Could there be a poison in the water we drink and the food we eat that you can't see? Let's talk about arsenic.

Have you ever thought that there might be something dangerous hidden in the water we drink and the food we eat every day that is invisible to our eyes, tasteless, and odorless? It really could be. That's what arsenic is. You've probably heard this name in the newspaper and on TV. But the truth is, it's very important for us all to be aware of the impact it can have on our health. So let's talk about this simply today, in a way that you can understand.

What is Arsenic?

Simply put, arsenic is a chemical element that is naturally found in the soil and rocks of our planet. Just like iron and calcium . But the problem is, arsenic is toxic to our bodies . It is added to the environment from volcanic eruptions, from within the earth, and also from some industrial waste.

Arsenic exists in two main forms.

1. Organic Arsenic: This is arsenic combined with the element carbon. It is usually found in plant and animal tissues. It is slightly less toxic than the other types.

2. Inorganic Arsenic : This is the most dangerous and toxic type. This is what often contaminates drinking water and soil. This type is released into the environment from factories and pressure-treated wood.

When we talk about "arsenic poisoning ", we are mainly referring to the ingestion of inorganic arsenic.

How does this enter our bodies?

There are several main ways that arsenic can enter our bodies. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) says that groundwater contamination with arsenic is the world's most serious public health problem.

• Through drinking water: This is the main and most dangerous method. Well water, which many people use, especially in countries like ours, can be contaminated with arsenic found in the ground in some areas. Since arsenic has no taste, color, or odor, there is no way to know if this poison is present in the water without testing it.
• From food: Arsenic in the soil is absorbed by plants. Therefore, arsenic levels in some foods, especially rice, can be high. Some types of fish , poultry, and mushrooms may also contain arsenic. However, since this is a natural process, it is not possible to completely eliminate arsenic from food.
• By breathing: Arsenic can also be ingested by inhaling dust or fumes containing it (for example, from some factories).

What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning?

The symptoms of this vary depending on the amount and duration of arsenic ingestion. They can be divided into two categories: acute poisoning, which occurs when a large amount is ingested at once, and chronic poisoning, which occurs when a small amount is ingested over a period of time.

What are the long-term health effects?

This is where we need to focus the most. Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause very serious health problems.

• Cancer: Inorganic arsenic is a well-established carcinogen. It is a major cause of skin cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and liver cancer.
• Diabetes: Research has found a link between arsenic ingestion and metabolic conditions such as diabetes.
• Heart disease: It can affect heart function and cause high blood pressure and other heart diseases.
• Effects on children: Children exposed to arsenic as children are at high risk of developing various diseases as adults. These effects can persist for years after exposure has ceased.

Let's learn about diagnosis and treatment.

If you have these symptoms or suspect arsenic poisoning, you should definitely see a doctor . The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and, if necessary, order tests to check the level of arsenic in your body.

• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Fingernail and hair analysis

When it comes to treatment, there is still no single, effective "cure" for arsenic poisoning. The best thing to do is to avoid arsenic ingestion.

However, in some cases, especially in cases of acute poisoning, a treatment called ``chelation therapy'' is used to remove arsenic from the body. However, it can also have side effects and is therefore only done under medical supervision.

Additionally, some research has shown that taking the vitamin folic acid daily can somewhat reduce arsenic levels in the blood of people with long-term arsenic exposure. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor before doing any of these things.

How to protect yourself from arsenic?

Prevention is a thousand times better than cure. So how do we protect ourselves from this invisible enemy?

• Test your well water: If you use well water, it is important to have it tested regularly for arsenic and other heavy metals. You can do this by contacting your local Public Health Inspector (PHI) or the relevant government agency.
• Water Filters: Remember, ordinary household water filters cannot remove arsenic. Special filters (e.g. reverse osmosis, activated alumina) designed specifically for arsenic removal are required.
• Diet: Eat a balanced diet of a variety of foods, rather than limiting yourself to one type of food, especially rice from the same region.
• Workplace safety: If you work in an industry where you may be exposed to arsenic (e.g., mining, agrochemicals), follow the safety procedures provided by your organization.