according to its exposure to air. Deep wells contain
predominantly arsenite (arsenic III) and surface water will
contain predominantly arsenate (arsenic V) [Rossman 2007].
Figure 1: U.S. Geological Survey Map of Arsenic in
Groundwater

24

United States Geological Survey map of areas of the

United States with arsenic in groundwater samples
exceeding the specified levels in 25% or more of
samples tested [USGS 2005].
Groundwater may also contain elevated concentrations of
arsenic from
agricultural runoff,
contamination from runoff from wood preservatives
containing arsenic.
improperly disposed arsenical chemicals, or
mining [Rossman 2007].
Instances of drinking water contamination by manmade
sources has been documented at sites in the following
countries:

Brazil,
Chile,
India,
Mexico,
Nicaragua, and
Thailand [IARC 2004].

In certain areas of the West, Midwest, Southwest, and

Northeastern United States, well water may contain levels
greater than 50 micrograms per liter ( or 50 ppb) [Rossman
2007].
The EPA maximum contaminant level for arsenic in drinking
water is 10 ppb [ATSDR 2007].
The U.S. Geological Survey has mapped arsenic distribution
in soils in the United States. For the Conterminous United
States, the geometric mean arsenic level in soil is 5.2 parts
per million (ppm). Soil levels in the Eastern United States
(east of the 96th meridian) have a geometric mean of 4.8
ppm arsenic (range <0.1 to 73 ppm). The Western United
States (west of the 96th meridian) levels have a geometric
mean of 5.5 ppm arsenic (range <0.10 to 97 ppm).
[Shacklette and Boerngen 1984].

25

Elevated levels of arsenic in soil (due to either natural or

man-made contamination) may be an ingestion risk,
especially for children with pica and mouthing behaviors
during play [Rossman 2007]. However, the bioavailability of
arsenic in soil is variable, and dependent on the chemical
form of arsenic.
Arsenic uptake in plants does not appear to reach levels
dangerous to human health [Rossman 2007].
Inhalation exposure to coal fly ash may occur in some
countries when coal that is contaminated with high levels of
arsenic is burned [Rossman 2007].
Inhalation

Major sources of inhaled arsenic may come from air

emissions from

burning of fossil fuels that contain arsenic,

cotton gins,
glass manufacturing operations,
pesticide manufacturing facilities,
smelters, and
tobacco smoke [Rossman 2007].

Airborne arsenic in the workplace is generally in the form of

arsenic trioxide [Ishinishi et al. 1986]. Although
measurements of arsenic concentrations in cases of
occupational exposure have been rare, eight-hour averages
of airborne arsenic in a U.S. copper smelter measured during
19431965 ranged between 6.9 and 20 milligrams/meter
cubed [Welch et al. 1982]. High level occupational exposures
are rare today because the current permissible exposure
level is 0.01 milligrams/meter cubed.
Exposure leading to severe arsenic toxicity may occur
through inhalation of burning material containing arsenic as
a wood preservative [Aposhian 1989].

Smaller particles are deposited more deeply in the

respiratory tract.
Particles deposited in the upper airways and swallowed
after mucociliary clearance result in gastrointestinal

26

tract absorption [Yip and Dart 2001].

Skin

Dermal contact when handling preserved wood products

containing arsenic could result in arsenic exposure. However,
very little is known regarding the chemical form, conditions
for absorption, kinetics, or other information needed to make
a statement regarding skin absorption in specific populations
[NAS 1977]. Toxic effects have been reported in the
occupational literature from splashes of arsenic trichloride or
arsenic acid on workers skin [Garb and Hine 1977].

Key Points

Progress
Check
Select the
one best
choice

4.

Ingestion and inhalation are the most common routes

of exposure to arsenic, and they are the routes that
most commonly lead to illness.
Dermal exposure may lead to illness, but to a lesser
extent than ingestion or inhalation routes of exposure.
The exposure dose is the cumulative exposure from all
routes.
The major route(s) of exposure to arsenic is/are
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Inhalation.
Ingestion.
Dermal contact.
A and B.
All are equally important.

27

Progress
Check
Answers

4.

The correct answer is D. The major routes of exposure

to arsenic are ingestion and inhalation. Dermal
exposure may lead to illness, but it is generally a minor
exposure route.
To review relevant content, see Introduction,
Ingestion and Inhalation in this section.

28

Who Is at Risk of Overexposure to Arsenic?

Learning
Objectives

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

Introduction

identify the populations most heavily exposed to

arsenic.

Today in the United States, the quantity of arsenic released

by human activities exceeds amounts released from natural
sources at least threefold.
The major sources of arsenic release to the environment are

arsenic-treated lumber discarded in landfills, and

coal fired power plants.

In addition, water and soil concentrations are far higher in

areas where arsenic mineral deposits have been mined. The
areas in the United States with the highest natural
groundwater concentrations of arsenic are the Southwest,
Northwest, Northeast, Alaska, and other areas near
geothermal activity [ATSDR 2007].
Groundwater may also contain elevated concentrations of
arsenic due to contamination from arsenical pesticide runoff.
Groundwater is far more likely to contain high levels of
arsenic than surface water. The concentration of arsenic in
natural surface and groundwater is generally about 1 part
per billion (ppb), but both may exceed 1,000 ppb in mining
areas or where arsenic levels in soil are high [ATSDR 2007].
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum
contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water is 10 ppb.
Surveys of U.S. drinking water indicate that about 80% of
water supplies have less than 2 ppb of arsenic, but 2% of
supplies exceed 20 ppb of arsenic [ATSDR 2007]. Both the
trivalent and pentavalent forms of inorganic arsenic can be
found in drinking water.
Low levels of naturally occurring mineral arsenic are present
in soil.

29

Past
Occupational
Exposure

In the past, many occupations entailed exposures to arsenic

(see Table 3). Studies have documented the scale of the
problem.
Past occupational exposure to arsenic. Table 3
Occupations
Trades
Construction/contracting
Alloy manufacturing
Ore smelting
Carpenters
Semiconductor
Chicken and swine

manufacture
farming

Electronic manufacturing
technicians
Pesticide, insecticide,

and/or herbicide

applicators

Smelter operator or

engineer

Childrens

Exposures

Children may be exposed to arsenic in different ways.

Burning plywood treated with an arsenate wood
preservative in a poorly ventilated cabin has been
blamed for poisoning a family in rural Wisconsin
[ATSDR 2007].
Wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA)
to prevent rotting due to growth of microorganisms is
commonly used in marine applications, patio decks,
and recreational structures for children's playgrounds.
Cutting this wood or leaching of the preservative may
lead to arsenic exposure. However it is not known
whether, or to what extent, CCA-treated wood
products may contribute to the exposure of people to
arsenic [ATSDR 2007].
Children who play on wood structures treated with CCA
have increased likelihood of dermal contact or
ingestion of the arsenical through normal mouthing
and play activities [ATSDR 2007].
Soil with high levels of arsenic is also an exposure risk
for children due to pica or mouthing and play activities.
Drinking water contaminated with arsenic is another
exposure risk for children.

30

Current
Occupational
Exposures

Currently, the most heavily exposed people in the United

States are in those industries that use arsenic-containing
compounds, including [Rossman 2007]

NonOccupational
Exposures

carpentry involving CCA pressure-treated lumber, and

copper or lead smelting,
electronics manufacturing industry,
pesticide application.

Situations in which non-occupational exposure to arsenic can

occur.

Arsenic can cross the placenta, increasing the likelihood

of exposure to the fetus [Lugo et al. 1969].
Living near sources of high ambient air levels of arsenic.
Water supply containing high levels of arsenic.

Exposure at
School

Situations where students may be at risk of exposure to

arsenic while attending school.

Background
Exposures

Schools whose water supply comes from wells

contaminated with high levels of arsenic
Schools that have CCA-preserved wood playground
equipment/structures.
Children who play on wood structures treated with
CCA have increased likelihood of dermal contact or
ingestion of the arsenical through normal mouthing
and play activities [USEPA 2005].
Schools that are located near an industrial source that
may emit arsenic into the air (such as a smelter).
As a naturally occurring mineral, arsenic may be found
in soil and/or groundwater. The National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2004) measured
levels of total arsenic and speciated arsenic in urine of a
representative sample of the US population. The data
reflect relative background contributions of inorganic
and seafood-related arsenic exposures in the U.S.
population [Caldwell et al. 2008].

31

Exposure to
Arsenicals in
Unexploded
Ordnance

Exposure of the general public to unexploded ordnance

containing chlorovinyl dichloroarsine (also known as
lewisite) has been reported at U.S. locations where former
munitions ranges were transferred from the military to be
used for other purposes. These properties are formerly used
defense sites or property transferred by the past five rounds
of Base Realignment and Closure (i.e., 1988, 1991, 1993,
1995, 2005). The Department of Defense is currently
working to further define the inventory of sites and acreage
that are potentially contaminated with military munitions
and to prioritize these sites for cleanup [EPA 2008].

Key Points

Groups at risk for overexposure to arsenic may include

o Industrial workers.
o People who work with CCA treated lumber.
o Those who drink water from private wells with high
levels of arsenic in certain geographic areas.
o The fetus of a mother exposed to arsenic.

Progress
Check

5.

Currently, occupations that may entail exposure to

arsenic include which of the following?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Sheet metal workers and pipe fitters.

Workers in computer chip fabrication facilities.
Shipyard workers and automobile mechanics.
Carpenters cutting lumber treated with arseniccontaining preservatives.
E. B and D.
F. A and C.

Select the
one best
choice

6.

Of the following, who is LEAST LIKELY to be at risk of

arsenic exposure and toxicity?
A. A child attending a school with arsenic-containing
wooden playground.
B. An adult who works as a smelter.
C. A person whose primary source of drinking water is
from an artesian well.
D. A suburban family receiving municipal utility

32

services.

33

Progress
Check
Answers

5. The correct answer is E. Currently, occupations that

may entail exposure to arsenic include workers in
computer chip fabrication facilities and carpenters
cutting lumber treated with arsenic-containing
preservatives.
To review relevant content, see Current Occupational
Exposures in this section.
6. The correct answer is D. A suburban family receiving
municipal utility services is LEAST LIKELY to be at risk
of arsenic exposure and toxicity.
To review relevant content, see Exposure at School,
Past Occupational Exposure, and Non-Occupational
Exposures in this section.

34

What Are Standards and Regulations for Arsenic

Exposure?
Learning
Objectives

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

Introduction

describe U.S. standards for arsenic exposure.

We know that the toxic effects of arsenic depend on the

nature and extent of exposure (dose), particularly the

concentration of arsenic involved in the exposure,

frequency of exposure,
duration of exposure, and
type of arsenic involved in the exposure.

U.S. government standards for arsenic include a standard for

Workplace
Standards

air levels of arsenic in the workplace,

animals used as food, and
arsenic in drinking water.

The U.S Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA) mandates permissible limits for arsenic occupational
exposure.

The permissible exposure limit for arsenic is no

greater than 10 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per
cubic meter of air, averaged over any 8 hour period
for a 40 hour workweek [OSHA 2001; NIOSH 2005].

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial

Hygienists has set a threshold limit value of 10 micrograms
per cubic meter/ Arsenic and inorganic compounds as
Arsenic [ACGIH 2005] (See Table 4).
The recommended exposure limit set by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is 2
microgram per cubic meter of air for no more than a 15
minute period, based on classification of arsenic as a
potential human carcinogen.
For further information about OSHA standards, see

35

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/arsenic/index.html
For further information about protection guidelines, contact
NIOSH at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visit the
Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgname-a.html
Environment
al Standards

Air
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists arsenic
under authorization of the Clean Air Act as a hazardous air
pollutant, defined as a substance that may cause an
increased mortality or serious illness in humans after
significant exposure [EPA 2007].

In 1986, EPA promulgated the National Emissions

Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for three
stationary source categories known to emit inorganic
arsenic:
1. arsenic plants,
2. glass manufacturing plants, and
3. primary copper smelters [EPA 2007].

There is no ambient air standard (i.e., no general air

pollution limit) for arsenic [EPA 2007].

