What is arsenic?

Arsenic is naturally present at high levels in the groundwater of a number of countries. Arsenic is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Contaminated water used for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops poses the greatest threat to public health from arsenic. Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water

What is the IRIS program doing about inorganic arsenic?

The IRIS Program has been utilizing webinars in the development of the IRIS assessment for inorganic arsenic to foster public engagement and enhance transparency in the assessment development process. Webinars associated with the inorganic arsenic assessment can be found below:

How are people exposed to inorganic arsenic?

People are exposed to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated water, using contaminated water in food preparation and irrigation of food crops, industrial processes, eating contaminated food and smoking tobacco.

How is arsenic regulated in the United States?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration monitors and regulates levels of arsenic in certain foods. FDA prioritizes monitoring inorganic arsenic levels in foods, such as infant rice cereal, more likely to be eaten by young children. Arsenic may be a component of air pollution.