A 2004 study found that kids who drank arsenic-laden water at levels above five bbp were found to have lower IQs. It has also been linked to cognitive functioning learning disabilities, memory problems and poor concentration.

Beer and Wine

A study of Dartmouth men who had two and a half beers a day had 30 percent higher level of arsenic levels than nondrinkers. And women who had five or six glasses of wine had a 20 percent higher level of arsenic than nonconsumers. The cause is probably two-fold; the water used by brewers and wine-makers, and the use of diatomaceous earth in the brewing process that is known to harbor arsenic. There is a change underfoot to move away from use of this material because of the health hazard it presents to the warehouse workers. 

Air

Inhaled inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of lung cancer as evidenced by workers in smelters, wood treatment plants, mines, glass production, chemical and pesticide factories, and residents who live near smelters. Also, people who live near waste sites have an increased risk of lung cancer.

Diet

Arsenic is seemingly everywhere. According to Consumer Reports, a 2010 study of EPA findings revealed that 24 percent of arsenic intake is from our vegetable intake. Fruits and vegetable juices followed with 18 percent and rice coming in a close 17 percent. This is true for most people.

Among foods, fish and shellfish had highest level of organic arsenic, which is thought to be less toxic than its inorganic cousin.

"After we accounted for exposures via water, we still saw high levels of exposure from food," says Kathryn Cottingham, PhD, professor of biological sciences at Dartmouth. However, she adds, "We can't say much about the potential for harm because we don't know the health risks yet for the levels we found."