IN THE KNOW: Arsenic

Arsenic, which is highly toxic in its inorganic form, is naturally present at high levels in the groundwater of several countries.

Arsenic is used industrially as an alloying agent, as well as in the processing of glass, pigments, textiles, paper, metal adhesives, wood preservatives and ammunition. It is also used in the hide tanning process and in pesticides, feed additives and pharmaceuticals.

Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic, mainly through drinking of contaminated water, eating of food prepared with this water and eating food irrigated with arsenic-rich water, can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning.

The immediate symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. These are followed by numbness and tingling of the extremities, muscle cramping and death, in extreme cases. Rafael Antonio, Inquirer Research

Source: World Health Organization