Drinking Water
EPA has set 10 ppb as the allowable level for arsenic in
drinking water (maximum contaminant level). (EPA 2006)
The World Health Organization recommends a provisional
drinking water guideline of 10 ppb.
Food
Arsenic is used in some veterinary drugs, including those
used to treat animals used for commercial food products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
established tolerance levels for arsenic in byproducts of
animals treated with veterinary drugs. These permissible
levels range from 0.5 ppm in eggs and uncooked edible

36

tissues of chickens and turkeys to 2 ppm in certain

uncooked edible byproducts of swine.
Shellfish (especially bivalve mollusks and crustaceans)
concentrate arsenic in seawater, but it exists in the organic
forms, which have not been shown to produce adverse
effects in humans consuming these seafoods. This type of
organic arsenic is also rapidly excreted.
Pesticides
The EPA Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) has restricted
the use of inorganic arsenic in pressure-treated wood. It
has also cancelled all registered uses of inorganic arsenic
for non-wood preservative purposes.
For more information on EPA rules and regulations regarding
arsenic, see
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/arsenic.html.
Standards
and
Regulations
for
Inorganic
Arsenic

Table 4. Standards and Regulations for Inorganic

Arsenic
Agency

Focus

ACGIH

Air
workplace

NIOSH

Air
workplace

OSHA

EPA

FDA

Air
workplace
Air
environme
nt
Water
drinking
water

Food

Level
10
micrograms
/m3
2
micrograms
/m3
10
micrograms
/m3

NA
10 parts per
billion
0.52 parts
per million

Comments

Advisory; TLV/TWA
Advisory; 15 minute ceiling
limit
Regulation; PEL over 8 hour
day

NA
Regulation; maximum
contaminant level in public
drinking water supplies
Regulation; applies to
animals treated with
veterinary drugs

ACGIH = American Conference of Governmental Industrial

37

Hygienists
EPA = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration
NIOSH = National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health
OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration
o TLV/TWA (Threshold Limit Value/Time Weighted Average) =
time weighted average concentration for a normal 8 hour
workday or 40 hour workweek to which nearly all workers
may be repeatedly exposed.
o PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) = highest level
averaged over an 8 hour workday to which a worker may
be exposed.
Key Points

Progress
Check
Select the
one best
choice

7.

Occupational exposure law (OSHA standard) and

environmental law (EPA standard) limit workplace
airborne exposure and environmental drinking water
exposures to arsenic, respectively.
Which following statement is FALSE regarding U.S.
standards for arsenic levels?
A. There is a standard level for permissible air levels of
arsenic in the workplace.
B. There is a standard level for allowable arsenic in
drinking water.
C. There is a standard level for allowable arsenic in
ambient air in the environment.
D. There are permissible levels of organic arsenic set for
foodstuffs by the FDA.

38

Progress
Check
Answers

7.

The correct answer identifying the FALSE statement is

C. There is no standard level set for arsenic in ambient
air in the environment. There are standards set for air
levels of arsenic in the workplace, arsenic in drinking
water, and permissible levels of organic arsenic set for
human foodstuffs.
To review relevant content, see Workplace Standards
and Environmental Standards in this section.

39

What Is the Biologic Fate of Arsenic in the Body?

Learning
Objective

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

Introduction

describe what happens when arsenic enters the body.

The primary routes of arsenic entry into the body are

ingestion and inhalation. Dermal absorption also occurs, but
to a lesser extent.
The half-life of inorganic arsenic in humans is about 10
hours [Rossman 2007].
Arsenic undergoes biomethylation in the liver.
Approximately 70% of arsenic is excreted, mainly in urine
[Rossman 2007].
Arsenic is excreted in the urine; most of a single, low-level
dose is excreted within a few days after ingestion.

GastroIntestinal
Tract

For soluble trivalent arsenic compounds, approximately

95% of the ingested dose is absorbed from the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract [Rossman 2007].

Lungs

Airborne arsenic in the workplace is generally in the form of

arsenic trioxide [Ishinishi et al. 1986].
The amount of arsenic absorbed by inhalation has not been
determined precisely, but it is thought to be within 60% to
90% [Yip and Dart 2001].
Smaller particles are deposited more deeply in the
respiratory tract.

Dermal
Absorption

Dermal absorption is generally negligible, although toxic

systemic effects have resulted from rare occupational
accidents where either arsenic trichloride or arsenic acid
was splashed on workers' skin.

40

Distribution

After absorption through the lungs or GI tract, arsenic is

widely distributed by the blood throughout the body.
[ATSDR 2007]
Most tissues rapidly clear arsenic, except for skin, hair, and
nails [Lansdown 1995].
Two to four weeks after exposure ceases, most of the
arsenic remaining in the body is found in keratin-rich
tissues such as

Metabolism

hair,
nails,
skin, and
to a lesser extent, in bones and teeth [Yip and Dart
2001].

Arsenic is absorbed into the blood stream at the cellular

level and is taken up by

red blood cells,

white blood cells, and
other cells that reduce arsenate to arsenite [Winski
and Carter 1995; Wang et al. 1996].

Reduction of arsenate (As V) to arsenite (As III) is needed

before methylation can occur. This reaction requires
glutathione (GSH) [Miller et al. 2002; Vahter et al. 1983].
A portion of arsenite (As III) is methylated in the liver by
enzymatic transfer of the methyl group from S
adenosylmethionine (SAM) to methyl arsonate (MMA V) and
dimethyl arsenate (DMA V) [Aposhian et al. 2004; Styblo et
al. 2002].
The resulting metabolites are more readily excreted.
Methylation has long been considered the main route of
arsenic detoxification, but more recently there has been a
growing body of literature supporting other detoxification
mechanisms. For example, a number of animal species lack
arsenic methylation and excrete inorganic arsenic [Vahter

41

2002]. The implication is that there may be other more

important arsenic detoxification mechanisms in mammals.
Other studies have suggested additional detoxification
mechanisms such as

antioxidant defenses,
resistance to apoptosis, or
transport [Yoshida et al. 2004].

There have also been studies of arsenic metabolism

suggesting that methylation of inorganic arsenic may be a
toxification, rather than a detoxification pathway and that
trivalent methylated arsenic metabolites, particularly
monomethylarsonous acid (MMA III) and dimethylarsinous
acid (DMA III), are unusually capable of interacting with
cellular targets such as proteins and DNA [Kitchin 2001].
Methylation efficiency in humans appears to decrease at
high arsenic doses. Patterns of methylated arsenic species
in urine are similar between siblings and between siblings
and parents, which suggests that arsenic methylation is
genetically linked [Chung et al. 2002].
When the methylating capacity of the liver is exceeded,
exposure to excess levels of inorganic arsenic results in
increased retention of arsenic in soft tissues.
Excretion

Arsenic is excreted in the urine primarily through the

kidneys. Humans excrete a mixture of inorganic,
monomethylated, and dimethylated (but not trimethylated)
forms of arsenic. The pentavalent metabolites MMA V and
DMA V are less toxic than arsenite or arsenate [Marafante
et al. 1987].

Approximately 50% of excreted arsenic in human

urine is dimethylated and 25% is monomethylated,
with the remainder being inorganic [Buchet et al.
1981]. However, there may be individual variations in
percentage. According to urinary arsenic data from
the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
2003-2004 (also described in the Clinical
Assessment, Lab Testing section of this document),
as urinary levels of total arsenic increase, the

42

percentage of methylated forms increases and at

lower urinary total arsenic levels, the predominant
form is inorganic [Caldwell et al. 2008].
Fish arsenic is largely not biotransformed in vivo, but
it is rapidly excreted unchanged in the urine.
After a single intravenous injection of radiolabeled
trivalent inorganic As (III) in human volunteers, most
of the arsenic was cleared through urinary excretion
within 2 days, although a small amount of arsenic was
found in the urine up to 2 weeks later [ATSDR 2007].
The biologic half-life of ingested fish arsenic in
humans is estimated to be less than 20 hours, with
total urinary clearance in approximately 48 hours
[ATSDR 2007].
Because arsenic is rapidly cleared from the blood,
blood levels may be normal even when urine levels
remain markedly elevated [ATSDR 2007].

Other less important routes of elimination of inorganic

arsenic include

Key Points

feces,
incorporation into hair and nails,
skin desquamation, and
sweat.

The primary method of metabolizing arsenic in

humans is methylation.
Although once considered the main mechanism of
detoxification, studies have implied the existence of
other more important arsenic detoxification
mechanisms in mammals.
The main route of arsenic excretion is in the urine.
Humans excrete a combination of inorganic arsenic
and its mono and dimethylated metabolites in the
urine.
Fish arsenic is excreted within 48 hours of ingestion.

Progress
Check
Select the

8.

The primary method of metabolizing ingested

inorganic arsenic is by
A. Fenton reaction.

43

one best
choice

B. Ubiquitination.
C. Oxidation.
D. Methylation.
9.

Ingested fish arsenic is usually completely excreted

within how many hours of the last meal?
A.
B.
C.
D.

2.
12.
24.
48.

44

Progress
Check
Answers

8.

The correct answer is D. The primary method of

metabolizing ingested inorganic arsenic is by
methylation.
To review relevant content, see Introduction and
Metabolism in this section.

9.

The correct answer is D. Ingested fish arsenic is

usually completely excreted within 48 hours of the
last meal.
To review relevant content, see Excretion in this
section.

45

How Does Arsenic Induce Pathogenic Change?

Learning
Objective

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

describe the ways that arsenic induces illness.

Introduction

A small molecule that can easily get into cells, arsenic can
cause cell injury and death by multiple mechanisms.
Interference with cellular respiration explains the potent
toxicity of arsenic. In addition, arsine gas may interact
directly with red cell membranes. Arsenic is a known human
carcinogen, but the specific mechanisms by which it causes
cancer are less well understood.

Toxicity by
Form

Arsenic toxicity may vary by form.

Inorganic arsenic is generally more toxic than organic

arsenic.
The type of organic arsenic found in certain seafood
(arsenobetaine and arsenocholine) appears to have low
toxicity. However, animal studies have shown that other
organic arsenic compounds (methyl and phenyl
arsenates, for example) can produce health effects
similar to those produced by inorganic arsenic [ATSDR
2007].
In vitro studies have shown that the cellular uptake of
As (III) is greater than that of As (V) [Bertolero et al.
1987; Dopp et al. 2004].
Although there may be some differences in the potency
of different chemical forms (e.g., arsenites tend to be
somewhat more toxic than arsenates), these differences
are usually minor. An exception would be arsine which
is highly toxic [ATSDR 2007].
Metalloid arsenic is generally regarded as nonpoisonous
due to its insolubility in water and body fluids.

Although the toxicity of arsenic compounds can vary greatly,

in general, a listing of different compounds from highest to
lowest toxicity follows:

inorganic trivalent compounds,

46

Interaction
with Cellular
Macromolecu
les

organic trivalent compounds,

inorganic pentavalent compounds,
organic pentavalent compounds, and
elemental arsenic [Gorby 1988].

Two mechanisms of arsenic toxicity that impair tissue

respiration are described below.

Arsenic binds with sulfhydryl groups and disrupts

sulfhydryl containing enzymes; As (III) is particularly
potent in this regard. As a result of critical enzyme
effects, there is
o inhibition of the pyruvate oxidation pathway and the
tricarboxylic acid cycle,
o impaired gluconeogenesis, and
o reduced oxidative phosphorylation.

Another mechanism involves substitution of As (V) for

phosphorus in many biochemical reactions.
o Arsenite does not compete with phosphate, but
tends to bind to dithiol groups.
o Replacing the stable phosphorus anion in phosphate
with the less stable As (V) anion leads to rapid
hydrolysis of high energy bonds in compounds such
as ATP, a process that leads to loss of high energy
phosphate bonds and effectively uncouples"
mitochondrial respiration [Rossman 2007].

Arsenics affinity for thiol groups allows for the use of thiol
group-containing chelators in the treatment of acute arsenic
poisoning.

Controversy

Arsenite binds specifically to thiol group-containing

hormone receptors, a process that prevents the binding
of steroids [Lopez et al. 1990; Kaltreider et al. 2001].
It is hypothesized that arsenics diabetogenic effect may
be related to its ability to bind and inhibit the insulin
receptor [Rossman 2007].

