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Arsenic in Candies, Water, Food: Learn About Neurotoxic Risks

Last Updated on March 27, 2026 by Carol Gillette

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD

In a perfect world, there would be no worries about neurotoxicity from arsenic in soil, food, or water, let alone children’s candies. But research tells us that there are some very real concerns.

Below, learn more about arsenic and find out about the risks of bioaccumulation, especially from repeated ingestion, how it gets into the food chain, and how chronic exposure & arsenic neurotoxicity can negatively impact brain health over time.


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arsenic in candies, water, food
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Learn About Arsenic

Arsenic isn’t in recipes for children’s candy, because it is a poison. Yet, it ends up there at unsafe levels according to recent reports.15 Arsenic neurotoxic effects occur when it is ingested. That is why it was and is used in products such as rat poison and pesticides. In the past it was used as a herbicide in the Vietnam war, and was an ingredient in manufacturing paint and other building materials. Arsenic is still used in wood preservation and other industrial uses.

In the periodic table, arsenic is listed as “AS” and described as a metalloid or semi-metal. It has a shiny silver appearance in its metal form, and a brittle structure. Arsenic is not biodegradable, and is chemically stable element, and is persistent in the environment. It is used in industrial compounds to harden or treat other materials, such as wood or glass or metal products. In its gaseous form, which is the most toxic form of all, it is released in the electronics manufacturing. 13

dangerous levels of arsenic in candies, water, foodsArsenic exists in 2 forms broadly — organic and inorganic arsenic. The organic form is described by the CDC as “non-toxic” — for example that found in prawns, mollusks, and other seafoods. Organic arsenic contains carbon bonds in its makeup.

Inorganic arsenic, iAS, is found in rocks and soil and contains no carbon bonds in its makeup. Inorganic arsenic can be released during volcanic activity, mining operations, or when soil erosion occurs. It is also mobile when transported by wind or water, and is commonly present in groundwater at varying levels. It can enter the food chain in various ways, by root or leaf uptake or through animal feed sources. Some rice can contain high levels of inorganic arsenic (iAS). This arises from molecular changes that occur in the waters of flooded rice paddies where this food crop is grown.

Rice is a global food staple. Research has demonstrated that rice grown in China has tested at much higher levels of inorganic arsenic than rice grown in California. Rice and rice starch exported from China or India can be high in inorganic arsenic, and can be found in many products including foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and more.14-16

How Much is Too Much Arsenic?

The FDA guidelines have stated that 10 parts per billion is the maximum safe level for food and for drinking water.17

Unfortunately, levels in candies and other foods including staple food items tested showed many times over that level. It is important to note that regular and chronic ingestion of foods or drinking water, even with low levels of arsenic (and other pollutants) can be damaging over time.

Negative Health Effects of Too Much Arsenic Exposure

There are many downstream negative effects of arsenic poisoning, and unsafe levels of exposure. The pathways in the CNS and other body systems are complex and have only been partially studied and understood well. The following list of negative health effects describes some, but not all of these.11,15,18,20

Negative health effects of high levels of arsenic exposure can include:
  • Inorganic arsenic is metabolized mainly in the liver (converted to organic arsenic) where residues not excreted in urine can interact with other cells and cause dysfunction in mitochondria (energy producing cells)
  • Prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic bioaccumulates in soft tissue when the liver’s detox capacity has been exhausted
  • Impaired gene expression and DNA damage from free radicals released
  • Various cancers (lung, bladder, skin, breast)
  • Cardiovascular disease, stroke
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Asthma, respiratory tract infections, COPD
  • Immune system dysregulation
  • Skin lesions
  • Cancer

Inorganic Arsenic Neurotoxicity Symptoms

The neurotoxicity of arsenic has been well-established over many decades of observation and research.18

