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Nowadays, it's hard to avoid arsenic and other heavy metals from entering our bodies. YBM Test protocol recommends periodic tests. Here's some fact about arsenic contamination published by the ATSDR.

Highlights

Exposure to higher than average levels of arsenic occur mostly in
the workplace, near hazardous waste sites, or in areas with high
natural levels. At high levels, inorganic arsenic can cause death.
Exposure to lower levels for a long time can cause a discoloration of
the skin and the appearance of small corns or warts. Arsenic has been
found in at least 1,149 of the 1,684 National Priority List sites
identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What is arsenic?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the
earth’s crust. In the environment, arsenic is combined with oxygen,
chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganic arsenic compounds. Arsenic in
animals and plants combines with carbon and hydrogen to form organic
arsenic compounds.

Inorganic arsenic compounds are mainly used to preserve wood. Copper
chromated arsenate (CCA) is used to make “pressure-treated” lumber. CCA
is no longer used in the U.S. for residential uses; it is still used in
industrial applications. Organic arsenic compounds are used as
pesticides, primarily on cotton fields and orchards.

What happens to arsenic when it enters the environment?

• Arsenic
  occurs naturally in soil and minerals and may enter the air, water, and
  land from wind-blown dust and may get into water from runoff and
  leaching.
• Arsenic cannot be destroyed in the environment. It can only change its form.
• Rain and snow remove arsenic dust particles from the air.
• Many common arsenic compounds can dissolve in water. Most of the arsenic in water will ultimately end up in soil or sediment.
• Fish and shellfish can accumulate arsenic; most of this arsenic is
  in an organic form called arsenobetaine that is much less harmful.

How might I be exposed to arsenic?

• Ingesting small amounts present in your food and water or breathing air containing arsenic.
• Breathing sawdust or burning smoke from wood treated with arsenic.
• Living in areas with unusually high natural levels of arsenic in rock.
• Working
  in a job that involves arsenic production or use, such as copper or
  lead smelting, wood treating, or pesticide application.

How can arsenic affect my health?

Breathing high levels of inorganic arsenic can give you a sore throat or irritated lungs.

Ingesting very high levels of arsenic can result in death. Exposure
to lower levels can cause nausea and vomiting, decreased production of
red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood
vessels, and a sensation of “pins and needles” in hands and feet.

Ingesting or breathing low levels of inorganic arsenic for a long
time can cause a darkening of the skin and the appearance of small
“corns” or “warts” on the palms, soles, and torso.

Skin contact with inorganic arsenic may cause redness and swelling.

Almost nothing is known regarding health effects of organic arsenic
compounds in humans. Studies in animals show that some simple organic
arsenic compounds are less toxic than inorganic forms. Ingestion of
methyl and dimethyl compounds can cause diarrhea and damage to the
kidneys.

How likely is arsenic to cause cancer?

Several studies have shown that ingestion of inorganic arsenic can
increase the risk of skin cancer and cancer in the liver, bladder, and
lungs. Inhalation of inorganic arsenic can cause increased risk of lung
cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the EPA
have determined that inorganic arsenic is a known human carcinogen. The
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that
inorganic arsenic is carcinogenic to humans.

How does arsenic affect children?

There is some evidence that long-term exposure to arsenic in
children may result in lower IQ scores. There is also some evidence
that exposure to arsenic in the womb and early childhood may increase
mortality in young adults.

There is some evidence that inhaled or ingested arsenic can injure
pregnant women or their unborn babies, although the studies are not
definitive. Studies in animals show that large doses of arsenic that
cause illness in pregnant females, can also cause low birth weight,
fetal malformations, and even fetal death. Arsenic can cross the
placenta and has been found in fetal tissues. Arsenic is found at low
levels in breast milk.

How can families reduce their risk for exposure to arsenic?

• If
  you use arsenic-treated wood in home projects, you should wear dust
  masks, gloves, and protective clothing to decrease exposure to sawdust.
• If
  you live in an area with high levels of arsenic in water or soil, you
  should use cleaner sources of water and limit contact with soil.
• If you work in a job that may expose you to arsenic, be aware that
  you may carry arsenic home on your clothing, skin, hair, or tools. Be
  sure to shower and change clothes before going home.

Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to arsenic?

There are tests available to measure arsenic in your blood, urine,
hair, and fingernails. The urine test is the most reliable test for
arsenic exposure within the last few days. Tests on hair and
fingernails can measure exposure to high levels of arsenic over the
past 6-12 months. These tests can determine if you have been exposed to
above-average levels of arsenic. They cannot predict whether the
arsenic levels in your body will affect your health.

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Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?

The EPA has set limits on the amount of arsenic that industrial
sources can release to the environment and has restricted or cancelled
many of the uses of arsenic in pesticides. EPA has set a limit of 0.01
parts per million (ppm) for arsenic in drinking water.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a
permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 10 micrograms of arsenic per cubic
meter of workplace air (10 ?g/m3) for 8 hour shifts and 40 hour work weeks.

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 2007. Toxicological Profile for Arsenic (Update). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.

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