The present view of arsenic carcinogenesis is that there are

47

Regarding
Mode of
Arsenic
Carcinogenesis

many possible chemical forms of arsenic that may be causal

in carcinogenesis. In addition, arsenic induced carcinogenesis
may have different mechanisms in different tissues with
contributions from all species present in that tissue [ROM
2007]. Some studies in arsenic metabolism suggest that
methylation of inorganic arsenic may be a toxification, rather
than a detoxification pathway and that trivalent methylated
arsenic metabolites, particularly monomethylarsonous acid
and dimethylarsinous acid, have a great deal of biological
activity [Kitchin 2001]. The evidence indicates that trivalent,
methylated, and relatively less ionizable arsenic metabolites
may be capable of interacting with cellular targets such as
proteins and even DNA [Kitchin 2001].
A scientific consensus has not yet been reached on the many
suggested modes of arsenic carcinogenesis that exist in the
literature. These include modes that are predominately
genotoxic (i.e., chromosomal abnormalities, oxidative stress,
and gene amplification) vs. more nongenotoxic (i.e., altered
growth factors, enhanced cell proliferation and promotion of
carcinogenesis, and altered DNA repair). Likewise, the doseresponse relationship at low arsenic concentrations for any of
these suggested modes is not known [Kitchin 2001].

Arsine Gas
Poisoning

Arsine gas poisoning results in a considerably different

syndrome from that caused by other forms of arsenic. After
inhalation, arsine rapidly binds to red blood cells, producing
irreversible cell membrane damage.

Key Points

At low levels, arsine is a potent hemolysin, causing

dose-dependent intravascular hemolysis.
At high levels, arsine produces direct multisystem
cytotoxicity.
Arsenic binds with sulfhydryl groups and disrupts
sulfhydryl containing enzymes.
It replaces the stable phosphorus anion in phosphate
with the less stable As (V) anion, leading to rapid
hydrolysis of high energy bonds in compounds such as
ATP.
The type of organic arsenic found in certain seafood
appears to have low toxicity.

48

Progress
Check
Select the
one best
choice

Studies suggest arsenic detoxification pathways other

than methylation may be more important.
There is no scientific consensus on mode of arsenic
carcinogenesis.
A dose response relationship at low arsenic
concentrations for carcinogenesis is not known.
Arsine gas binds to red blood cells, causing hemolysis.

10. Arsenic initiates cellular injury by

A.
B.
C.
D.

Oxidation of lipid membranes.

Ubiquitination.
Methylation.
Binding with sulfhydryl groups.

11. Arsine gas causes anemia by

A.
B.
C.
D.

Inhibiting stem cells directly.

Inhibiting erythropoietin.
Interference with iron metabolism.
Hemolysis.

49

Progress
Check
Answers

10. The correct answer is D. Arsenic initiates cellular injury

by binding with sulfhydryl groups.
To review relevant content, see Interaction with
Cellular Macromolecules in this section.
11. The correct answer is D. Arsine gas causes anemia by
hemolysis.
To review relevant content, see Interaction with
Cellular Macromolecules in this section.

50

What Are the Physiologic Effects of Arsenic

Exposure?
Learning
Objective

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

describe the health effects associated with arsenic
exposure.

Introduction

Because it targets widely dispersed enzyme reactions,

arsenic affects nearly all organ systems. The most sensitive
endpoint from arsenic exposure is dermal effects. While
several studies may identify effects on other endpoints at the
same exposure level that produces dermal effects, the
database for dermal effects is stronger than for effects on
other endpoints [ATSDR 2007]
Key physiologic effects from arsenic exposure that will be
covered in detail later.
Patchy skin hyperpigmentation, small focal keratoses,
and other skin lesions are common effects of heavy
chronic exposure.
It is difficult to establish strong associations between
arsenic exposure and disease, as the prevalence and
spectrum of diseases linked to chronic arsenic exposure
differ not only between countries, but even within
countries.
Arsenic can cause lung and skin cancers and may cause
other cancers.
The association between chronic arsenic exposure and
cancer is strongest for skin, lung, and bladder cancer.
Liver (angiosarcoma), kidney, and other cancers have
limited strength of association [IARC 2004; NRC 2000].
Note that when strength of association (defined as the
magnitude of the relative risk in the exposed group
compared with that in the control group) is mentioned
throughout this section, it refers to one of the five criteria
used to decide whether a positive association in
epidemiologic studies indicates causality. It is not absolutely

51

required to establish causality. In addition, fulfillment of

some criteria may occur when the association is a result of
chance or bias. Failure to demonstrate a positive association
in an epidemiologic study does not always indicate there is
no association between the agent and the effects studied.
In the United States, excess cancer mortality associated with
arsenic is not generally seen [Schoen et al. 2004].
Unlike other arsenicals, arsine gas causes a hemolytic
syndrome.
Historical
Exposure
Highlighting
Multiple
Organ
System
Effects

The description of an historical arsenic exposure highlights

its multiple organ system effects.

Arsenic-contaminated beer resulted in 6,000 poisonings

and approximately 71 deaths in Northern England in
1900. Sulfuric acid contaminated with arsenic, which
was used to make sugar from sugar cane for use in
brewing beer, was found to be the source of the
contamination, which affected 100 breweries.
o The common clinical presentation was

anorexia, brown pigmentation,

peripheral neuritis (muscular weakness, pain and
paresthesias in extremities),
hepatic lesions,
localized edema, and
fatty degeneration of the heart.

o The concentration of arsenic in beer ranged from 24

parts per million (ppm) [Reynolds 1901; Aposhian
1989; Engel et al. 1994; Rosenman 2007].
Gastrointesti
nal and
Hepatic
Effects

The gastrointestinal effects (GI) of arsenic are generally the

result of ingestion; however, GI effects may also occur after
heavy exposure by other routes.

GI effects are seen acutely after arsenic ingestion, and

less often after inhalation or dermal absorption.
The fundamental GI lesion appears to be increased

52

permeability of the small blood vessels, leading to fluid

loss and hypotension.
Extensive inflammation and necrosis of the mucosa and
submucosa of the stomach and intestine may occur and
progress to perforation of the gut wall.
A hemorrhagic gastroenteritis may develop, with bloody
diarrhea as a presenting effect.
Acute arsenic toxicity may be associated with hepatic
necrosis and elevated levels of liver enzymes.
Arsenic intoxication may also result in toxic hepatitis
with elevated liver enzyme levels.
Chronic arsenic ingestion may lead to cirrhotic portal
hypertension [ATSDR 2007; Datta 1976].
There is limited strength of association of chronic
arsenic exposure and noncirrhotic portal hypertension
[IARC 2004; NRC 2000].
Case reports have also linked chronic high-level arsenic
exposure with hepatic angiosarcoma, a rare form of
liver cancer [Popper et al. 1978; Zaldivar et al. 1981;
ATSDR 2007].
There is limited strength of association, however,
between chronic arsenic exposure and angiosarcoma of
the liver, as determined by International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC) and National Research
Council [IARC 2004; NRC 2000].
Renal Effects

Arsenic is capable of causing renal effects.

The systemic toxicity occurring in severe acute arsenic
poisoning may include acute tubular necrosis with acute
renal failure.
Chronic renal insufficiency from cortical necrosis has
also been reported.
The precipitating cause of renal injury may be
hypotensive shock, hemoglobinuric or myoglobinuric
tubular injury, or direct effects of arsenic on tubule
cells.
Glomerular damage can result in proteinuria.
The kidney is not the most sensitive target organ for
chronic arsenic toxicity as other organ systems may be
affected at lower doses.

53

Cardiovascul
ar Effects

There is limited strength of association between chronic

arsenic exposure and renal cancer [IARC 2004; NRC
2000].
Arsine gas is more nephrotoxic than arsenic. However,
both can cause acute tubular necrosis [Giberson et al.
1976].

Both acute and chronic exposure to high levels of arsenic

may result in a wide range of adverse cardiovascular effects.

There is limited strength of association between chronic

arsenic exposure and peripheral vascular disease,
hypertension, and cardiovascular disease [IARC 2004].
Acute arsenic poisoning may cause both diffuse capillary
leakage and cardiomyopathy, resulting in shock.
The extent of cardiovascular injury may vary with
o age,
o arsenic dose, and
o individual susceptibility.

In acute arsenic poisoning (such as suicide attempts),

diffuse capillary leakage may lead to
o
o
o
o
o

delayed cardiomyopathy,
hypotension,
shock,
transudation of plasma, and
vasodilation.

Arsenic ingestion from contaminated beer has been

reported to cause outbreaks of cardiomyopathy
[Reynolds 1901; Aposhian 1989; Rosenman 2007].
Other reports of arsenic poisoning have resulted in
peripheral vascular disease, rather than congestive
heart failure [Engel et al. 1994].
Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, changes
in coagulation and inflammation due to arsenic
exposure have been shown in experimental studies to
contribute to atherosclerosis [Simeonova and Luster
2004].
Hypertension has been reported with long-term
exposure to arsenic [Chen et al. 1995].

54

Ingesting arsenic levels of 0.8 to 1.82 ppm in drinking

water (normal concentrations of arsenic in drinking
water are lower than .01 ppm) as reported in Chile and
Taiwan have resulted in an increased prevalence of
peripheral vascular disease and cardiovascular mortality
[Rosenman 2007].
Myocardial damage can result in a variety of
electrocardiographic findings, including
o
o
o
o
o

broadening of the QRS complex,

prolongation of the QT interval,
ST depression,
flattening of T waves, and
atypical, multifocal ventricular tachycardia.

Gangrene of the extremities, known as blackfoot

disease, has been reported with drinking arseniccontaminated well water in Taiwan, where the
prevalence of the disease increased with increasing age
and well water arsenic concentration (170800 parts
per billion) [ATSDR 2007].
o Pathologically, blackfoot disease was due to
arteriosclerotic or thromboangiitis obliterans. After
the water supply was changed, the vascular and
cardiovascular mortality reversed [Pi et al. 2005;
Chang et al. 2004].
o Persons with blackfoot disease also had a higher
incidence of arsenic-induced skin cancers. However,
investigators believe other vasoactive substances
found in the water may have been contributory
[ATSDR 2007].
Vasospastic (Raynauds) disease in arsenic-exposed
smelter workers and German vineyard workers has
been reported. Smelter workers had a total exposure of
4 to 9 grams of arsenic, compared to the 20 grams of
arsenic exposure reported for those with blackfoot
disease [Rosenman 2007].
Drinking arsenic-contaminated water in Chile was
associated with an increase of vasospastic changes
(Raynauds disease) and thickening of the small and
medium sized arteries in autopsied children [GarciaVargas and Cebrian 1996].
Arsenic ingestion affects the cardiovascular system,

55

Neurologic
Effects

altering myocardial depolarization and causing cardiac

arrhythmias and hypertension in some populations
[Guha 2003].
Inorganic arsenical pesticides are now generally not
used by vineyard workers, and the organic arsenicals
that are used have not been associated with vasospastic
changes [Rosenman 2007].
Increased cardiovascular mortality in occupationally
exposed groups may be masked by the healthy worker
effect [Hertz-Picciotto et al. 2000].

In studies that support an association, arsenic-exposed

patients may develop destruction of axonal cylinders,
leading to peripheral neuropathy. This has been reported
at acute high doses (>2 milligram (mg) arsenic
(As)/kilogram (kg)/day) as well as from repeated
exposures to lower levels (.03 0.1 mg As/kg/day)
[Chakraborti et al. 2003a, 2003b; ATSDR 2007].

Arsenic may cause encephalopathy at acute high doses

(> 2mg As/Kg/day) [Uede and Furukawa 2003;
Vantroyen et al. 2004; ATSDR 2007].

Arsenic poisoning can cause peripheral neuropathy. The

lesion is a sensory-motor axonopathy.

The classic finding is a peripheral neuropathy involving

sensory greater than motor neurons in a symmetrical,
stocking glove distribution [Murphy et al. 1981].
In high-level arsenic exposures, onset of neuropathy
may occur after 7 to 14 days, with intense
o
o
o
o
o
o

increased sweating in the distal lower extremities,

muscle cramps,
muscle tenderness,
numbness,
paresthesia, and
spontaneous pain [Bleecker 2007].

Sensory effects, particularly painful dysesthesia, occur

earlier and may predominate in moderate poisoning,
whereas ascending weakness and paralysis may be
evident in more severe poisoning.

56

 Those cases may at first seem indistinguishable from

Guillain-Barr syndrome (acute inflammatory
demyelinating polyneuropathy) [Donofrio et al. 1987].
Cranial nerves are rarely affected, even in severe
poisoning.

The most common neurologic effect of

chronic arsenic intoxication is a
sensory-predominant peripheral
neuropathy in a stocking-glove
pattern, as shown in the diagram to the
right.