Inorganic arsenic neurotoxicity symptoms can include:
  • Loss of cognition and IQ
  • Learning disabilities
  • Developmental delays and behavioral issues in children
  • Neuronal pathway disruption and dysfunction
  • Increases permeability of the blood-brain-barrier
  • Dysregulation of synaptic transmission
  • Loss of neuronal plasticity
  • Altered neurotransmission levels
  • Damage and stripping of myelin sheath (protective membrane around nerve cells)
  • Acute poisoning symptoms appear within 1 or several hours of ingestion and include metallic taste in the mouth, odor of garlic in the breath and feces, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal effects and other symptoms. Can be fatal if not properly addressed within a few days of exposure. 28

Are there Solutions to Arsenic Exposure to Prevent Neurotoxic Risks?

Arsenic contamination is an environmental problem that affects much of the globe. Various methods of cleaning up the arsenic that has saturated groundwater and soils in some areas are having some success, despite the drawbacks and limitations of costs and gaps in education and insight about the importance of the topic.20

For personal health, there are some guidelines that can help reduce the risks of arsenic neurotoxicity from foods and drinking water.

Strategies that can help reduce the impact of accumulated arsenic neurotoxicity can include:
  • Test rice before using if possible. Avoid rice or foods processed with rice starch from Bangladesh, India, China, Vietnam, Philippines, and other countries where rice frequently tests high in inorganic arsenic contamination.16
  • For candy lovers, see this chart issued by the Florida Department of Health
  • Avoid crops grown in soil contaminated with arsenic or irrigated with water contaminated with arsenic, including rice, corn, fruit, vegetables and seaweed. These are frequently containing high levels of INORGANIC arsenic which can be neurotoxic especially with chronic consumption.
  • Avoid meat obtained from animals raised on arsenic-contaminated feed or water with high levels of arsenic
  • Seafood generally is found to contain organic arsenic, which is considered non-toxic. However due to gaps in testing or field management, limited consumption is still recommended.
  • Get your water tested for arsenic. If needed, implement proper filtration equipment.
  • If using well-water, test it and consider other water sources if found contaminated.
  • Ozone treatment is excellent at “digesting” arsenic in water filtration, and as a medical treatment after arsenic poisoning 4
  • Ensure wood furniture in the home or backyard was not processed with arsenic-laden preservatives

Natural Compounds to Treat Arsenic Toxicity

Environmental medicine research out of Norway has shed light on natural compounds that can be used to treat the neurotoxicity effects of arsenic.

At the cellular level, certain natural compounds can through molecular exchange and other methods, render toxic pollutants inert and enable their safe excretion from the body. Here are some of the recommended methods from this research.21

Consider speaking with a naturopath or other clinician who is familiar with these forms of holistic detox, to see if they would be suitable for you, and learn how to utilize them in your daily regimen.

Natural Compounds to Treat Arsenic Toxicity
Natural compounds for arsenic exposure can include:
  • Pyruvate dehydrogenase
  • Glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes
  • Thioredoxin
  • Selenium, NAC, glutathione
  • Zinc-finger proteins
  • Nutritional interventions, for example, methyl donors like S A M (S-adenosylmethionine)
  • The use of plants such as Allium sativum, cabbage, broccoli, turnip and other plants high in sulphur, for their ability to methylate arsenic
  • Modified citrus pectin (130% increase in arsenic elimination in the urine)
  • Adequate protein and micronutrients in the daily diet to support methylation and elimination of toxins and for the protection of neuronal and other cells
  • Chelation with DMSA, dialysis of the blood, and other methods 28

More Recommended Reading:

• Unveiling Nature’s Detox:  Microbial Arsenic Bioremediation for Human Health – A Review
• Physical, Chemical and Biological Methods for the Removal of Arsenic Compounds
1 (800) 301-3753 for more on Arsenic Neurotoxicity

Neurotoxic Risks of Arsenic FAQs

If  you don’t find answers to the questions you have, please contact us and we will do our best to get you the answers you need.

