#arsenic

#arsenic

Millions of Americans are unknowingly being exposed to a cancer-linked toxin in their household water, but now, scientists have discovered that reducing contamination can halve the risk of disease - even after years of accumulated exposure. Arsenic has been found in drinking water systems across the country, with research estimating that between 100 million and 280 million Americans drink water, typically well water, laced with the heavy metal.

A new 20-year study of nearly 11,000 adults in Bangladesh found that lowering arsenic levels in drinking water was associated with up to a 50 percent lower risk of death from heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses, compared with continued exposure.Published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study provides the first long-term, individual-level evidence that reducing arsenic exposure may lower mortality, even among people exposed to the toxic contaminant for years.

More than 200 million people are at risk of drinking tap water contaminated with chemicals that cause cancer, liver damage, birth defects and other reproductive harms, according to research released Wednesday that includes an interactive map of high-risk hot spots. The map, developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), focuses on arsenic, chromium-6 and nitrate - all scientifically known to cause cancer and other health problems.