What is arsenic used for?

Approximately 90% of industrial arsenic in the U.S. is currently used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is also used in the following:

  • Drugs
  • Dyes
  • Metals
  • Paints
  • Semi-conductors
  • Soaps


Agricultural applications, mining, and smelting also contribute to arsenic releases in the environment.

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1. What is arsenic?
2. What is arsenic used for?
3. What are arsenic's health effects?
4. How does arsenic get into my drinking water?