Environmental toxins
Total arsenic
As
Included in Complete.
Compare membershipsWhat your arsenic result says about recent exposure.
Arsenic is a natural element found in rock, soil, water, and some foods. Measuring it helps check whether your recent exposure looks higher than expected.
Not all arsenic carries the same risk.
Total arsenic includes inorganic arsenic, the more harmful form, and organic forms. Fish and shellfish contain an organic form called arsenobetaine, which is considered relatively non-toxic but still counts toward a total result. A seafood meal in the days before your test can raise your number.
In Canada, most people are exposed through food, such as seafood and rice. Drinking water can add more, especially from private wells in areas where arsenic occurs naturally in rock. Arsenic leaves the blood quickly, so a blood result mainly reflects very recent exposure.
A recent seafood meal can raise total arsenic, mostly in a low-risk form.
Questions
What does a higher arsenic result mean?
It may reflect a recent seafood meal, rice, or drinking water from a well. Your clinician will ask about recent meals and your water source. If needed, a urine test that separates the different forms of arsenic can help clarify the result.
Should I test my well water?
If you use a private well in an area known to have arsenic in its groundwater, Health Canada recommends having your well water tested. Your regional public health office can tell you how.