Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance widely distributed in the earth's crust. Chemically, arsenic is a heavy metal substance. Although natural, arsenic can cause various diseases if the body long-term exposure to chemical substances this.
Arsenic can be found in water, air, food and soil. There are two types of arsenic, namely organic arsenic and inorganic arsenic. Organic arsenic is most often used as a raw material for making insecticides or eradicating pests and herbicides (weed killers). This organic arsenic is usually not toxic to humans, unless exposed to large amounts. Meanwhile, low levels of inorganic arsenic are contained in soil, copper, tin ore, and water. This type of arsenic is much more dangerous than organic arsenic.
Arsenic can be found in groundwater, pesticides, wood preservatives, tobacco, volcanic eruptions, to the results of the mining process. Arsenic can also be found in foods, such as rice or rice and fish, due to absorption from soil and water. Arsenic mostly enters the human body through ingestion of food or water.
Dangers of Arsenic Exposure to Body Health
Exposure to arsenic in large or small amounts but often, is not good for health. Some of the negative effects of arsenic on the body are:
- Cause kanker
Arsenic has been linked to causing cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder, kidneys and liver. Several studies have shown that long-term exposure to arsenic or large doses can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate and bladder cancer, and liver cancer. This is thought to occur due to the toxic effects of arsenic on body cells.
- Disturbing sendocrine system
The researchers revealed that exposure to small amounts of arsenic can disrupt the endocrine system. In fact, the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body, plays a very important role in regulating growth, development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual function and reproductive processes, as well as mood.
- Cause ddiabetes
Several studies have shown an association between exposure to small or large amounts of arsenic and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
- Increase the risk of pheart disease
Long-term arsenic exposure is also thought to be associated with the risk of heart disease. Research in Mongolia shows that those exposed to arsenic from water and food have a higher risk of developing heart disease. This is thought to be because the effects of arsenic can stimulate blockage of the heart's blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Disrupt the body's development and increase the risk of cancer in awant
Arsenic can also affect children's health when they grow up. One study found an increase in the number of lung cancer and bladder cancer in adults exposed to arsenic early in life. Exposure to arsenic in low or high doses can also increase the risk of premature puberty, obesity, and disorders of the reproductive system.
And did you know that arsenic also affects children's brain abilities? Research shows that primary school students who are exposed to arsenic have lower IQ test scores than students who are not exposed. Arsenic can be found in the water used for drinking and cooking in their homes.
Arsenic poisoning can cause health complications, which if left untreated, can result in death. If you eat or drink something and then suddenly have a headache, drowsiness, severe diarrhea, dizziness, a metallic taste in your mouth, difficulty swallowing, convulsions, excessive sweating, vomiting, cramps, or blood in your urine, see your doctor or emergency room at the nearest hospital for treatment.
