Inorganic arsenic compounds are mainly used to preserve wood. Organic arsenic compounds are used as pesticides, primarily on cotton plants. Arsenic cannot be destroyed in the environment. It can only change its form. Arsenic in air will settle to the ground or is washed out of the air by rain.
Many arsenic compounds can dissolve in water.
Fish and shellfish can accumulate arsenic, but the arsenic in fish is mostly in a form that is not harmful. Eating food, drinking water, or breathing air containing arsenic. Breathing contaminated workplace air. Breathing sawdust or burning smoke from wood treated with arsenic. Living near uncontrolled hazardous waste sites containing arsenic.