Drinking Water Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, August 18^th, 2020

Earlier this summer, Consumer Reports published an article about arsenic levels they found in a particular brand of spring water that was sold across the country. According to the article, federal regulations limit the amount of arsenic to 10 parts per billion (ppb) and multiple samples tested by the organization found levels close to this limit.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is widely distributed in the earth's crust.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arsenic can enter the water supply from natural deposits in the earth or from industrial and agricultural pollution. Water sources in some parts of the United States have higher naturally occurring levels of inorganic arsenic than other areas. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the greatest threat to public health from arsenic originates from contaminated groundwater. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified arsenic and arsenic compounds as carcinogenic to humans, and that arsenic in drinking water is carcinogenic to humans.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that health effects of exposure to elevated levels of arsenic may include:

• Thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and liver effects
• Cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, neurological, reproductive and endocrine effects
• Cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver and prostate

 

“While the bottled water in question was below the EPA’s 10 ppb limit, drinking water with concerning levels of the toxic metal could cause issues over time,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Arsenic is also a problem for many people with private wells. In parts of the country, due to natural deposits as well as from contamination from past agricultural and industrial uses, arsenic can be found at elevated levels in groundwater. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to remove the arsenic in the water before it is used by people. ”

The water quality experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. provide arsenic and other water contaminant testing services in their laboratories across North America. These services are available to bottling and beverage companies, water utilities, regulators and the public. To learn more about arsenic testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. 

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.