Arsenic in Ground Water

Baltimore, Maryland

Arsenic is a highly toxic substance. A study conducted in 2007 determined that more than 137 million people in over 70 countries are likely affected by drinking water poisoned with arsenic. Accidentally ingesting arsenic over time through drinking water, the most common source of arsenic exposure, can cause severe illness and death.

Despite this fact, arsenic is still used in the manufacture of products such as pressure treated wood for constructing playgrounds, docks and decks.

Experts have valid concerns about the potential for arsenic to escape from products built with pressure treated wood, contaminating soil and groundwater. Prolonged arsenic exposure causes a significant increase in the development of various forms of cancer.

Symptoms of Arsenic Exposure

• Melanosis (spots on the skin)
• Keratosis (broken, spotty skin)
• Skin cancer
• Lung, liver, bladder, and kidney cancers

What is Being Done

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently enacted tougher standards for arsenic exposure. The new standard reduces acceptable levels of arsenic exposure from fifty parts per billion to ten parts per billion. Many U.S. locations, however, currently have arsenic groundwater contamination in excess of the new EPA standard. Some areas have naturally occurring high concentrations, such as Fallon, Nevada where concentrations of arsenic exceed 0.08 mg/L.

In the United States, all residential drinking water supplied by water utilities must meet healthy standards. In some regions, this may mean large-scale treatment systems must be built to properly remove arsenic from the water supply. This may not be immediately possible in every case.

If you have serious health problems because of arsenic exposure, see your physician. Then contact a qualified toxic tort attorney who can protect your legal rights. In Baltimore, Maryland, The Yost Legal Group can help you. There may be time limits within which you must begin your lawsuit, so don’t delay. Please contact us today for your arsenic poisoning evaluation.