Arsenic is a heavy metal which can cause death in high exposures and can cause discoloration of the skin and the appearance of warts in low levels. It is one of WHO's 10 chemicals of public health concern. Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment. Inorganic arsenic compounds are formed when arsenic is formed with other elements such as sulfur, chlorine and oxygen. High levels of arsenic mainly occur in the workplace, hazardous works sites, and soil, rocks and water. Through the workplace, exposure occurs from eye contact, inhalation and ingestion.
Prevention can occur through providing safe water supply, safe food preparation, and irrigation of food crops. In order to reduce levels in drinking water certain things can be done: substitute safe water such as rain water and treated surface water, test the water for high levels, blend low and high arsenic water together, and install arsenic removal systems.
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/arsenic/index.html
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs372/en/
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