What is arsenic?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical element found in:

• water
• food
• soil

Inorganic arsenic can also be found in the environment due to human activities, such as:

• agriculture (farming)
• manufacturing
• transport

Both organic and inorganic arsenic occur in soil and ground water (water found underground), so having very small amounts in your food is unavoidable.

Arsenic is toxic if you are exposed to large amounts. Organic forms of arsenic are less toxic than inorganic forms.

Where is arsenic found?

Water

Arsenic is often found in groundwater. Some parts of the world have unsafe levels of arsenic in the drinking water, including:

• Argentina
• China
• India
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• the United States of America
• Vietnam

Australia's Drinking Water Guidelines set a limit of 0.01 milligrams (mg) of arsenic per litre (L). This is the same as the World Health Organization's Guidelines for drinking water quality.

Food

Because arsenic occurs naturally in water and soil, it's often found in food. Foods that may contain low levels of arsenic include:

• rice
• seaweed
• fish
• meat
• poultry
• shellfish

Some types of seaweed, such as hijiki seaweed, may contain high levels of inorganic arsenic. Hijiki seaweed is a black seaweed and usually comes in shredded form. Imported hijiki seaweed products that do not meet the limit for arsenic in the Food Standards Code can't be sold in Australia.

Australia's Food Standards Code sets maximum levels of arsenic for food. This is to make sure foods are safe to eat.

Industry and consumer products

Mining and metal manufacturing are the largest sources of arsenic in Australia. Other manufacturing industries where arsenic may be used include:

• paper products
• glass products
• petrol and coal products

Products containing arsenic include:

• timber treatments
• wood preservatives
• pesticides

The most common timber treatment in Australia is copper chrome arsenate (CCA), which is made with arsenic. CCA treated timber is often used for:

• framing
• landscaping
• building poles
• jetty piles
• fencing

What are the health effects of arsenic exposure?

Health problems can occur when arsenic dust or fumes enter your body through:

• inhalation (breathing)
• absorption (through the skin)
• ingestion (swallowing)

If you're exposed to too much arsenic it can cause symptoms such as:

• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• 'pins and needles' in your hands and feet
• muscle cramps
• darkening of your skin
• warts on your hands, feet and torso

Exposure to inorganic arsenic can increase your risk of:

• skin cancer
• bladder cancer
• lung cancer
• liver damage
• kidney damage

Exposure to very high levels of arsenic can be fatal (cause death).

Exposure to high levels of arsenic during pregnancy can also affect the health of your baby. It may cause your baby to have:

• lung disease
• cognitive impairment (thinking difficulties)
• impaired memory
• low birth weight
  

If you're pregnant and become ill due to arsenic exposure, it can result in the death of your baby.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have any symptoms of exposure to high levels of arsenic, such as nausea and vomiting.

If you're worried that you have been exposed to arsenic, you can also call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26.

If someone has lost consciousness and you believe they have been exposed to arsenic, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Can arsenic exposure be prevented?

Arsenic occurs naturally in the water, soil and air, so exposure to small amounts of arsenic can't be avoided. It's safe for your body to have these very low levels of arsenic exposure.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) constantly monitor Australia's food supply to ensure that food is safe and meets national standards.

Here are some tips to help reduce your exposure to arsenic:

• Eat a balanced diet with a variety of food — this lowers your risk of eating too much of a food containing arsenic.
• If you work in an industry that uses arsenic, make sure you follow the safety guidelines set by your employer.
• Do not burn CCA treated wood in open fires, stoves or fireplaces.
• When sawing or machining treated wood, always wear a dust mask and perform these tasks outside when possible.
• Avoid taking supplements from other countries, as they may contain levels of arsenic that are not considered safe in Australia. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplements.

Resources and support

Learn more about how you might be exposed to arsenic on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water page.

Read about how arsenic levels in food are monitored on the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand page.

The Australian Water Drinking Guidelines page offers information about arsenic in drinking water and how drinking water can be treated.