Has arsenic been banned from consumer products?

Arsenic is FDA-regulated but not banned in the US. Arsenic in cosmetic products is banned in Europe.17

What are recommended strategies to limit exposure to arsenic?

Maintain a nutritious daily diet, adequate minerals and vitamins, and probiotics to help regulate and boost the body’s immune and natural detoxification systems. Cleansing with bentonite clay or other absorbent materials can help clear unwanted toxins from the body. Investigate other cleansing methods with a trusted Naturopath. Choose organic food when possible or grow your own in unpolluted soil. Ensure your water source is clean, or treat it with ozone and filters if needed. Ozone can break apart the bonds of arsenic molecules. Ozone can be used for cleaning water, vegetables, rice, and other food items. After the ozonation process, rinse off thoroughly before consuming. Also recommended is to read the FDA publication entitled “Closer to Zero” for additional tips on preventing contamination from arsenic.22-24

What is the maximum safe level of arsenic?

The maximum safe level of arsenic is 10 ppb (parts per billion).25

Why is contamination with iAS (inorganic arsenic) such a concern?

Contamination with inorganic arsenic can lead to lesions on the skin and cancers. Organic arsenic has much lower toxicity levels and is not carcinogenic.26

Does organic food contain organic arsenic?

No. The use of the word “organic” in relation to food means the food was grown without pesticides or herbicies. This is entirely different from the use of the word organic regarding the chemical make-up of arsenic. Organic arsenic means the bonds are carbon-based, like all living things are on this planet, and is generally considered to be non-toxic. Inorganic arsenic on the other hand is a carcinogen and highly toxic to people and animals.

Is there a way to test my water for arsenic at home?

Yes. You can purchase a test kit, with results in minutes, or send a sample to a lab for testing which may take longer. Lab testing is likely more accurate because of the low safety threshold which home testing kits may not be able to detect accurately. Also remember that water levels and quality can change so testing periodically will continue to provide peace of mind.27

Is arsenic still used in manufacturing, agriculture, and other uses today?

Yes. The most toxic form of arsenic is the gas form which is released during pesticide manufacturing and some metallurgy processes. Arsenic is still used as bait in ant-traps. Many uses from the past have been discontinued but not all of them.28

Sources:

1. Thakur, M., Rachamalla, M., Niyogi, S., Datusalia, A. K., & Flora, S. J. S. (2021). Molecular Mechanism of Arsenic-Induced Neurotoxicity including Neuronal Dysfunctions. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(18), 10077. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms221810077 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

2. The mechanistic approach of arsenic mediated neurotoxicity-a concise review Ritu Das and Priyankar Pal DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/2664908X.2024.v6.i1a.21 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

3. Kim, M.-S., Min, H.-G., Kim, J.-G., & Lee, S.-R. (2019). Estimating Arsenic Mobility and Phytotoxicity Using Two Different Phosphorous Fertilizer Release Rates in Soil. Agronomy, 9(3), 111. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9030111 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

4. Büyük, B., Aydeğer, C., Öztopuz, Ö. et al. Effects of Ozone Therapy on Chronic Arsenic Poisoning in Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 201, 3951–3960 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-022-03486-y [cited 2026 Mar 27]

5. Kalia K, Flora SJ. Strategies for safe and effective therapeutic measures for chronic arsenic and lead poisoning. J Occup Health. 2005 Jan;47(1):1-21. doi: 10.1539/joh.47.1. PMID: 15703449. [cited 2026 Mar 27]

6. Miller AL. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), a non-toxic, water-soluble treatment for heavy metal toxicity. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Jun;3(3):199-207. PMID: 9630737. [cited 2026 Mar 27]

7. Blaurock-Busch E, Busch Y M, Comparison of Chelating Agents DMPS, DMSA and EDTA for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Metal Exposure British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research 4(9): 1821-1835, 2014 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

