Arsenic

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Arsenic – Hair Trace Element Analysis (Profile 1 Panel)

What is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust. It can enter the body through contaminated water, food (especially rice, seafood, and seaweed), industrial exposure, or environmental pollution. There are two forms:

  • Organic arsenic (from seafood): considered less toxic.

  • Inorganic arsenic (from water, pesticides, industrial sources): more harmful to human health.


Why Test Arsenic in Hair?

Hair is a reliable tissue for long-term exposure analysis because it accumulates trace elements over weeks to months. A hair test helps assess chronic arsenic exposure, unlike blood or urine tests that reflect recent exposure only.


Normal vs. Elevated Arsenic Levels in Hair

  • Normal range: Typically, arsenic levels below 0.08 µg/g in hair are considered normal, though exact reference ranges vary by lab.

  • Elevated levels may indicate:

    • Chronic exposure to contaminated water (especially well water)

    • High intake of arsenic-containing foods

    • Occupational or industrial exposure

    • Use of certain herbal supplements or pesticides

Important: Elevated arsenic in hair does not automatically indicate poisoning—it reflects exposure over time. Clinical symptoms and further testing (blood/urine) may be needed for diagnosis.


Health Effects of Long-Term Arsenic Exposure

  • Fatigue, headaches, or brain fog

  • Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea)

  • Skin changes (darkening, lesions)

  • Increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological damage


What to Do if Your Arsenic Levels Are High

  1. Identify the source: Test your drinking water, assess diet, review supplements.

  2. Reduce exposure: Switch water sources, reduce rice/seafood if necessary.

  3. Consider medical evaluation: Especially if symptoms are present.

  4. Retest after intervention: Hair arsenic levels can decrease over time once exposure is removed.


Summary

An arsenic result on the Profile 1, Trace Elements (Hair) panel provides insight into long-term exposure to this toxic element. While small traces may be normal due to diet or environment, elevated levels deserve attention and a deeper look into possible sources.

What does it mean if your Arsenic result is too high?

In general, hair provides a rough estimate of exposure to Arsenic absorbed from food and water. However, hair can be contaminated externally with Arsenic from air, water, dust, shampoos and soap. Inorganic Arsenic, and some organic Arsenic compounds, can be associated with toxicity. Inorganic Arsenic accumulates in hair, nails, skin, thyroid gland, bone and the gastrointestinal tract. Organic Arsenic, such as that derived from shellfish, is rapidly excreted in the urine.

Arsenic can cause malaise, muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and skin cancer. Long-term exposure may affect the peripheral nervous, cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems. Arsenic is a major biological antagonist to selenium. Common sources of Arsenic are insecticides (calcium and lead arsenate), drinking water, smog, shellfish (arsenobetaine), and industrial exposure, particularly in the manufacture of electronic components (gallium arsenide). Arsenic burden can be confirmed by urine elements analysis. Comparison of urine Arsenic levels pre and post provocation (DMPS, DMSA, D-penicillamine) permit differentiation between recent uptake and body stores.

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What does it mean if your Arsenic result is too low?

Having no detectable arsenic levels in hair is generally a positive thing, as arsenic is a toxic element that can have harmful effects on human health. Arsenic exposure, often through contaminated water, food, or environmental sources, has been linked to various health problems, including skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, neurological issues, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Hair can serve as a medium to assess past exposure to certain elements, including arsenic. However, the absence of detectable arsenic levels in hair doesn't necessarily mean that a person has never been exposed to arsenic, as the levels can vary based on factors like the timing and extent of exposure. It's important to note that a lack of detectable arsenic in hair does not guarantee complete absence of exposure in the past.

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