Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in
the earth's crust. In the environment, arsenic is combined with
oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganic arsenic
compounds. Arsenic in animals and plants combines with carbon
and hydrogen to form organic arsenic compounds. Inorganic
arsenic compounds are mainly used to preserve wood. Copper
chromated arsenic (CCA) is used to make "pressure-treated"
lumber. CCA is no longer used in the U.S. for residential uses;
it is still used in industrial applications. Organic arsenic
compounds are used as pesticides, primarily on cotton plants. In
the Environment - Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals
and it therefore may enter the air, water, and land from wind-
blown dust and may get into water from runoff and leaching. -
Arsenic cannot be destroyed in the environment. It can only
change its form. - Rain and snow remove arsenic dust particles
from the air. - Many common arsenic compounds can dissolve in
water. Most of the arsenic in water will