Is dermal exposure to arsenic in drinking water from bathing a concern?
Hand washing and bathing do not pose a known risk to human health (Arsenic Treatment Technology Evaluation Handbook for Small Systems, EPA816-R-03-014, July 2003). The primary mode of exposure to arsenic is ingestion of water containing arsenic. Dermal exposure (i.e., skin contact) with water containing arsenic is believed to be low because dermal absorption of arsenic is minimal. At this time, EPA is basing health risks on estimates of arsenic exposure from food and water (65 FR 38887, 38894; June 22, 2000).
Additional information on arsenic is available at http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/arsenic/index.cfm
Additional information on arsenic is available at http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/arsenic/index.cfm
Frequent Questions
- Bottled Water
- Consumer Concerns
- Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs)
- Contaminants and Standards
- Definitions
- Facts, Figures, and Databases
- Filters/Home Water Treatment Units (HWTUs)
- Household Wells
- Lead and Copper
- Local Drinking Water Quality
- LT2/Stage 2 Rule
- Other
- Public Notification (PN)
- Source Water Protection/UIC Program
- Tap Water Testing
- Water Utility (PWS) Compliance/Issues
Topic Information
- Topic #: 23002-15049
- Date Created: 8/23/2006
- Last Modified Since: 3/16/2012
- Viewed: 5630