As
Arsenic
metalloidSDWA code: 1005
EPA Limit (MCL)
10.000 ppb (0.01 mg/L)
Health Goal (MCLG)
Zero (0)
No level is considered safe
Unit of Measure
mg/L
How concentrations are reported
Health Effects
Increased risk of cancer (skin, bladder, lung). Thickening and discoloration of skin; numbness; circulatory problems.
The EPA has set the health goal (MCLG) at zero, meaning no level of exposure is considered risk-free.
How It Gets Into Water
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes
How to Reduce Exposure
- 1Reverse osmosis systems effectively remove arsenic
- 2Distillation also removes arsenic effectively
- 3Standard carbon filters do NOT reliably remove arsenic
- 4Test your well water annually if on a private well; arsenic is naturally occurring in many regions
Always look for NSF/ANSI certified filtration products. Certification means the filter has been independently tested to remove the stated contaminants.
Official EPA Guidance
For authoritative information on Arsenicin drinking water, visit the EPA's official resource page.
View EPA Guidance ↗