Healthy couple in their late 50s with arsenic in their well water.

Symptom Details
Currently, asymptomatic. No skin changes. No history or overt evidence of cancer of the skin, lung, kidney or bladder. Liver function tests and hemogram within normal limits. No polyneuropathy or sensory loss.

Treatment Description
Water purification as well as adding fluoride.

Case Question
The couple is fairly concerned about their exposure to the arsenic in the well water and would like to get tested. They are also daytime caregivers for their 2 grandchildren (8 and 6) who have been drinking the water for the past 5 years and wonder if the children should be tested. What is the value in testing for arsenic levels in the couple and perhaps the children? How reliable are the tests? Depending on the results, there are some studies indicating that garlic may reduce the absorption of arsenic. What other integrative treatments are available?

Case Discussions