Arsenic

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-002122",
  "term": "Arsenic",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Arsenic is a highly poisonous semi-metallic element. According to a 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences, arsenic can cause bladder, lung, and skin cancer and may cause kidney and liver cancer. The study also found that arsenic harms the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as heart and blood vessels, and causes serious skin problems. It also may cause birth defects and reproductive problems. These health impacts are caused when arsenic contaminates drinking water supplies. It enters water supplies either from natural deposits in the earth or from industrial and agricultural pollution.\n\n2. Please see the ATSDR fact sheet for arsenic.\n\n3. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the earth's crust. In the environment, arsenic is combined with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganic arsenic compounds. Arsenic in animals and plants combines with carbon and hydrogen to form organic arsenic compounds. Inorganic arsenic compounds are mainly used to preserve wood.\n\n4. Total arsenic.\n\n5. Total arsenic, Parameter 6.\n\n6. Total arsenic. P6.",
  "subject": "Air",
  "references": [
    "Clean Energy Glossary",
    "RCRA Glossary of Terms",
    "CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Toxic Substances Portal",
    "40 CFR 437.2 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 444.11 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 445.2 (CFR 2013)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/arsenic/"
}