Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the earth's crust. Background arsenic concentrations in U.S. soil (arsenic that was already there naturally before any human involvement whatsoever) range from less than 0.1 part per million to 69 parts per million. Potential sources of the arsenic found above EPA's screening level in residential soils in El Paso are varied. In addition to being a naturally occurring element and a by-product of metal processing, other known sources of arsenic in the environment are fuel oils, coal, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides. Although long-term inhalation or ingestion of large amounts of arsenic could possibly cause health problems, arsenic may be essential and functional in humans in very small amounts. Some scientists claim it is an essential element in our diet in very low doses.
[Home] [Asarco in El Paso] [El Paso Metals Investigation] [Lead and Arsenic Information]
[Community Newsletters] [Questions and Answers] [Company News] [Other Links] [Contact Us]