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Inorganic: Arsenic Vs. Organic Compounds

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A massive epidemic emerges as the water on which millions of people rely on is exposed to high levels of arsenic, a silent killer. Depending on whether carbon is involved, the arsenic ion combines with other elements to form either an organic compound or an inorganic compound, which is typically found in the contaminated waters (“ARSENIC...WebMD”). When comparing the two forms, the inorganic compound is more toxic than the organic compound (“Arsenic”). According to the regulations of the US Environmental Protection agency, if water exceeds 10 micrograms of arsenic per liter then it should not be consumed. A prolonged consumption of water containing high levels of inorganic arsenic is linked to various health issues such as skin damage, problems with the circulatory system, several types …show more content…

Arsenic occurs naturally in the ground through the oxidation of arsenic minerals and gets into water supplies through wind-blown dust, runoff, leaching, or being released from sediment into the groundwater. (“Arsenic: MedlinePlus” and “Arsenic”). In addition to natural activities, industrial activities surrounding the site can also be linked to high concentrations of arsenic in water (“Environmental Health Criteria 224: Arsenic And Arsenic Compounds”). Based on the teachings of Megan Cook one can deduce that arsenic pollution is both point and nonpoint, meaning that it is difficult to isolate the source. Furthermore, arsenic is an odorless and tasteless element, making it nearly impossible to determine whether or not it is present in water, using only the human senses (“What Is the Difference between Organic and Inorganic Arsenic?”). This means that anyone can unknowingly be consuming high levels of arsenic and making it that much more dangerous. A frightening aspect about arsenicosis, the disease that results from excessive arsenic consumption, is

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