Arsenic is an element that occurs naturally in the bedrock and soil.
How do I know I have arsenic in my water?
Arsenic has neither aroma nor taste and can therefore not be confirmed without first doing a water analysis. The presence of high levels of arsenic in soil and bedrock varies across the country. Arsenic is more common in rock-drilled wells. In the case of arsenic in dug wells, it is more likely that the water has become contaminated, then usually by chemicals from industry.
What do I do if I have arsenic in my water?
Start by doing a water analysis to determine the problem. If you have arsenic in your water, it may come from a source of contamination. It is therefore good to investigate what the problem is due to.
Do not drink water that might contain arsenic! It has big health risks.
What level is acceptable?
The regulated levels will always shift between different countries and decision makers. In Sweden, the Swedish EPA marks a water unfit to drink at levels above 10 µg/l.
Is it dangerous to drink water with arsenic in it?
You should NOT drink or handle foods in water that you suspect contain arsenic. Arsenic can affect your health, both if you are exposed to the substance during short- or long periods of time. Arsenic increases the risk of cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder and probably also of the liver and kidneys. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease, liver damage, chronic cough, diabetes and skin changes.
Children and fetuses are most sensitive to arsenic. Arsenic passes through the placenta, but very little passes into breast milk. Arsenic can affect the development of the nervous system and the immune system.
Bluewater machines removes Arsenic, but different amounts depending on if it is trivalent or pentavalent Arsenic.
Do Bluewater machines remove arsenic?
Yes they do, but be aware of which Arsenic you are dealing with:
- Arsenic (III) is removed with 50-80%
- Arsenic (V) is removed by 99.3%
If you are dealing with high levels of trivalent (III) Arsenic, you might need to have an oxidization treatment before the RO. This is because electrolytic oxidization can shift trivalent (III) Arsenic to pentavalent (V) Arsenic, which enables you to significantly increase the removal rate in the RO system.