Arsenic occurs naturally in some Wisconsin drinking water supplies. Drugs used to treat parasite diseases have contained arsenic. Arsenic in food or water does not evaporate into the air. However, burning arsenic-containing materials such as treated lumber will put arsenic fumes into the air. Burning treated wood in a wood stove or fireplace may expose people to dangerous levels of arsenic.
Tobacco smoke contains traces of arsenic.
Marine fish and seafood contain naturally high amounts of arsenic. Calcium supplements made from sea shells may also contain high levels of arsenic. Arsenic levels have been found in private drinking wells in Brown, Winnebago, and Outagamie Counties. Homes that are near waste sites where paint, pesticides or electronic components are disposed may also have arsenic in the drinking water. We suggest you stop drinking water containing more than 50 ppb of arsenic.