Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Arsenic Poisoning

Arsenic poisoning is the condition caused by exposure to arsenic in high enough dose to produce health effects. Organic arsenic is considered as less toxic form of arsenic.

Sources: Tobacco smoke, sea food, some agricultural pesticides, well water with high arsenic level, CCA-treated wood and some homeopathic and naturopathic preparations, and folk remedies are the sources of arsenic poisoning.

Health Effects: The symptoms of arsenic poisoning begin with headaches, confusion and drowsiness. As the poisoning develops, convulsions and changes in fingernail pigmentation may occur. When the poisoning becomes acute, symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, cramping muscles, hair loss, stomach pain, and more convulsions. The organs of the body that are usually affected by arsenic poisoning are the lungs, skin, kidneys, and liver. The final result of arsenic poisoning is coma or death.

Laboratory Tests: Arsenic poisoning can be measured by testing hair, fingernail, blood or urine of the patient. The urine test is considered as most reliable for acute exposures. For surveillance and reporting, only 24 hour urine and urine creatinine tests are considered as valid test.

For more information visit  ATSDR- Arsenic FAQs website.

Reporting guidelines for CHDs