Arsenic is a grayish-white element having a metallic luster, vaporizing when heated, and forming poisonous compounds. Its symbol is ”AS.” Its atomic weight is “74.92″, and its atomic number is 33. In the heavy metal section of the periodic table, arsenic is found by more common dangerous elements such as lead and mercury.
The most common form found in drinking water is Arsenic Trioxide. Arsenic Trioxide is not only colorless, it is tasteless, amorphous, slightly water-soluble, and can be found in a poisonous powder. Its symbol is As2O3. The primary use is in manufacturing pigments, glass, and as an insecticide or weed-killer. It is also known as arsenic acid.
Unsafe levels of Arsenic have been found by the EPA to be in many water systems throughout the U.S. Water filters are recommended everywhere to insure safe water for drinking and showering. Specifically use a biological water filter or other personal water filters that are capable of filtering and absorbing metals out of the water.