8. W.H.O. Arsenic Key Facts published online 7 December 2022 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

9. W.H.O. Guidelines for drinking-water quality published online 21 March 2022 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

10. W.H.O. Water Sanitation and Health – Chemical Hazards in Drinking Water  published online 6 Feb 2026 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

11. W.H.O. Contamination of drinking-water in Bangladesh: A public health emergency published online 29 April 2000 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

12. Royal Society of Chemistry, Periodic Table published online 2026 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

13. CDC (archived report) Where is Arsenic Found? published online & last reviewed May 2023 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

14. Schwarez J, What is the difference between organic and inorganic arsenic,  McGill University Office for Science and Society published online 30 Aug 2018 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

15. Ganie SY, Javaid D, Hajam YA, Reshi MS. Arsenic toxicity: sources, pathophysiology and mechanism. Toxicology Research. 2024 Feb;13(1):tfad111. DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad111. PMID: 38178998; PMCID: PMC10762673. [cited 2026 Mar 27]

16. Hasa Ali Abdulla, Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti, Lama Soubra, Arsenic contamination in rice: a DPSIR analysis with a focus on top rice producers, Science of The Total Environment,
Volume 978,2025,179425,ISSN 0048-9697,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179425. [cited 2026 Mar 27]

17. FDA Report Arsenic in Food published online 03/05/2024 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

18. Asmita Garg, Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, A comprehensive review of arsenic-induced neurotoxicity: Exploring the role of glial cell pathways and mechanisms, Chemosphere, Volume 372, 2025, 144046, ISSN 0045-6535, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.144046. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524029540) [cited 2026 Mar 27]

19. Sengupta N, Sogani M, Khan AAY, Balakrishna K, Syed Z, Maheshwari K, Rajvanshi J, Gupta D, Sen H, Verma S. Arsenic crisis: unravelling toxicity, microbial solutions, and green bioremediation. Environ Geochem Health. 2025 Nov 12;47(12):566. doi: 10.1007/s10653-025-02881-3. PMID: 41222737. [cited 2026 Mar 27]

20. ATSDR Clinician Brief : Arsenic published online Dec 16 2024 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

21. Bjørklund, G., Rahaman, M. S., Shanaida, M., Lysiuk, R., Oliynyk, P., Lenchyk, L., Chirumbolo, S., Chasapis, C. T., & Peana, M. (2022). Natural Dietary Compounds in the Treatment of Arsenic Toxicity. Molecules, 27(15), 4871. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154871 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

22. Lim KT, Shukor MY, Wasoh H. Physical, chemical, and biological methods for the removal of arsenic compounds. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:503784. doi: 10.1155/2014/503784. Epub 2014 Feb 17. PMID: 24696853; PMCID: PMC3947798. [cited 2026 Mar 27]

23. Sarron E, Gadonna-Widehem P, Aussenac T. Ozone Treatments for Preserving Fresh Vegetables Quality: A Critical Review. Foods. 2021 Mar 12;10(3):605. doi: 10.3390/foods10030605. PMID: 33809297; PMCID: PMC8000956. [cited 2026 Mar 27]

24. Abdipour, H., Asgari, G., Seid-Mohammadi, A. et al. Simultaneous removal of arsenic and nitrate from actual water by catalytic ozonation process with nanoparticles of zero-valent iron/optimization via Taguchi model. Appl Water Sci 16, 12 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-025-02661-5 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

25. ATSDR Public Health Statement on Arsenic published online March 12, 2015  [cited 2026 Mar 27]

26. NIH Fact Sheet Arsenic and Your Health published online October 2023 [cited 2026 Mar 27]

27. Science Insights How to Test Water for Arsenic published online [cited 2026 Mar 27]

28. EPA publication Recognition and Management of Arsenic Poisoning: Arsenic Compounds published online [cited 2026 Mar 27]

Originally Published March 27, 2026 by Diane Ridaeus


This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Samuel Lee

Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente.  He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

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