Arsenic in Drinking Water
Arsenic is a semi-metal element in the periodic table of the elements. It is an odorless and tasteless substance that occurs naturally in the environment but is also present as a byproduct of some industrial and agricultural processes. It can enter drinking water supplies through the ground or as runoff into surface water sources.
Long term exposure to Arsenic has been linked to cancer of the kidneys, lungs, and bladder. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for Arsenic in the US is 10 parts per billion of total (organic + inorganic) Arsenic. Arsenic can be present in two forms - Arsenic III and Arsenic V. Distillation will remove both forms. Reverse osmosis systems are most effective at removing Arsenic V but will also reduce levels of Arsenic III in a water supply.
