Can Drinking Wine Lead to Arsenic Poisoning?

 Posted on August 30, 2021 in Food Poisoning

There are a variety of ways that foods and beverages can become contaminated with toxic substances. While food poisoning often occurs because of the presence of harmful viruses or bacteria, consumers may also suffer harm due to dangerous chemicals. One issue that may affect people is the presence of arsenic in wine or other foods and beverages. Those who are concerned about arsenic poisoning should be sure to understand how they may be affected. A person who has been exposed to toxic levels of arsenic can work with an attorney to determine their legal options.

High Levels of Arsenic in Certain Wines

Arsenic is a substance that occurs naturally, and it is found in soil, rock, and water. The concentration of arsenic is higher in certain regions, including areas where mining has occurred or where pesticides have been used on crops. Studies have looked at the arsenic concentration in certain types of wines, and they have found that some wines produced in California have contained dangerously high levels of arsenic. In many cases, these were inexpensive wines that were available for purchase throughout the United States.

In many cases, the levels of arsenic found in wines exceeded the amounts that the Environmental Protection Agency allows in drinking water. Researchers stated that arsenic exposure may be an issue for those who drink these wines while also consuming other foods that may contain arsenic, such as apple juice, rice, or seafood.

Consumption of high levels of arsenic can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, dehydration, skin lesions, hair loss, or convulsions. Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause multiple types of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, vascular disease, liver disease, and digestive problems. A person may suffer damage to their nervous system, resulting in loss of sensation in their limbs or hearing loss. Arsenic exposure can also result in different forms of cancer that may affect the lungs, bladder, kidneys, digestive system, skin, lymph nodes, or prostate. Exposure to arsenic during pregnancy can lead to birth defects or developmental disorders.

Contact Our Illinois Arsenic Poisoning Lawyers

If you have suffered harmful effects due to arsenic exposure, the lawyers of Newland & Newland, LLP can work with you to determine whether this occurred because of the consumption of wine or other products. We will help you document the ways you have been affected, including the impact on your health and well-being, the forms of medical treatment you have received, and the income you have lost due to an arsenic-related illness. We will work with you to make sure you take the correct steps to pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact our Illinois arsenic exposure attorneys at 312-981-0409 to arrange your complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/is-california-wine-poisoning-you-with-arsenic-scientists-say-no-lawyers-say-yes-52784

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-wines-contain-high-arsenic-levels/

https://www.healthline.com/health/arsenic-poisoning