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Article: Arsenic facts.
- Article from:
- National Driller
- Article date:
- March 1, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 BNP Media. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Arsenic in well water may come from natural sources or human activity. Arsenic is an element commonly found in soil and rocks, and certain rock types tend have higher levels of arsenic. Pesticides and herbicides containing arsenic were commonly used in farming (e.g., blueberry, apple, potato) and other practices during the first half of this century, but their use was greatly restricted after the 1960s. Pressure-treated wood contains arsenic that can leach into underlying soils and transfer onto skin from casual contact with wood surfaces that have not been properly treated with a sealant.
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When well water is tested for arsenic, the ...