The mechanism of arsenic neuropathy may be similar to

the neuropathy of thiamine deficiency [Sexton and
Gowdy 1963], whereby arsenic inhibits the conversion
of pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A and thus blocks the
Krebs cycle.
The neurotoxic forms of arsenic include inorganic
trivalent (arsenite) and pentavalent (arsenate) and the
57

methylated metabolites, monomethyl arsonic acid and

dimethylarsenic acid [Foa et al. 1984].
Encephalopathy has been reported after both acute and
chronic exposures.

Onset may begin within 24 to 72 hours following acute

poisoning, but it more often develops slowly as a result
of chronic exposure [Beckett et al. 1986].
The neuropathy is primarily sensory, with chronic
exposure affecting vibration and positional sense to a
greater extent than other modalities. Weakness of
intrinsic muscles of the extremities is mild when present
in chronic arsenic exposure [Bleecker 2007].
The neuropathy is primarily due to destruction of axonal
cylinders.
Nerve conduction and electromyography studies most
frequently show a sensory-motor axonopathy and can
document severity and progression. A dose response
effect has been reported between environmental
exposure to arsenic-containing dust and vibrotactile
threshold, tremor intensity, nerve conduction studies,
and standing steadiness [Gerr and Letz 2000].
Elevated vibration threshold has been associated with a
cumulative arsenic index (drinking water arsenic
exposure) and urinary arsenic levels [Hafeman et al.
2005].
Subclinical neuropathy, defined by the presence of
abnormal nerve conduction, but no clinical complaints
or symptoms, has been described in chronically exposed
individuals [Tseng 2003; ATSDR 2007].
Recovery from neuropathy induced by chronic exposure
to arsenic compounds is generally slow, sometimes
taking years, and complete recovery may not occur.
The prognosis for recovery in mild cases of neuropathy
is excellent [Bleecker 2007].
Follow-up studies of Japanese children who chronically
consumed arsenic contaminated milk revealed an
increased incidence of
o
o
o
o

cognitive deficits,
epilepsy,
other brain damage, and
severe hearing loss (ATSDR 2007).

58

Dermal
Effects

Hearing loss as a sequela of acute or chronic arsenic

intoxication has not been confirmed by other case
reports or epidemiologic studies [ATSDR 2007].
There is limited strength of association between chronic
arsenic exposure and neurologic effects, per the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
and the National Research Council (NRC) [IARC 2004;
NRC 2000].

Pigment changes and palmoplantar hyperkeratoses are

characteristic of chronic arsenic exposure.

Benign arsenical keratoses may progress to malignancy.

Delayed effects of acute or chronic exposure may be
seen as Mees lines in nails.
Mees lines are horizontal lines in the nails of digits.
The patient in the photo
developed severe, patchy skin
hyperpigmentation after
prolonged ingestion of arseniccontaminated well water.
(Photo courtesy the Arsenic
Foundation).

The skin lesions occurring most frequently in arsenicexposed humans are

59

 hyperkeratosis,
hyperpigmentation, and
skin cancer.
Patchy hyperpigmentation, a pathologic hallmark of chronic
exposure, may be found anywhere on the body.

Patchy hyperpigmentation occurs particularly on the

o
o
o
o
o
o

axillae,
eyelids,
groin.
neck,
nipples, and
temples.

The common appearance of the dark brown patches

with scattered pale spots is sometimes described as
"raindrops on a dusty road.
In severe cases, the pigmentation extends broadly over
the chest, back, and abdomen.
Pigment changes have been observed in populations
chronically consuming drinking water containing 400
ppb or more arsenic [ATSDR 2007].
Arsenical hyperkeratosis occurs most frequently on the
palms and soles.

Arsenic keratoses (below) on the palms of a patient who

ingested arsenic from a contaminated well over a

prolonged period (photo courtesy Dr. Joseph Graziano).

60

Keratoses usually appear as small corn-like elevations,

0.4 to 1 centimeter (cm) in diameter.
In most cases, arsenical keratoses show little cellular
atypia and may remain morphologically benign for
decades [ATSDR 2007].
In other cases, cells develop marked atypia
(precancerous) and appear indistinguishable from
Bowen's disease, which is an in situ squamous cell
carcinoma discussed in Carcinogenic Effects later in this
section [ATSDR 2007].
Basal cell carcinomas have also been reported [Cohen
and Moore 2007].
Confounding factors for arsenic-induced skin cancer
may include exposure to sunlight, chronic liver disease,
and nutritional status [Hsueh et al. 1995].

Skin cancer (below) on the palm of a patient who

ingested arsenic over a prolonged period of time from a
contaminated well (photo courtesy the Arsenic
Foundation).

Respiratory
Effects

Inhalation of high concentrations of arsenic compounds

61

produces irritation of the respiratory mucosa.

Hematopoietic and
Hematologic
Effects

Bone marrow depression may result from acute or chronic

arsenic intoxication and may initially manifest as
pancytopenia.

Reproductive
Effects

Smelter workers experiencing prolonged exposures to

high concentrations of airborne arsenic at levels rarely
found today had inflammatory and erosive lesions of
the respiratory mucosa, including nasal septum
perforation.
Lung cancer has been associated with chronic arsenic
exposure in smelter workers and pesticide workers
[ATSDR 2007].

Both acute and chronic arsenic poisoning may affect the

hematopoietic system.
A reversible bone marrow depression with pancytopenia
may occur.
Anemia and leukopenia are common in chronic arsenic
toxicity and are often accompanied by
thrombocytopenia and mild eosinophilia.
The anemia may be normocytic or macrocytic, and
basophilic stippling may be noted on peripheral blood
smears [Kyle and Pearse 1965; Selzer 1983].
According to the NRC and IARC, there is a suggestive
association between chronic arsenic exposure and
immunosupression [NRC 2000; IARC 2004].
Acute intoxication with arsine gas can cause fulminant
intravascular hemolysis.

Increased frequency of spontaneous abortions and

congenital malformations has been linked to arsenic
exposure.

Arsenic is a reproductive toxicant and a teratogen

[Shalat 1996]. It is readily transferred across the
placenta, and concentrations in cord blood are similar to
those in maternal blood.
A published case report described acute arsenic
ingestion during the third trimester of pregnancy,
leading to delivery of a live infant that died within 12

62

hours. Autopsy revealed intra alveolar hemorrhage and

high levels of arsenic in the brain, liver, and kidneys
[ATSDR 2007].
A study of women working at or living near a copper
smelter where ambient arsenic levels were elevated
reported increased frequencies of spontaneous
abortions and congenital malformations [Nordstrom et
al. 1979].
o The frequency of all malformations was twice the
expected rate and the frequency of multiple
malformations was increased fivefold [Nordstrom et.
al. 1979].
o However, a number of other chemicals, including
lead, cadmium, and sulfur dioxide, were also
present, and thus it is difficult to assess the role of
arsenic in the etiology of these effects.
Carcinogenic
Effects

The carcinogenicity of arsenic in humans has been

established.
Table 5. Inorganic arsenic is a known human
carcinogen [IARC 2004].
Agency
International
Agency for
Research on
Cancer
National
Toxicology
Program
U.S.
Environmental
Protection Agency

Carcinogenicity
Classification
1

Description
Known human
carcinogen

--

Known human
carcinogen

Group A

Known human
carcinogen

In humans, chronic arsenic ingestion may cause cancers

of the
o bladder,
o kidney,
o liver,

63

o lung,
o prostate, and
o skin (ATSDR 2007).

Chronic inhalation of arsenicals has been associated

with lung cancer and angiosarcoma (a rare form of liver
cancer) has been reported [Falk et al. 1981].
Several large-scale epidemiological studies of arsenic
exposure have shown association and/or dose response
trends for tumors of the
o
o
o
o
o

Skin Cancer

bladder,
kidney,
liver,
lung, and
prostate [ATSDR 2007].

According to IARC and NRC, the association between

chronic arsenic exposure and cancer is strongest for
skin, lung, and bladder cancer. Liver (angiosarcoma),
kidney, and other cancers have limited strength of
association [IARC 2004; NRC, 2000].

Latency for skin cancer associated with ingestion of arsenic

may be 3 to 4 decades, while the noncarcinogenic skin
effects typically develop several years after exposure
[ATSDR 2007].

An increased risk of skin cancer in humans is associated

with chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic in
contaminated water and the workplace.
Arsenic-induced skin cancer is frequently characterized
by lesions over the entire body, mostly in unexposed
areas such as the
o palms,
o soles, and
o trunk.

More than one type of skin cancer may occur in a patient.

Most of the Taiwanese who developed skin cancer in

association with ingested arsenic-contaminated drinking

64

water had multiple cancer types [ATSDR 2007]. The

most commonly reported types, in order of decreasing
frequency, were

Lung Cancer

intraepidermal carcinomas (Bowen's disease),

squamous cell carcinomas, and
basal cell carcinomas.

Seventy-two percent of the Taiwanese with skin cancer

also had hyperkeratosis, and 90% had
hyperpigmentation.
Some hyperkeratinized lesions can develop into
intraepidermal carcinoma, which may ultimately
become invasive. The lesions are sharply demarcated,
round or irregular plaques that tend to enlarge; they
may vary in size from 1 millimeter to more than 10
centimeters [ATSDR 2007].
Arsenical basal cell carcinomas most often arise from
normal tissue, are almost always multiple, and
frequently occur on the trunk. The superficial spreading
lesions are red, scaly, atrophic, and are often
indistinguishable from Bowen's disease by clinical
examination.
Arsenic-associated squamous cell carcinomas are
distinguished from ultraviolet-induced squamous cell
carcinomas by their tendency to occur on the
extremities (especially palms and soles) and trunk,
rather than on sun-exposed areas such as the head and
neck. However, it may be difficult to distinguish other
arsenic-induced skin lesions from those induced by
other causes.
Epidemiologic studies indicate that a dose response
relationship exists between the level of arsenic in
drinking water and the prevalence of skin cancers in the
exposed population [ATSDR 2007].
Excessive mortality rates due to arsenic-induced skin
cancer have also been observed in vineyard workers
with dermal and inhalation exposure [ATSDR 2007].

An association between lung cancer and occupational

exposure to inorganic arsenic has been confirmed in several
epidemiologic studies [Enterline et al. 1987], and arsenic is

65

considered a cause of lung as well as skin cancer.

Other Health
Effects

In arsenic-exposed workers, there is a systematic

gradient in lung cancer mortality rates, depending upon
duration and intensity of exposure [ATSDR 2007].
A higher risk of lung cancer was found among workers
exposed predominantly to arsenic trioxide in smelters
and to pentavalent arsenical pesticides in other
settings.
Neither concomitant exposure to sulfur dioxide nor to
cigarette smoke was determined to be an essential co
factor in these studies.

There is suggestive [NRC 2000] or reasonably strong [IARC

2004] strength of association between chronic arsenic
exposure and diabetes mellitus [NRC 2000; IARC 2004].
There is limited evidence of a diabetogenic effect from longterm arsenic exposure [Tseng et al. 2002].

Susceptibility
to Arsenic
Toxicity

Several studies have supported the notion of susceptibility to

arsenic toxicity.

Primary human hepatocytes have exhibited

interindividual variations in the rate of arsenic
methylation [Drobna et al. 2004].
Arsenite uptake into the liver (and possibly other cells)
may be increased in persons with poor nutritional
status, which could overtax intrinsic detoxification
mechanisms such as methylation [Rossman 2007].
Increased uptake of arsenite into the liver of
malnourished animals has been shown [Carbrey et al.
2003.
Using urinary metabolites, differences in arsenic
methylation capacity between population groups and
individuals have been observed in several
epidemiological studies [Hopenhayn-Rich et al. 1998;
Chiou et al. 1995; Concha et al. 2002; Loffredo et al.
2003]. A low rate of arsenic methylation is related to a
low rate of excretion.
There is conflicting literature supporting the role of
methylation in arsenic detoxification. Some literature

66

suggests that methylation of inorganic arsenic may be a

toxification rather than detoxification pathway [Kitchin
2001]. Other studies have suggested that other
detoxifying mechanisms such as transport, antioxidant
defenses, or resistance to apoptosis may be more
important in protecting cells than methylation [Yoshida
et al. 2004].
Several studies have shown that arsenic-induced
disease is increased in individuals who are
undernourished or malnourished, possibly due to the
decrease in arsenic methylation in such conditions
[Hsueh et al. 1995; Mitra et al. 2004; Steinmaus et al.
2005].
Animal studies have shown that arsenic methylation is
affected by nutritional status. A diet low in protein,
choline, or methionine showed reduced rates of arsenic
excretion implying reduced rates of methylation
[Rossman 2007].
Methyl group donors such as folate might be important
in arsenic detoxification in humans. A deficiency of folic
acid promotes and supplementation of folate decreases
the risk of cancers in rodents and humans [Rossman
2007]. Therefore, in cells that do not methylate arsenic,
folate may be important for other reasons. Folate
deficiency impairs DNA repair and alters the pattern of
DNA methylation [Rossman 2007].
Arsenic and selenium might be mutually antagonistic
[Zeng et al. 2005].
It has been hypothesized that low selenium levels in the
soil may exacerbate arsenic toxicity and carcinogenicity
in areas where there is high arsenic in the drinking
water [Spallholz et al. 2004].
In Taiwan, arsenic over exposed individuals had a
reduction in the percentage of inorganic arsenic in urine
while the percentage of DMA was increased with the
concentration of urinary selenium and serum alpha
tocopherol (vitamin E) [Rossman 2007].
Since higher selenium levels in the body may promote
the methylation of arsenic, it may be reasonable to
suggest that a combination of selenium and Vitamin E
or other antioxidants may be a safe (if taken as
recommended) and possibly useful way to prevent
adverse health effects in individuals with arsenic

67

overexposure [Rossman 2007].

Key Points

Progress
Check
Select the
one best
choice

Arsenic can cause serious effects of the neurologic,

respiratory, hematologic, cardiovascular,
gastrointestinal, and other systems.
Arsenic is a carcinogen in multiple organ systems.
Interindividual and population differences in arsenic
methylation and nutritional status may be factors in
susceptibility to arsenic toxicity.

12. A patient with chronic arsenic ingestion from well water

is likely to present with which of the following
neurologic effects?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Embolic stroke.
Peripheral neuropathy.
Acoustic neuroma.
Lumbar radiculopathy.

13. The complete blood count of a patient with chronic

arsenic ingestion would show which one of the following
A.
B.
C.
D.

Thrombocytosis.
Eosinophilia
Pancytopenia.
Basophilia.

68

Progress
Check
Answers

12. The correct answer is B. A patient with chronic arsenic

ingestion from well water is likely to present with
peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is the
most common neurologic effect of chronic arsenic
ingestion.
To review relevant content, see Neurologic Effects in
this section.
13. The correct answer is C. The complete blood count of a
patient with chronic arsenic ingestion would show
pancytopenia.
To review relevant content, see Hematopoietic and
Hematologic Effects in this section.

69

Clinical Assessment

Learning
Objectives

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

Introduction

identify the primary focuses of the patient history

(including the exposure history),
describe the most typical physical findings on patient
examination, and
describe the tests you would order for patients exposed
to arsenic.

Patients who have been exposed to arsenic in whom toxicity

is suspected should undergo a thorough medical evaluation.
Early and accurate diagnosis is important in deciding
appropriate care strategies, even if the patient is not
exhibiting symptoms. In cases of significant arsenic
exposure, medical evaluation should include

an exposure history,
a medical history,
a physical examination, and
additional laboratory testing as indicated.

This section focuses on activities, which are typically

conducted during the patients visit to clinical office.
Recommended tests are discussed in the next section.
Clinical
Presentation

Arsenic-associated diseases typically have a long latency

period, so that many patients exposed to arsenic are
asymptomatic for years. Clinical manifestation of target
organ toxicity is based on

route of exposure,
dose,
chemical form,
frequency, duration, and intensity of exposure, and
time elapsed since exposure.

A single patient can develop any combination of arsenicassociated diseases.

70

Clinical
Evaluation

The source of arsenic exposure cannot be identified in many

cases. Therefore, a careful exposure history, physical exam,
lab work, and environmental testing, where appropriate,
may lead to identification of the source.

Exposure
History and
Physical
Examination

In chronic exposures, particular clues to arsenic poisoning

may be provided by dermatologic and neurologic findings.
The exposure history should include

condition of household pets,

diet (emphasis on frequency, amount, and type of
seafood ingestion),
hobbies (including use of old supplies of pesticides or
herbicides in farming or gardening),
home heating methods (woodburning stoves and
fireplaces and source of fuel),
medications (including folk, imported, homeopathic or
naturopathic medications),
occupational history,
residential history (proximity to former smelters, other
industry, former orchards and farms, and hazardous
waste sites), and
source of drinking water.

A sample exposure history form can be found in the ATSDR

Case Study in Environmental Medicine: Taking an Exposure
History
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/exphistory/ehexposure_for
m.html
Signs and
Symptoms
Acute
Exposure

In acute arsenic poisoning, death is usually due to

cardiovascular collapse and hypovolemic shock. The fatal
human dose for ingested arsenic trioxide is 70 to 180
milligrams (mg) or about 600 micrograms per kilograms
(kg)/day [ATSDR 2007].

Onset of peripheral neuropathy may be delayed several

weeks after the initial toxic insult.
Mees lines may be visible in the fingernails several
weeks to months after acute arsenic poisoning. Mees
lines are transverse white lines across the nails

71

[Rossman 2007].
Acute arsenic poisoning occurs infrequently in the workplace
today; recognized poisoning more commonly results from
unintentional ingestion, suicide, or homicide.
The fatal dose of ingested arsenic in humans is difficult to
determine from case reports, and it depends upon many
factors (e.g., solubility, valence state, etc.).
The minimal lethal dose is in the range of 1 to 3 mg/kg
[ATSDR 2007].
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
(2003-2004) measured levels of total arsenic and speciated
arsenic in urine of a representative sample of the U.S.
population. The data reflect relative background
contributions of inorganic and seafood-related arsenic
exposures in the U.S. population [Caldwell et al. 2008]. See
Laboratory Tests in this section for more details.
As a result of inorganic arsenic's direct toxicity to the
epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract and its systemic
enzyme inhibition, profound gastroenteritis, sometimes with
hemorrhage, can occur within minutes to hours after
ingestion.
The signs and symptoms of acute and subacute arsenic
poisoning include

Gastrointestinal
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

garlic odor on the breath,

severe abdominal pain,
nausea and vomiting,
thirst,
dehydration,
anorexia,
heartburn,
bloody or rice water diarrhea, and
dysphagia.

Dermal

72

o
o
o
o

delayed appearance of Mees lines in nail beds,

dermatitis,
melanosis, and
vesiculation.

Cardiovascular
o
o
o
o
o
o

hypotension,
shock,
ventricular arrhythmia,
congestive heart failure,
irregular pulse, and
T-wave inversion and persistent prolongation of the
QT interval.

Respiratory
o irritation of nasal mucosa, pharynx, larynx, and
bronchi,
o pulmonary edema,
o tracheobronchitis,
o bronchial pneumonia, and
o nasal septum perforation.
Neurologic
o sensorimotor peripheral axonal neuropathy

(paresthesia, hyperesthesia, neuralgia),

o neuritis
o autonomic neuropathy with unstable blood pressure,
anhidrosis, sweating and flushing,
o leg/muscular cramps,
o light headedness,
o headache,
o weakness,
o lethargy,
o delirium,
o encephalopathy,
o hyperpyrexia,
o tremor,
o disorientation,
o seizure,
o stupor,
o paralysis, and

73

o coma.

Hepatic
o
o
o
o
o
o

Renal
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

hematuria,
oliguria,
proteinuria,
leukocyturia,
glycosuria,
uremia,
acute tubular necrosis, and
renal cortical necrosis.

Hematologic
o
o
o
o
o

elevated liver enzymes,

fatty infiltration,
congestion,
central necrosis,
cholangitis, and
cholecystitis.

anemia,
leukopenia,
thrombocytopenia,
bone marrow suppression, and
disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Other
o rhabdomyolysis and
o conjunctivitis.

Signs and
Symptoms
Hours to
Days after
Acute
Exposure

Descriptions of potential signs and symptoms of subacute or

delayed arsenic poisoning by time lapsed since acute
exposure include

Gastrointestinal
o Symptoms may last for several days.
o Difficulty in swallowing, abdominal pain, vomiting,

74

diarrhea, and dehydration may result.

o However, in subacute poisoning the onset of milder
GI symptoms may be so insidious that the possibility
of arsenic intoxification is overlooked.
Cardiac and Vascular System
o As previously mentioned, arsenic has deleterious
effects on the heart and peripheral vascular system.
o Capillary dilation with fluid leakage and third spacing
may cause severe hypovolemia and hypotension.
o Cardiac manifestations have included

cardiomyopathy,
ventricular dysrhythmias (atypical ventricular
tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation), and
congestive heart failure.

Neurologic
o A delayed sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy may
occur after acute arsenic poisoning.
o Symptoms are initially sensory and may begin 2 to 4
weeks after resolution of the first signs of
intoxication resulting from ingestion (shock or
gastroenteritis).
o Commonly reported initial symptoms include
numbness, tingling, and "pins and needles"
sensations in the hands and feet in a symmetrical
"stocking glove" distribution, and muscular
tenderness in the extremities.
o Clinical involvement spans the spectrum from mild
paresthesia with preserved ambulation to

distal weakness,
quadriplegia, and,
in rare instances, respiratory muscle insufficiency.

Other findings of subacute arsenic poisoning may

include
o fever and
o facial edema.

75

Signs and
Symptoms
Several
Months after
Acute Arsenic
Exposure

Signs and symptoms several months after acute arsenic

poisoning include.

Transverse white striae (pale bands) in the nails called

Mees lines (or AldrichMees lines) may be seen,
reflecting transient disruption of nail plate growth
during acute poisoning.
o In episodes of multiple acute exposures, several
Mees lines may occur within a single nail.
o In some cases, the distance of the lines from the nail
bed may be used to roughly gauge the date of the
poisoning episode.
o However, Mees lines are not commonly seen.

Respiratory tract irritation.

o Cough, laryngitis, mild bronchitis, and dyspnea may
result from acute exposure to airborne arsenic dust.
o Nasal septum perforation, as well as conjunctivitis
and exfoliative dermatitis, has also been reported.

Other.
o Reversible anemia and leukopenia may develop
[Rosenman 2007].

Signs and
Symptoms
Chronic
Exposure

Skin lesions and peripheral neuropathy are the most

suggestive effects of chronic arsenic exposure (via inhalation
or ingestion). Their presence should result in an aggressive
search for this etiology. In addition, neuropathy can occur
insidiously in chronic toxicity without other apparent
symptoms. However, careful evaluation usually reveals signs
of multi organ and multi system involvement such as

anemia,
leukopenia, and/or
elevated liver function tests.

Dermal

Hyperpigmentation is the most sensitive endpoint for

76

arsenic exposure, but does not occur in every

individual. This may suggest genetic susceptibility
[Yoshida et al. 2004; Guha 2003].
Pigment changes occur most often on the face, neck,
and back [Yoshida et al. 2004; Guha 2003].
Skin lesions are the earliest nonmalignant effect of

chronic exposure [Yoshida et al. 2004; Guha 2003].

Skin hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis are delayed

hallmarks of chronic arsenic exposure.
Pigment changes include areas of hyperpigmentation
interspersed with smaller areas of hypopigmentation
that give a raindrop appearance on the trunk and
neck [Tseng et al. 1968; Centeno et al. 2002].
Hyperkeratosis of the palms of the hands and soles of
the feet (palmoplantar hyperkeratosis) look like small
corn-like elevations and diffuse keratosis [Tseng et al.
1968; Centeno et al. 2002].
Desquamation can also be seen.
Skin lesions may take a long time to manifest (3 to 7
years for pigmentation changes and keratoses; up to 40
years for skin cancer) and may occur after lower doses
than those causing neuropathy or anemia [ATSDR
2007].
Hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation are not

commonly seen in arsenic inhalation exposures

[Rossman 2007].

Neural
Neuropathy may be the first sign of chronic arsenic

toxicity.

Polyneuritis and motor paralysis, specifically of the

distal extremities, may be the only symptoms of chronic
arsenic poisoning [Guha 2003].
Hearing loss, mental retardation, encephalopathy,
symmetrical peripheral polyneuropathy (sensorimotor
resembling Landry-Guillain-Barre syndrome), and
electromyographic abnormalities.
Both sensory and motor neuron peripheral neuropathy
can be seen after chronic inhalation of arsenic and more
sporadically with chronic ingestion of arsenic [Rossman
2007].

