Arsenic

What is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. It can be found in rocks, soil, and groundwater across many parts of the world, including Australia, the United States, and Europe. Often combined with elements like sulfur, chlorine, and oxygen, arsenic can dissolve into water supplies through natural processes or human activity. Historically infamous as a poison, arsenic has also been used in pesticides, wood preservatives, and industrial processes—creating pathways for contamination that still affect drinking water today.

What Health Effects Does Arsenic Have?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water is one of the most serious global public health concerns. Short-term arsenic poisoning may cause nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and skin changes such as lesions or discoloration.

The greater danger lies in long-term exposure to even low levels of arsenic, which has been linked to:

• Cancers: Skin, bladder, lung, and kidney cancers.

• Cardiovascular disease: Increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

• Developmental risks: Harm to children’s growth and cognitive development.

• Other chronic conditions: Diabetes, lung damage, and weakened immune function.

The insidious nature of arsenic is that it builds up in the body over time, meaning symptoms often remain invisible until serious health damage has occurred. Vulnerable groups—including children, pregnant women, and the elderly—face the highest risks due to their increased sensitivity.

How Does Arsenic Get Into Tap Water?

Arsenic can enter water supplies through both natural and human-driven sources:

• Natural erosion: Rocks and soil containing arsenic dissolve into rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

• Industrial waste: Mining, smelting, and chemical manufacturing can release arsenic into nearby water systems.

• Agricultural activity: Pesticides and fertilizers historically containing arsenic can contaminate soil and leach into groundwater.

• Infrastructure: Old treated wood or industrial discharge pipes may contribute to local contamination.

This means arsenic can appear in both private wells and public water systems. Even bottled water isn’t immune, as its purity depends heavily on source and treatment.

Who is Most at Risk?

While arsenic poses health risks to everyone, certain groups face higher dangers:

• Children and infants: Developing bodies absorb toxins more easily, making arsenic especially harmful during early growth.

• Pregnant women: Arsenic can pass through the placenta, increasing risks of developmental and health problems in unborn children.

• Rural and private well users: Areas with arsenic-rich soil or limited water testing are particularly vulnerable.

• Individuals with high water consumption: Athletes, outdoor workers, or those living in hot climates may be exposed to higher levels simply by drinking more water.

How to Avoid or Remove Arsenic from Your Water

The WHO and national health agencies agree that advanced water treatment is the most reliable way to protect against arsenic exposure. Common methods include reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and activated carbon with specialized filtration media.

At PuraHome, our nanofiltration technology is engineered to target arsenic and over 150 other dangerous contaminants at the source—directly from your tap. Unlike bottled water or basic jug filters (which often miss contaminants like arsenic), our system provides visible proof of filtration, giving families confidence that every glass of water is safe.

Protecting your home means more than clean-tasting water—it means safeguarding your family from invisible threats that could impact health for generations.