How Can I Reduce My Exposure To Arsenic?

Arsenic is a toxic substance that can be found in various sources, such as drinking water, rice, seafood, and some fruits and vegetables. Exposure to high levels of arsenic over a long period may increase the risk of cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems. To reduce your exposure to arsenic, you can take the following steps:

1. Test your drinking water: If you use a private well for drinking water, you should get it tested for arsenic. You can contact your local health department or a certified laboratory to have your water tested.

2. Drink filtered water: If your drinking water contains high levels of arsenic, you should consider using a water filter that is certified to remove arsenic. Reverse osmosis (RO) filters and activated alumina filters are effective at removing arsenic from water.

3. Choose low-arsenic foods: Rice, seafood, and some fruits and vegetables can contain significant amounts of arsenic. You can reduce your exposure to arsenic by choosing low-arsenic alternatives. For example, choose brown rice instead of white rice, limit your consumption of certain types of seafood such as shrimp and tuna, and choose organic fruits and vegetables when possible.

4. Wash and cook foods properly: Washing rice and other grains before cooking can help remove some of the arsenic. Cooking rice with more water than usual and draining off the excess water after cooking can also help reduce the arsenic content.

5. Avoid products containing arsenic: Some consumer products, such as pressure-treated wood, pesticides, and some cosmetics, can contain arsenic. You should avoid using these products or handle them with care to minimize your exposure to arsenic.

6. Practice good hygiene: Arsenic can accumulate on your skin and clothing, especially if you work with contaminated materials or soil. You should wash your hands and clothes frequently, especially before eating or drinking.

By taking these steps, you can reduce your exposure to arsenic and minimize the associated health risks.