77

Gastrointestinal (GI)

In chronic poisoning, GI effects are generally less

severe and may include
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

esophagitis,
gastritis,
colitis,
abdominal discomfort,
anorexia,
malabsorption, and/or
weight loss.

Hepatic

Enlarged and tender liver along with increased hepatic

enzymes were found in several studies of chronically
exposed individuals [Guha 2003].
Cirrhosis
Portal hypertension without cirrhosis.
Fatty degeneration.

Hematological:

Bone marrow hypoplasia.

Aplastic anemia.
Anemia.
Leukopenia.
Thrombocytopenia.
Impaired folate metabolism.
Karyorrhexis.
Anemia often accompanies skin lesions in patients
chronically poisoned by arsenic.

Cardiovascular

Arrythmias.
Pericarditis.
Blackfoot disease (gangrene with spontaneous
amputation).
Raynauds syndrome.
Acrocyanosis (intermittent).
Ischemic heart disease.
Cerebral infarction.

78

Carotid atherosclerosis.
Hypertension.
Microcirculation abnormalities.

Respiratory

Rhino-pharyngo-laryngitis.
Tracheobronchitis.
Pulmonary insufficiency (emphysematous lesions).
Chronic restrictive/obstructive diseases.

Endocrine

Diabetes mellitus.

Other

Lens opacity.
Cancer.

Lung cancer and skin cancer are serious long-term

concerns in cases of chronic arsenic exposure.
The Toxicity
of Arsine Gas

The toxicity of arsine gas is quite different from toxicity of

other arsenicals, requiring different emphases in

the medical history,

physical examination, and
patient management.

It is important to recognize that although arsine is an

arsenical, it has distinct differences from other arsenicals.
Arsine is a powerful hemolytic poison in both acute and
chronic exposures. Massive hemolysis with hematuria and
jaundice may persist for several days [Rossman 2007].
The clinical signs of hemolysis may not appear for up to 24
hours after acute exposure, thereby obscuring the
relationship between exposure and effect.
Initial symptoms of arsine poisoning may include

79

headache,
nausea,
abdominal pain, and
hematuria.

Direct effects on the myocardium may occur, resulting in

high peaked t-waves,

conduction disorders,
various degrees of heart block, and
asystole [Rossman 2007].

Death is most often due to renal failure from arsenic acid

damage, but can also result from cardiac failure [Rossman
2007].
Laboratory
Tests

Early clinical diagnosis of arsenic toxicity is often difficult; a

key laboratory test in recent exposures is urinary arsenic
excretion.
Clinical diagnosis of arsenic intoxication is often difficult
because both acute and chronic poisoning present a wide
spectrum of signs and symptoms, which are largely
dependent upon

route of exposure,
chemical form,
dose, and
time elapsed since exposure.

In many cases, the patient or person providing the history

may suppress information, or the source of exposure may
not be apparent. By integrating laboratory results with
history and clinical findings, it is often possible to confirm a
diagnosis.
Immediately after patient stabilization, laboratory tests
should be performed to obtain baseline values, with periodic
monitoring as indicated.
Because urinary levels of arsenic may drop rapidly in the first
2448 hours after acute exposure, a urine specimen for

80

arsenic analysis should be obtained promptly.

Depending on the patient's clinical state, general tests for
biomarkers of effect, specific tests for biomarkers of
exposure, and specific biomarkers of effect may be
warranted.
General Tests for Biomarkers of Effect.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with peripheral smear.
BUN and creatinine.
Liver enzymes.
Nerve conduction studies (if peripheral neurologic
symptoms are present).
o Electrocardiogram.
o Abdominal x-ray.
o Chest X-ray.

o
o
o
o

Specific Tests for Biomarkers of Exposure.

o The key diagnostic laboratory test for recent
exposure is urinary arsenic measurement.
o The best specimen is a 24-hour urine collection for
arsenic and creatinine as it more accurately reflects
the true amount of arsenic excretion. (Not all labs
adjust the arsenic value per gram of creatinine which
accounts for the dilution and concentration of the
sample).
o Spot urine specimens (also for arsenic and
creatinine) can be helpful in an emergency. A spot
urine should be sent for arsenic and creatinine.
Dividing the arsenic concentration by grams
creatinine adjusts for urine dilution or concentration.
o Total arsenic values in excess of 100 micrograms
(g) per liter (L) (g/L) are considered abnormal
[ATSDR 2007].
o However, total arsenic measurement in human urine
assesses the combined exposure from all routes of
exposure and all species of arsenic.
o Therefore, when total urinary arsenic is measured, it
is important to inquire about recent seafood (bivalve
mollusks, crustaceans) and seaweed in the diet in
the last 48 hours as seafood or seaweed arsenic can
significantly increase total urinary arsenic levels

81

(sometimes by several thousands of ug/L after

seafood ingestion.) [Kales et al. 2006]

Where total urinary arsenic level is high and seafood

is considered a possible contributor, a request for
speciation of arsenic (i.e., analysis of organo
arsenicals or different inorganic species, rather than
total) may be a consideration.
Not all labs that perform arsenic level measurement
also perform speciation. If your laboratory does not
perform this test, you may wish to consult your local
Poison Control Center for this information.
If speciation is not available, cessation of seafood
ingestion with a repeat of the total urinary arsenic
test in 2 or 3 days can be done.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey (NHANES) (2003-2004) measured levels of
total arsenic and speciated arsenic in urine of a
representative sample of the U.S. population. The
data reflect relative background contributions of
inorganic and seafood-related arsenic exposures in
the U.S. population. Biomonitoring results since the
2005 publication of the Third National Report on
Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals can be
found at: http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/ [CDC
2009, Caldwell et al. 2008].
NHANES 2003-2004 data show that as total urinary
arsenic levels increase from <20 to 20-50
micrograms per liter and to >50 g/L, the
percentage of the total urinary arsenic is increasingly
due to arsenobetaine (fish arsenic), with median
percentages being 62.7% for total urinary arsenic
levels >50 g/L [CDC 2009].
Some studies suggest that slight health risks may be
associated with total urinary levels > 50 g/L
[ACGIH 2001; WHO 2001; Tseng et al. 2005,
Valenzuela et al. 2005].
Conclusions from the NHANES 2003-2004 data
indicate that a urine sample of < 20 g/L is likely to
have little contribution from organic arsenic species
[CDC 2009].
For all participants aged > or equal to 6 years, the
95th percentile for total urinary arsenic and the sum
of inorganic-related arsenic were 65.4 and 18.9 g/L
respectively [CDC 2009].

82

o The 95th percentile of the NHANES 2003-2004

subsample for the sum of inorganic arsenic species
(18.9 g/L) is below the ACGIH Biologic Exposure
Index (BEI) for workers of 35 g arsenic per liter
(inorganic plus methylated metabolites in urine)
measured at end of a work week. (Note that the BEI
is not a value for the onset of toxicity, but a
screening value based on non-cancer health effects.
They were developed for individuals trained in
industrial hygiene to use, interpret and apply as
applicable.) [ACGIH 2005]
o The sum of the inorganic-related species is an
important upper benchmark for the U.S. population
as it represents a dose of the more toxic inorganic
arsenic most likely incurred from drinking water
[Caldwell et al. 2008].
o If 18.9 micrograms is considered an approximate
daily exposure, ( 0.27 g/kg/per day) then about
95% of the adult US population is likely to be below
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reference
dose [EPA 2001] for inorganic arsenic intake (0.3
g/kg/per day) [Caldwell et al. 2008.
o Long after urine levels have returned to baseline, the
arsenic content of hair and nails may be the only
clue of arsenic exposure.
o However, because the arsenic content of hair and
nails may be increased by external contamination,
caution must be exercised in using the arsenic
content of these specimens to diagnose arsenic
intoxication.
o Arsenic blood levels, normally less than 1 g per
deciliter (g/dL) in nonexposed individuals, are less
useful than urinary arsenic measurements in
following the clinical course of an acute poisoning
case because of the rapid clearance of arsenic from
the blood [ATSDR 2007].
Biomarkers of Effect
o If arsenic toxicity is suspected, several tests can be
performed to assess clinical status. If abnormal,
these may help to confirm clinical suspicion.
o The CBC can provide evidence of

83

arsenic induced anemia,

leukopenia,
thrombocytopenia, or
eosinophilia.

Although basophilic stippling on the peripheral smear is not

specific for arsenic poisoning, it is consistent with the
diagnosis.

Liver transaminases are frequently elevated in acute and

chronic arsenic exposure and can help confirm clinical
suspicion.
If arsenic neuropathy is suspected, nerve conduction velocity
tests should be performed. Such tests may show a decrease
in amplitude initially, as well as slowed conduction.
Skin lesions in patients with chronic arsenic exposure may
require biopsy to evaluate for skin cancer.
Some arsenic compounds, particularly those of low solubility,
are radio opaque, and if ingested may be visible on an
abdominal radiograph.

84

Key Points

Progress
Check
Select the
one best
choice

Evaluation for arsenic toxicity requires a detailed

history, including environmental and occupational
exposure history, physical examination, and laboratory
testing.
For recent and chronic exposure, the 24-hour urine
collection for arsenic is the most useful laboratory test.
Organic arsenic from recent seafood ingestion (last 48
hours) may produce a positive urine test for total
arsenic.
Arsenic Speciation testing can be requested, but may
not be readily available.
A repeat 24 hour total urinary arsenic test can be done
48 hours after cessation of seafood consumption.

14. What is the significance of reporting urinary arsenic

levels as micrograms arsenic per gram creatinine?
A. To adjust for concentration or dilution of urine by
variation in fluid intake.
B. To adjust for adverse effects of arsenic on kidney
function.
C. Because of the chronic muscle-wasting effect of
arsenic.
D. To adjust for the creatinine content in seafood.
15. Abnormal laboratory tests in arsenic toxicity include
A.
B.
C.
D.

Elevated amylase.
Reduced serum B12.
Elevated liver enzymes.
White blood cell casts on urinalysis.

85

Progress
Check
Answers

14. The correct answer is A. Urinary arsenic levels are often

reported in micrograms arsenic per gram creatinine to
adjust for concentration or dilution of urine by variation
in fluid intake.
To review relevant content, see Laboratory Tests in
this section.
15. The correct answer is C. Abnormal laboratory tests in
arsenic toxicity include elevated liver enzymes.
To review relevant content, see Laboratory Tests in
this section.

86

How Should Patients Overexposed to Arsenic Be

Treated and Managed?
Learning
Objectives

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

Introduction

Patients presenting to their primary care providers with a

history of arsenic exposure will vary widely in their clinical
condition.

Treatment
and
Management
Acute Over
Exposure

identify primary strategies for treating arsenicassociated diseases.

Some will be asymptomatic.

Some will just be beginning to show signs of arsenicassociated disease, and others will have more
established disease.
The care provided, including any referrals made, will
depend on the clinical status of the patient.
Patients who demonstrate excessive occupational
exposure (urinary arsenic greater than 35 microgram
per liter) may benefit from early workplace intervention
to prevent future hazardous exposure.

Gut decontamination and hemodynamic stabilization are key

factors in the initial management of acute arsenic
intoxication.
Patients with suspected acute arsenic poisoning generally
require rapid stabilization with fluid and electrolyte
replacement in an intensive care setting.

Aggressive intravenous fluid replacement therapy may

be lifesaving in severe poisoning.
Gastric lavage may be useful soon after an acute
ingestion to prevent further absorption.
The efficacy of activated charcoal is controversial, but
its administration together with a cathartic (such as
sorbitol) is frequently recommended.
If profuse diarrhea is present, cathartics should be
withheld.

87

 Hemodialysis may be beneficial in a patient with

concomitant renal failure.

