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more_legal_areas arsenicMethods of arsenic treatment are determined by the source of arsenic contamination being treated. Arsenic is a chemical compound that, when ingested, inhaled, or in contact with the skin, can cause serious health problems including several forms of cancer. Arsenic sources include: pressure treated wood, pesticides, automobile lead-acid batteries, semi-conductors, household products, and many industrial operations. Soil, air, water, and food sources can become contaminated with arsenic, thereby posing a significant threat to human health. There are arsenic treatment methods that can be employed to reduce or eliminate the levels of arsenic that pose a threat to human health.
It is estimated that ninety percent of all the arsenic produced in the United States takes the form of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure treated wood. CCA is used to protect wood material from rotting and decay, but poses a threat to human health when it comes into contact with skin, or when its dust or other particles are inhaled, ingested, or have contaminated other sources.
There are arsenic treatment methods that have been proposed to mitigate the risks of arsenic poisoning, though they are a source of controversy. Painting pressure treated wood is not always a viable arsenic treatment method, for it is possible for arsenic to leak through painted surfaces. Some groups suggest that applying sealants and coating to pressure treated wood may be an effective arsenic treatment method, though there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that this provides sufficient protection. Some suggest using a water-based acrylic sealer to protect pressure treated wood.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed a variety of restrictions on permissible levels of arsenic in the environment. If levels of arsenic in drinking water exceed 50 parts per billion, the government requires that arsenic treatment methods be employed to reduce the level of arsenic in the water. A five parts per billon restriction has recently been proposed to the US government. When levels exceed this amount, there are a number of arsenic treatment options including, but not limited to, alum coagulation, and iron coagulation, sorption techniques such as lime softening, activated alumina, iron coated sand, ion exchange and resin, and membrane techniques such as reverse osmosis and electrodialysis.
In addition to arsenic treatment requirements for drinking water, there are also arsenic treatment methods that must be employed in terms of arsenic levels in the work environment, and the amount of arsenic that can be released into the air from an industrial facility. Arsenic treatment methods must be taken to rid an employee''s person from any possible arsenic materials because these can be brought home and cause danger to others. Employees who work with arsenic must use respirators, protective clothing, and must be in an adequately ventilated work area. Arsenic treatment must be employed in any environment where dangerous levels of arsenic are present, in order to mitigate potentially serious health risks. Arsenic treatment is often administered by the government or by specifically qualified arsenic treatment professionals.
Pressure treated wood using arsenic, an effective poison for hundreds of years, was used in deck construction for many years but is no longer sold for residential use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned most uses of arsenic as a pesticide...