New research suggests that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, challenging current federal limits and raising concerns over the safety of water supplies across the United States.
Arsenic Exposure and Heart Disease
This study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, is the first to analyze the effects of arsenic exposure at levels below the federal threshold of 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L). Researchers found a troubling connection between long-term arsenic exposure in drinking water and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, specifically ischemic heart disease. These risks remain, even at levels considered legally acceptable.
“We found a strong positive association between 10-year average arsenic concentrations from residential community water supplies and cardiovascular disease risk, specifically ischemic heart disease, among women living in California,” lead researcher Danielle Medgyesi explained. The findings indicate that arsenic exposure, even below current regulatory limits, may be more dangerous than previously thought.
Understanding the Study’s Scope and Findings
In a comprehensive analysis of nearly 100,000 California residents’ health data from 1995 to 2018, researchers observed a significant increase in heart disease risk with arsenic exposure at various levels:
- 1-5 µg/L exposure: Participants had a 5-6% increased risk of coronary heart disease.
- 5-10 µg/L exposure: Participants had a 20% increased risk.
- 10 µg/L or higher: The risk of heart disease more than doubled.
The findings align with toxicological research, which suggests that arsenic has no truly “safe” exposure level. Senior researcher Tiffany Sanchez, from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, stated, “Our results are novel and encourage a renewed discussion of current policy and regulatory standards.” The research team advocates for lowering the federal limit to at least 5 µg/L to better protect public health.
Current EPA Standards and Potential Implications
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) previously lowered the maximum contaminant level for arsenic from 50 µg/L to 10 µg/L in 2006, aiming to reduce health risks. However, the new findings imply that this threshold may still be too high. “Reducing the current limit would further protect health,” Medgyesi argued, calling for further scrutiny of the regulatory framework.
The EPA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have yet to respond to these findings, which raise questions about the sufficiency of existing regulations in protecting millions of Americans from arsenic’s harmful effects.
Scope of Arsenic Contamination in U.S. Drinking Water
The recent California-based study reflects a broader concern in the U.S., where arsenic contamination persists in water supplies across multiple regions. A 2017 report estimated that 2.1 million Americans have water contaminated with arsenic at levels exceeding the EPA’s limit. USGS data reveals that nearly half of tested wells contain arsenic above 1 µg/L, and approximately 7% exceed the EPA’s threshold.
Areas of particular concern include:
- The Southwest: 16% of drinking water wells exceed legal arsenic levels.
- Northern U.S. aquifers and the Mississippi Embayment–Texas Coastal Uplands: These regions also show concerning arsenic levels.
While the study’s findings center on California, they underscore the importance of addressing arsenic contamination nationwide to safeguard against potential health risks.
Are You at Risk?
To assess personal exposure risks, individuals should check local water quality reports and consider having private wells tested, particularly in high-risk areas. For those exposed to arsenic-contaminated water, reverse osmosis filtration and whole-home water conditioners can effectively reduce arsenic levels. These systems work by filtering out arsenic particles before they enter household water supplies, offering a practical solution for families looking to improve water safety in their homes.
The new study on arsenic and cardiovascular risk suggests that current arsenic limits in U.S. drinking water may not be stringent enough to protect public health, especially regarding heart disease. As scientific understanding of the dangers posed by even low-level arsenic exposure deepens, there is an increasing call for the EPA to reevaluate and potentially lower the federal threshold. In the meantime, those concerned about arsenic exposure should consider testing their water and installing filtration systems to minimize health risks.
Reducing Arsenic in Drinking Water with Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioning Systems
For households concerned about arsenic exposure in drinking water, reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners provide reliable solutions. RO systems remove arsenic and other contaminants by pushing water through a specialized membrane that filters out harmful particles, delivering safer water directly from the tap. Whole-home water conditioners treat all incoming water, not only targeting contaminants like arsenic but also preventing mineral buildup in pipes and appliances. Together, these systems can significantly lower arsenic levels, helping protect families from the associated cardiovascular risks identified in recent studies.
Source: Newsweek