Chelating agents administered within hours of arsenic

absorption may successfully prevent the full effects of
arsenic toxicity.
Dimercaprol (2, 3 dimercaptopropanol, also known as British
anti Lewisite or BAL), was previously the most frequently
recommended chelating agent for arsenic. The currently
recommended treatment is 2-3-dimercapto-1
propanesulfonate (DMPS) or meso 2, 3-dimer-captosuccinic
acid (DMSA). These are more water soluble than BAL, and
can be administered orally with lower toxicity [Mazumder et.
al. 2001].
All known chelating agents have adverse side effects and
should be used with caution.
In animal models, the efficacy of chelation therapy
generally declines as the time elapsed since exposure
increases.
If patients are treated within several hours after arsenic
ingestion, chelation is likely to be beneficial. Therefore,
even if arsenic ingestion is only suspected, but not
confirmed, consultation with a clinical specialist with
expertise in the treatment and management of arsenic
poisoning is key.
Data supporting duration of treatment are limited, and
regimens may warrant adjustment. If acute renal
insufficiency develops, hemodialysis may be of value.
If the source of arsenic exposure has not been determined,
the patient may be at risk for further arsenic intoxication.
Treatment
and
Management
Chronic
Over
Exposure

Identification and removal of the toxic source and supportive

measures are primary concerns for the treatment of
chronically exposed patients.
Studies suggest that the use of vitamin A analogs

(retinoids) may be useful in treating pre-cancerous

arsenical keratoses [Elmariah et al. 2008]

88

Recovery from chronic arsenic toxicity, particularly from

the resulting peripheral neuropathy, may take months
and may not be complete.
An established arsenical neuropathy is not improved by
chelation therapy.
Significant improvement of symptoms and signs of
chronic arsenic poisoning has been demonstrated in a
prospective single blind, placebo-controlled trial with
DMPS [Mazumder et al. 2001].

Patients demonstrating excessive exposure on urine testing

or clinical effects of arsenic exposure, and whose source of
exposure is unclear, may require environmental testing
(such as of drinking water), attention to exposure from
malicious intent, or workplace investigation.
Clinical
Follow-up

After an intervention has been made, follow-up urine testing

may be necessary to confirm a reduction in exposure, and
follow-up clinical testing may be necessary to verify a
resolution of clinical and lab test abnormalities.

Occupational
Over
Exposure
Ensuring a
Healthy
Workplace

Patients whose excessive arsenic exposure occurred in the

workplace can be medically removed from exposure while
remediation of the workplace is undertaken.

This requires prompt notification of the employer of a

hazard that requires corrective action.
Often an industrial hygienist familiar with the industrial
processes can be consulted by the employer.
If an imminent hazard exists that the employer has not
addressed, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) can require the employer to
take appropriate corrective action. OSHA is the federal
regulatory agency responsible for enforcing federal
workplace health standards.

OSHAs standard for arsenic also requires that medical

examinations be provided for all employees exposed to levels
of inorganic arsenic above the action level of 5 micrograms
per meter cubed for at least 30 days per year. For more
information on the OSHA standard for arsenic, see

89

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/arsenic/index.html
Nutrition in
Prevention

Nutritional status may play a role in preventing arsenic

health effects. For example, arsenic and selenium may be
mutually antagonistic [Zeng et al. 2005]. There have been
recent reports that a diet rich in selenium and other
antioxidants (such as vitamin E) helps promote methylation
of arsenic which leads to increased excretion [Verret et al.
2005; Rossman 2007; Son et al. 2008]. Methyl donors such
as folate may also be of help in arsenic metabolism and
excretion in humans [Rossman 2007]. Arsenic-induced
disease has been shown to increase in individuals who are
mal- or under-nourished, possibly due to the decrease in
arsenic methylation [Hsueh et al. 1995; Mitra et al. 2004;
Steinmaus et al. 2005].

Arsine Gas
Poisoning

Arsine gas poisoning requires careful monitoring of

hematocrit/hemoglobin and renal function.

Key Points

Therapy is supportive and is primarily aimed at

maintaining renal function. Red cell transfusion may be
necessary to replace the patient's hemolyzed red cells.
Patients with significant hemolysis may require folate or
iron supplementation.
Most frequently, removal from exposure is the key
management intervention for arsenic effects due to
overexposure.
Gut decontamination and hemodynamic stabilization are
key factors in the initial management of acute arsenic
intoxication.
In severe acute arsenic over exposure such as heavy
ingestion, chelation with DMSA or DMPS may reduce
morbidity. This should be done in consultation with a
clinical expert in arsenic poisoning treatment.
Patients occupationally over exposed to arsenic may
want to discuss with employers their concerns regarding
ways to prevent this hazardous exposure.
Arsine gas poisoning requires careful monitoring of
hematocrit/hemoglobin and renal function.

90

Progress
Check
Select the
one best
choice

16. Use of the chelating agents DMSA or DMPS should be

considered when
A. The patient has
arsenic.
B. The patient has
arsenic.
C. The patient has
D. The patient has
dose exposure.

had a remote exposure to fish

had a recent exposure to fish
an established arsenical neuropathy.
had a very recent and very high

17. The role of OSHA for a patient with a toxic, occupational

arsenic exposure is to
A. Investigate the workplace to remediate an imminent
health hazard for the patient and other workers.
B. Perform routine urine testing in all exposed workers.
C. Perform routine, weekly air monitoring of arsenic in
the workplace.
D. Evaluate the role of arsenic in the patients diet.

91

Progress
Check
Answers

16. The correct answer is D. Use of the chelating agents

DMSA or DMPS should be considered when the patient
has had a very recent and very high dose exposure.
This should be done in consultation with a clinical expert
with experience in treating arsenic toxicity. Chelation
treatment is not needed for exposure to fish arsenic,
recent or remote. Chelation treatment has not been
shown to be effective for patients with an established
arsenical neuropathy.
To review relevant content, see Treatment and
Management of Acute Overexposure in this section.
17. The correct answer is A. The role of OSHA for a patient
with a toxic, occupational arsenic exposure is to investigate
the workplace to remediate an imminent health hazard for
the patient and other workers. OSHA evaluates workplaces
to enforce existing federal exposure standard (Permissible
Exposure Limits and other standards) for workplace health
and safety.
To review relevant content, see Occupational
Overexposure - Ensuring a Healthy Workplace in this
section.

92

What Instructions Should Be Given to Patients

Potentially Overexposed to Arsenic?
Learning
Objective

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

describe instructions for patient self care.

Introduction

Primary health care providers should insure that their

patients understand applicable clinical follow-up instructions
as well as preventive strategies to stop over exposure to
harmful substances (self care).

Self Care

Preventive messages that allow patients to take action to

avoid over exposure to arsenic are essential to preventing or
decreasing the progression of arsenic-related illness.

Preventive
Messages to
Avoid or
Reduce the
Risk of Over
Exposure to
Arsenic

Message:
Patients who may have
been over exposed to
arsenic through drinking
water should be advised
to have their well tested.
They should use bottled
water for drinking until
their well is shown not to
be a source of arsenic
exposure or until
appropriate water
filtration systems are put
in place to remove the
arsenic.
Message:
Patients should be
advised when using
Chromated Copper
Arsenate (CCA)-treated
lumber in nonresidential

Rationale:
By law, water from public
supplies must be tested
for arsenic. Please see
drinking water standards.
In areas with known high
arsenic in ground or well
water, private wells
should be checked to
determine if they are a
source of arsenic
exposure. Information on
how to obtain testing for
arsenic in well water is
often available from the
local health department.
Rationale:
Avoiding over exposure to
known sources of arsenic
in the environment is
prudent. There should be
a warning label with the

93

applications to follow the

warnings regarding the
wearing of personal
protective equipment
such as gloves, eye, and
respiratory protection.
Message:
Parents should be advised
to have children wash
their hands after playing
on playground equipment
made with CCA-treated
lumber.

Message:
Patients should be
advised to consider
applying a sealant on
existing exposed CCAtreated lumber surfaces
annually.

CCA-treated lumber (if at

a store or lumber yard for
consumers) or at a
designated place at the
worksite (for employees).

Rationale:
Avoiding over exposure to
known sources of arsenic
in the environment is
prudent. Research is
ongoing as to whether
there are health risks from
contact with CCA-treated
lumber now in use.
Children who play on
playground equipment
made of CCAtreated
lumber may have higher
than normal background
levels of arsenic on their
hands. Hand washing
after playground visits is
recommended.
Rationale:
Prevention of the release
of arsenic from CCAtreated lumber already in
place may be
accomplished by annual
application of a sealant.
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA
does not currently
recommend the removal
of CCA-treated lumber.
EPA has more information
on this on its Website,

94

provided in the next

section.
Message:

Preventive
Messages
to Help
Avoid or
Minimize
Potential
Health
Effects
from Over
Exposure
to Arsenic.

Rationale:

The patient should

contact the health
department for assistance
if a source of arsenic over
exposure is not identified.

Where the source of

arsenic over exposure is
not identified, a concerted
effort must be made to
identify it. Assistance may
be obtained form the local
health department.

Message:

Rationale:

Patients should be
advised to maintain a
well-balanced diet rich in
selenium, other
antioxidants, and folate.

There is evidence that

mal- or undernourishment
affects arsenic
metabolism. There is also
evidence that selenium is
antagonistic to arsenic.
Methyl donors such as
folate may help in arsenic
metabolism and excretion.
Therefore, a diet rich in
selenium and other
antioxidants may prevent
arsenic toxicity.

Message:
Avoid ingestion of Hijiki
seaweed as it has been
found to have high levels
of inorganic arsenic.
Message:
Patients should contact
their doctor if they

Rationale:
Avoiding dietary sources
of inorganic arsenic is
prudent toward avoiding
arsenic toxicity.
Rationale:
Early detection and
treatment may improve

95

develop signs of health

changes
General
Message:
preventive
Patients should be
messages to
advised to stop smoking.
reduce the
They should also be
risk of
informed that smoking
cancer
along with arsenic over
exposure increases the
risk for developing lung
cancer.

Message:
Limit sun exposure.
Use sunscreen.

Preventive
Messages
for
Avoidance
of Over
Exposure to
Arsenic in
the
Workplace

Message:
Patients should be
encouraged to discuss
their concerns regarding
prevention of hazardous
exposures at the
workplace with their
employer and/or
workplace health and
safety representative.

prognosis.

Rationale:
Smoking causes lung
cancer. Studies have
shown that smoking
coupled with arsenic
inhalation or ingestion can
increase the risk of
developing lung cancer.
Smoking cessation may
help reduce lung cancer
risk.
Rationale:
Limiting sun exposure and
use of sunscreen may
decrease the risk of skin
cancer. Arsenic-induced
skin cancers and the
probable combined roles
of arsenic exposure and
UVB radiation in producing
skin lesions has been
reported [Yu et al. 2006].
Rationale:
OSHAs health hazard risk
communication standard
requires covered
employers to educate
their employees on health
hazards in the workplace
and how to prevent them.
See OSHA Website for
more specifics on the
health hazard risk

96

communication
standard.URL:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/
oshaweb/owadisp.show_d
ocument?p_table=standar
ds&p_id=10099
ATSDR
Patient
Education
Care
Instruction
Sheet

ATSDR has developed a patient education, care instruction

sheet on arsenic toxicity that you might find useful. It can
be found at
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/arsenic/patient_education.html

Key Points

Progress
Check
Select the
one best
choice

Patients should be instructed on ways to protect

themselves from over exposure to arsenic that might
increase their risk of disease or worsen their existing
health condition.

18. Patients who have been over exposed to arsenic should

be advised to
A. Stop smoking.
B. Contact their doctor if they develop signs of health
changes.
C. Stay well nourished with a diet rich in selenium,
antioxidants, and folate.
D. All of the above.

97

Progress
Check
Answers

18. The correct answer is D. All of the recommendation

options presented as answers to this question are
appropriate protective measures the health care
provider should advocate. These patient instructions
include recommending the patient: stop smoking,
contact their doctor if they develop signs of health
changes, and stay well nourished with a diet rich in
selenium, antioxidants, and folate.
To review relevant content, Self Care in this section.

