How Does Arsenic Enter The Body?
Arsenic can enter the body through various routes including:
1. Ingestion: Arsenic can enter the body through contaminated food and water. This is the most common way people are exposed to arsenic. Arsenic can be found in rice, seafood, drinking water, and other foods.
2. Inhalation: Arsenic can be inhaled as a dust or fume during mining, smelting, or other industrial processes that use arsenic compounds.
3. Dermal absorption: Arsenic can be absorbed through the skin, especially if there are open wounds, cuts, or abrasions. This is more likely to occur if someone is working with arsenic compounds.
Once arsenic enters the body, it can be metabolized and excreted by the liver and kidneys. However, chronic exposure to arsenic can result in its accumulation in the body's tissues, particularly the skin, hair, nails, bone marrow, and liver. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. It is important to limit exposure to arsenic to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects.