In 1999, the National Academy of Sciences found that arsenic in drinking water causes cancer of the bladder, lung and skin, and might cause liver and kidney cancer. Most arsenic in Maine water comes from natural sources. The mineral occurs naturally in rock formations. Some arsenic, however, may be residue from pesticides used in the first half of the century. Potato, blueberry and apple growers used lead arsenate as a pesticide, Smith said.
People also take in small amounts of arsenic from the foods they eat, especially seafood and grains.
Environmentalists nationally and in Maine were outraged by Bush s retreat on the arsenic standard and several other natural resource policies so early in his presidency. Last week, for example, the president said he had changed his mind and had decided against regulating the amount of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas emitted by power plants that contributes to global warming. He s completely walked away from the environment, said Susan Sargent, Maine director for the National Environmental Trust. Maine citizens care deeply about the environment, and he s not on our wavelength. Sargent, who said she was outraged that Bush has walked away from his campaign pledge to regulate carbon dioxide emissions after fewer than 60 days in office, said she plans to protest during the president s visit to Portland today.