98

Sources of Additional Information

Arsenic
Specific
Information

Please refer to the following Web resources for more

information on the adverse effects of arsenic, the treatment
of arsenic-associated diseases, and management of persons
exposed to arsenic.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

(ATSDR) (www.cdc.gov/atsdr)
o For chemical, emergency situations

CDC Emergency Response: 770-488-7100

and request the ATSDR Duty Officer

o For chemical, non-emergency situations

CDC-INFO
(www.bt.cdc.gov/coca/800cdcinfo.asp)
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY 888-232
6348 - 24 Hours/Day
E-mail: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: ATSDR cannot respond to
questions about individual medical cases,
provide second opinions, or make specific
recommendations regarding therapy. Those
issues should be addressed directly with a
health care provider.

o Toxicological Profile for Arsenic

(www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp2.html)
o TOXFAQs for Arsenic
(www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts2.html)
o TOXFAQs Chemical Agent Briefing Sheets (CABS)
for Arsenic
(www.atsdr.cdc.gov/cabs/arsenic/index.html)
o ATSDR Minimal Response Levels
(www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mrls/index.html)
o ATSDR Medical Management GuidelinesArsenic
Trioxide (www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg168.html)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

99

o Third National Report on Human Exposure to

Environmental Chemicals. Population Biomonitoring
Results
o www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/
National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH)
o NIOSH Safety and Health Topic Arsenic
(www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/arsenic/)
o NIOSHs Workplace Health Hazard Evaluation
Program (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)
o For urgent issues regarding workplace exposures,
please contact OSHA at
www.osha.gov/html/Feed_Back.html or 1-800
321-OSHA (6742).
o OSHA Safety and Health TopicsArsenic
(www.osha.gov/SLTC/arsenic/index.html)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
o EPA Arsenic in Drinking Water
(www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic/index.html)
Clinical
Resources

American College of Occupational and Environmental

Medicine (ACOEM) (www.acoem.org)
o ACOEM is the nation's largest medical society
dedicated to promoting the health of workers
through preventive medicine, clinical care,
research, and education.
o Its members are a dynamic group of physicians
encompassing specialists in a variety of medical
practices, united via the College to develop
positions and policies on vital issues relevant to the
practice of preventive medicine both within and
outside of the workplace.
American College of Medical Toxicologists (ACMT)

100

(www.acmt.net)
o ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of
physicians with recognized expertise in medical
toxicology.
o The College is dedicated to advancing the science
and practice of medical toxicology through a variety
of activities.
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics
www.aoec.org
o The Association of Occupational and Environmental
Clinics (AOEC) is a network of more than 60 clinics
and more than 250 individuals committed to
improving the practice of occupational and
environmental medicine through information
sharing and collaborative research.
Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units
(PEHSUs). www.aoec.org/pesu
o Each PEHSU is based at an academic center and
there is collaboration between the pediatric clinic
and the (AOEC) occupational and environmental
clinic at each site.
o The PEHSUs have been developed to provide
education and consultation for health professionals,
public health professionals, and others about the
topic of children's environmental health.
o The PEHSU staff is available for consultation about
potential pediatric environmental health concerns
affecting both the child and the family. Health care
professionals may contact their regional PEHSU site
for clinical advice.
Poison Control Center
o American Association of Poison Control Centers (1
800-222-1222 or www.aapcc.org).
General
Environ-

Please refer to the following Web resources for general

101

mental
Health
Information

information on environmental health.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

(www.cdc.gov/atsdr)
o To view the complete library of the Case Studies in
Environmental Medicine (CSEM)
(www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/).
o Taking an Exposure History CSEM
(http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/exphistory)
o ATSDR Division of Regional Operations.

Through the working relationships they have

established with EPA, other federal and state
agencies, individual citizens, and community
groups, regional representatives are able to
maintain current and historic knowledge of the
sites and issues in their regions.
ATSDR's Regional Offices, along with the states
and territories that they cover as well as contact
information, can be found at
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/DRO/dro_contact.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC)(www.cdc.gov)
o CDC works to protect public health and the safety
of people by providing information to enhance
health decisions, and CDC promotes health through
partnerships with state health departments and
other organizations.
o CDC focuses national attention on developing and
applying disease prevention and control (especially
infectious diseases), environmental health,
occupational safety and health, health promotion,
prevention and education activities designed to
improve the health of the people of the United
States.

National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)

(www.cdc.gov/nceh/)
o NCEH works to prevent illness, disability, and death
from interactions between people and the

102

environment. It is especially committed to

safeguarding the health of populations that are
particularly vulnerable to certain environmental
hazardschildren, the elderly, and people with
disabilities.
o NCEH seeks to achieve its mission through science,
service, and leadership.
National Institute of Health (NIH) (www.nih.gov)
o A part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, NIH is the primary Federal agency for
conducting and supporting medical research.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) (www.cdc.gov/niosh/)
o NIOSH is part of the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services.
o It helps assure safe and healthful working
conditions for working men and women by
providing research, information, education, and
training in the field of occupational safety and
health.
National Library of Medicine
o Environmental Health and Toxicology National
Library of Medicine TOXNET
http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro.html

103

Assessment and Posttest

Introduction

Accrediting
Organization
Accreditation
Council for
Continuing
Medical
Education
(ACCME)

ATSDR seeks feedback on this course so we can assess its

usefulness and effectiveness. We ask you to complete the
assessment questionnaire online for this purpose.
You can receive continuing education credits as follows:
Credits Offered
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is accredited
by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical
Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education
for physicians.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates
this educational activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA
Category 1 Credits. Physicians should only claim credit
commensurate with the extent of their participation in the
activity.

American
Nurses
Credentialing
Center
(ANCC),
Commission
on
Accreditation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is accredited

as a provider of Continuing Nursing Education by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on
Accreditation.

National
Commission
for Health
Education
Credentialing,
Inc. (NCHEC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a

designated provider of continuing education contact hours
(CECH) in health education by the National Commission for
Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is a
designated event for the CHES to receive 2.0 Category I
contact hours in health education, CDC provider number
GA0082.

International
Association
for
Continuing
Education
and Training

The CDC has been approved as an Authorized Provider by

the International Association for Continuing Education and
Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500,
McLean, VA 22102. The CDC is authorized by IACET to offer
0.2 IACET CEU's for this program.

This activity provides 1.8 contact hours.

104

(IACET)
Instructions

To complete the assessment and posttest, go to

www2.cdc.gov/atsdrce/ and follow the instructions on that
page.
You can immediately print your continuing education
certificate from your personal transcript online. No fees are
charged.

Online
Assessment
Questionnaire

1.

The learning outcomes (objectives) were relevant to the

goal(s) of the course
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

2.

The content was appropriate given the stated objectives

of the course
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

3.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.

The content was presented clearly

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

4.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.

The learning environment was conducive to learning

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.

105

5.

The delivery method (e.g., web, video, DVD, etc.)

helped me learn the material
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

6.

The instructional strategies helped me learn the

material.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

7.

Much too difficult.

A little difficult.
Just right.
A little easy.
Much too easy.

Overall, the length of the course was

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

10.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.

The difficulty level of the course was

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

9.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.

Overall, the quality of the course materials was

excellent
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

8.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.

Much too long.

A little long.
Just right.
A little short.
Much too short.

The availability of CE credit influenced my decision to

106

participate in this activity

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
11.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.
Not applicable.

As a result of completing this educational activity, it is

likely that I will make changes in my practice
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.
Not applicable.

12. I am confident I can better provide appropriate clinical

care for patients exposed to environmental hazards as
described in this course
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.
Direct patient care is not provided.

13. I intend to apply recommendations from this course in

my clinical practice
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Strongly agree.
Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.
Direct patient care is not provided.

14. The content expert(s) demonstrated expertise in the

subject matter
A. Strongly agree.

107

B.
C.
D.
E.

Agree.
Undecided.
Disagree.
Strongly disagree.

15. Do you feel this course was commercially biased? If

yes, please explain
16. Please describe any technical difficulties you
experienced with the course.
17. What could be done to improve future offerings?
18. Do you have any further comments?

Posttest

1.

Select the
one best
answer

What is arsenic?
A.
B.
C.
D.

2.

Most of the arsenic used industrially in recent years in

the United States has been for the manufacture of
A.
B.
C.
D.

3.

Pesticide.
Wood preservative.
Metal ores.
Power plants

The major route(s) of exposure to arsenic is/are

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

4.

A naturally occurring mineral.

An element.
Commercially useful.
All of the above.

Inhalation.
Ingestion.
Dermal contact.
A and B
All are equally important.

Of the following, the U. S. population most at risk of

exposure to arsenic today is

108

A. People who work in farming.

B. People who work in copper smelting or cutting and
sawing of CCA pressure-treated lumber.
C. People in the Mississippi river valley.
D. People who live in major urban areas.
5. Which of the following is FALSE regarding U.S.
standards for arsenic levels?
A. There is a standard level for permissible air levels of
arsenic in the workplace.
B. There is a standard level for allowable arsenic in
drinking water.
C. There is a standard level for allowable arsenic in
ambient air in the environment.
D. There are permissible levels of organic arsenic set
for foodstuffs by the FDA.
6. After ingestion, most arsenic is
A.
B.
C.
D.

Retained in the kidneys.

Retained in the bones.
Rapidly excreted in the urine.
Stored in the liver.

7. Arsenic initiates cellular injury by

A.
B.
C.
D.

Oxidation of lipid membranes.

Ubiquitination.
Methylation.
Binding with sulfhydryl groups.

8. Of the neurologic effects associated with arsenic

exposure, the most common one is
A.
B.
C.
D.

Peripheral neuropathy in a stocking-glove pattern.

Pseudotumor cerebri.
Thrombotic stroke.
Autonomic neuropathy.

9. Which dermatologic condition(s) may occur from

chronic arsenic ingestion?
A. Psoriasis.

109

B. Hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis

C. Verucca vulgaris.
D. Melanoma.
10. Abnormal laboratory tests in arsenic toxicity include
A.
B.
C.
D.

Elevated amylase.
Reduced serum B12.
Elevated liver enzymes.
White blood cell casts on urinalysis.

11. A 64-year-old male who worked in a copper smelter in

the United States in the 1960s and 1970s presents
complaining of hemoptysis, 30 lb weight loss, and
constant chest pain. He says his symptoms began
several months ago. Of the arsenic-associated
diseases, the MOST LIKELY culprit is
A.
B.
C.
D.

Bronchial irritation from acute inhalation.

Cardiomyopathy.
Lung carcinoma.
Pleural mesothelioma.

12. As part of the exposure history, you should explore

A.
B.
C.
D.

Possible occupational exposures to arsenic.

Possible home environmental exposures to arsenic.
Use of personal protective equipment.
All of the above.

13. In a patient with an occupational exposure to arsenic

several years ago, urinary arsenic is likely to show
A. Persistently high levels.
B. No arsenic.
C. Low levels consistent with normal population dietary
intake of arsenic.
D. None of the above.
14. On peripheral blood smear, basophilic stippling of red
cells is suggestive of
A. Arsenic or lead toxicity.
B. Chronic liver disease.

110

C. Promyelocytic leukemia.
D. Chronic renal disease.
15. In caring for a patient who has been exposed to
arsenic, it is important to
A. Identify the source or sources of exposure.
B. Take steps to avoid further exposure to arsenic.
C. Monitor the patient to assure that exposure has
ceased.
D. All of the above
16. Patients who have been diagnosed with an arsenicassociated disease should be instructed to
A. Consider the possibility of exposure both from home
or workplace.
B. Inquire with employer if there is any possibility of
workplace exposure.
C. If drinking from a private well, have the well tested
for arsenic
D. All of the above.

Relevant
Content

To review content relevant to the post-test questions, see:

Question
1

Location of
Relevant Content
What is arsenic?
Where is arsenic
found?

here is arsenic
found?

What are routes of

exposure for
arsenic?

Who is at risk of
arsenic

Learning Objective
(s) Met
Describe arsenic
Identify where
arsenic is found
in the United

States today.

Identify where
arsenic is found
in the United
States today.
Identify the
major routes of
exposure to

arsenic.

Identify the
populations most

111

overexposure?
5
6

7
8, 9, 11

10, 12,
13, and
14

heavily exposed
to arsenic.

What are standards

and regulations for
arsenic?
What is the
biological fate of
arsenic in the body?

How does arsenic

induce pathogenic
change?
What are the
physiologic effects
of arsenic exposure?

Clinical assessment

15

How should patients

exposed to arsenic
be treated and
managed?

16

What instructions
should be given to
patients exposed to
arsenic?

Describe
standards for
arsenic exposure.
Describe what
happens when
arsenic enters
the body.
Describe the
ways arsenic
induces illness.
Describe the
health effects
associated with
arsenic exposure.
Identify the
primary focuses
of the exposure
and medical
history.
Describe the
most typical
findings on
physical exam
Describe the
tests you would
order for patients
exposed to
arsenic.
Identify primary
strategies for
treating and
managing arsenic
associated
diseases.
Describe
instructions for
patient self care.

112

Appendix:
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