What is the link between arsenic in drinking water and health risks?

Arsenic, a naturally occurring heavy metal, has been linked to multiple forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, developmental issues in children, and other deadly conditions. Chronic exposure to arsenic can accumulate in the body over time, compounding the health risks.

What is the scale of the arsenic contamination problem in the United States?

Researchers estimate that between 100 million and 280 million Americans drink water, often from private wells, that is laced with arsenic. The U.S. Geological Survey found arsenic in nearly half of the wells tested across major aquifers, with about 7% exceeding federal safety standards.

Home / Health / Drinking Water Toxin Halves Disease Risk After Exposure Reduction

Drinking Water Toxin Halves Disease Risk After Exposure Reduction

Q: How effective is reducing arsenic exposure in improving health outcomes?

According to the study, lowering arsenic levels in drinking water by around 70% can slash people's risk of dying from chronic diseases, heart disease, and cancer by more than 50%. The health benefits are comparable to quitting smoking, with the risk declining steadily over time.

18 Nov

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Summary

Arsenic in drinking water linked to cancer, heart disease, and more
Reducing arsenic by 70% can slash disease risk by over 50%
Study tracked 11,000 adults in Bangladesh over 20 years

Drinking Water Toxin Halves Disease Risk After Exposure Reduction

According to a recent study, millions of Americans are being exposed to a cancer-linked toxin in their household water, but reducing the contamination can significantly improve their health. The study, conducted over 20 years with nearly 11,000 adults in Bangladesh, found that lowering arsenic levels in drinking water by around 70% can slash people's risk of dying from chronic diseases, heart disease, and cancer by more than 50%.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring heavy metal that contaminates groundwater across the United States, often seeping into private wells undetected. Chronic exposure to arsenic has been linked to a range of deadly conditions, including various cancers, cardiovascular disease, and developmental issues in children. Unlike some toxins, arsenic accumulates in the body over time, compounding the health risks the longer a person is exposed.