Arsenic causes what type of cancer

In most cases, the American Cancer Society does not determine if something causes cancer that is, if it is a carcinogen , but we do look to other respected organizations for help with this.

Based on the available evidence, several expert agencies have evaluated the cancer-causing potential of arsenic. One of its major goals is to identify causes of cancer. To learn more about how cancer causes are studied and classified, see Known and Probable Human Carcinogens and Understanding Cancer Causes.

Because arsenic has been linked to cancer and other health effects, several US government agencies regulate arsenic levels and exposures, a few of which are described here. For example, the FDA has issued guidance to manufacturers to not exceed inorganic arsenic levels of ppb in infant rice cereals.

It has also issued draft guidance to not exceed inorganic arsenic levels of 10 ppb in apple juice. These are recommendations for manufacturers and are not legally enforceable. In the community: The EPA has set limits on the amount of arsenic that industrial sources can release into the environment, and has restricted the use of arsenic in pesticides. When working at potentially higher exposure levels, OSHA requires employers to provide personal protective equipment such as respirators.

Still, there are some things you can do that may lower your exposure. Public drinking water systems in the US are required to test for arsenic and to keep it below a certain level 10 parts per billion, or ppb.

If your drinking water comes from a public source, you can find out about the levels of certain substances in your drinking water, including arsenic, by contacting your local water system. If you get your water from a private source such as a well, you may want to have your water tested for arsenic levels by a reputable laboratory. People who live in areas with high levels of arsenic in the water may consider using alternative sources of drinking water, such as bottled water.

Common household water filters do not effectively remove arsenic. Some foods naturally contain more arsenic than others. For example, the highest concentrations of arsenic have been found in seafood , although this is mainly in the less harmful organic form.

Rice and rice products are a particular concern because they are a major food source in many parts of the world and are included in the diets of many infants and children. The FDA has recommended that manufacturers limit inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereals to ppb.

Neither the FDA nor the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommend specific limits on how much rice or rice products should be eaten, but they do recommend that families eat a wide variety of foods for a well-balanced diet that includes grains other than rice, such as wheat, barley and oats.

This can help limit any possible health effects from eating too much of any one type of food. According to the FDA, cooking rice in larger amounts of water similar to how pasta is cooked can lower the amount of inorganic arsenic in rice by about half, but this type of cooking can also lower its nutrient value, especially for white rice.

The FDA also notes that rinsing rice before cooking has very little effect on arsenic levels, and it can also lower its nutrient value. Concerns have also been raised about arsenic levels in some fruit juices particularly apple juice. The FDA has tested the arsenic levels in many apple juice products and has stated that it is confident in the overall safety of apple juice for children and adults.

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