Arsenic: a carcinogen

Chemical properties

Arsenic is a semimetal. In the periodic table it has the atomic number 33 and is denoted by the symbol As.

How dangerous is arsenic?

The element is a carcinogen. This means it can cause cancer by attacking a cell's DNA. As a result, this cell mutates and multiplies uncontrollably. This can result in a tumor. This affects the skin, bladder, liver, lungs and other organs.

Blackfoot disease can also be a consequence of the increased incidence.

The WHO recommended limit value in drinking water is 10 micrograms per liter (0.01 mg/l). Germany has maintained this value since 1996. Other countries continue to exceed the value. There have already been health disasters in areas where this value was not adhered to. An example of this is India. In the 1980s there was an increase in skin cancer cases in the region around Calcutta.

In addition, the element appears different or stronger depending on its shape. Damage to chromosomes can also be a result.

How do I get rid of arsenic?

With the help of a reverse osmosis system, the element can be almost completely filtered out of the drinking water .