You Won’t Believe These Everyday Items That Secretly Contain Arsenic

9. Chocolate

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Dark chocolate, precisely, can contain trace amounts of arsenic due to cacao plants absorbing the toxin from contaminated soil or water. According to NBC news, heavy metals including arsenic were found in many dark chocolate bars. However, they didn’t pass the alarming levels.

10. Chinese Medicine

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Traditional Chinese medicines are known to have arsenic, either as a natural component of their mineral ingredients or due to contamination during processing. Some medicines have arsenic or purpose and are believed to be a remedy for some skin problems. According to a research, Chinese medicines are recognized as potential sources of arsenic exposure and have been implicated in inadvertent arsenic toxicity

11. Pressure-treated wood

Heating house in winter with wood burning stove. Woman warming up hands at burning fireplace in rustic room in farmhouse. Fireplace heating alternative to gas and electricity

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Arsenic is the top prevalent wood preservative to protect from to prevent rot and insect damage. This kind of arsenic is known as chromated copper arsenate (CCA). This poses a risk for those handling or cutting older treated wood, as well as for children playing on wooden structures like decks or playgrounds built with CCA-treated materials. Burning such wood is particularly dangerous, as it releases toxic arsenic fumes.

12. Paint pigments

Happy smiling woman painting interior wall of new house. Happy smiling woman

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Paints that were made in the early 90’s contained high levels of arsenic. Although these pigments have been discontinued their toxicity is still there in antique furniture, artworks, and wallpapers. Over time, arsenic can become airborne as paint deteriorates, which is a risk to those exposed to older painted surfaces.

13. Cosmetics

Female customer testing lip liner in makeup shop

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Trace amounts of arsenic can be found in some cosmetics, particularly in products like eyeliners, foundations, or powders made from contaminated minerals. FDA has set limits as to what amount of lead and arsenic shall be used – arsenic not more than 3 ppm and lead not more than 20 ppm. However, some local, cheap brands do contain low levels of the toxins causing allergic reactions.

14. Tampons

Sick young woman in pain holding belly stomach feeling hurt abdomen ache gastritis pancreatitis symptoms or diarrhea, upset teen girl suffering from indigestion flatulence abdominal problem concept

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Unlike pads, tampons have made the lives of women quite easy, but sadly, a new study showed that some brands may contain toxic metals including arsenic which can increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer. Such contaminants are not directly a part of the tampons but its presence in cotton fields treated with arsenic-based pesticides can cause some traces in the final product.

Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.