Arsenic - Urine

Arsenic in urine most commonly reflects recent exposure to arsenic — often from contaminated groundwater, certain foods (e.g., rice, seaweed, seafood), occupational sources (mining, smelting, pesticide or wood‑preservative work), or environmental contamination. Ingested inorganic arsenic is absorbed, metabolized in the liver, and excreted in urine; seafood can raise urinary organic arsenic levels that are less toxic. Elevated urinary arsenic prompts exposure investigation.

Arsenic exposure can cause acute symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, watery or bloody diarrhea, hypotension, shock, headache, confusion and muscle cramps. Chronic exposure leads to skin changes (hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis), Mees’ lines on nails, peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, weakness), chronic gastrointestinal upset, anemia, liver/kidney dysfunction and an increased long-term risk of cancers (skin, lung, bladder).

To reduce arsenic burden, stop exposure (use safe drinking water, avoid high-arsenic foods) and see a healthcare provider for urine/blood testing. Acute or significant poisoning requires hospital care and prescription chelation therapy (e.g., DMSA or dimercaprol) under medical supervision; do not attempt home remedies. Supportive measures include hydration and nutritional support (adequate folate, selenium) as advised by your clinician.

Arsenic damages kidneys by injuring renal tubules and glomeruli, causing acute tubular necrosis in high exposures and chronic tubular dysfunction with long-term exposure. Effects include proteinuria, reduced glomerular filtration rate, electrolyte imbalances, and increased risk of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Kidney impairment can be partially reversible after stopping exposure but may progress without treatment.

Arsenic is rapidly excreted in urine: inorganic arsenic and its methylated metabolites appear within hours and are usually cleared within three to five days after a single exposure. Urinary levels remain elevated with ongoing (chronic) exposure, while organic arsenic from seafood can raise urine concentrations for up to about a week. Hair and nails reflect longer-term exposure (months).

Chronic arsenic exposure causes arsenicosis (chronic arsenic poisoning), characterized by skin changes (hyperkeratosis, melanosis), peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, and increased risks of skin, lung and bladder cancers. Acute high-dose exposure causes severe gastrointestinal distress, hypotension and multisystem organ failure. Common sources include contaminated groundwater, industrial emissions, pesticides, and certain occupational settings; diagnosis relies on clinical features and arsenic measurements.