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Arsenic Water Quality Analysis Test Kit

Contaminants Tested

Arsenic

Arsenic is a semi-metal element and is odorless and tasteless. You can not see or taste Arsenic in water. Arsenic occurs naturally in rocks and soil, water, air, and plants and animals. It can be further released into the environment through natural activities such as volcanic action, erosion of rocks and forest fires, or through human actions. Approximately 90 percent of industrial arsenic in the U.S. is currently used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps and semi-conductors. High arsenic levels can also come from certain fertilizers and animal feeding operations. Industry practices such as copper smelting, mining and coal burning also contribute to arsenic in our environment. Higher levels of arsenic tend to be found more in ground water sources (well water) than in surface water sources (i.e., lakes and rivers) of drinking water. The demand on ground water from municipal systems and private drinking water wells may cause water levels to drop and release arsenic from rock formations.

Health Effects -

Human exposure to arsenic can cause both short and long term health effects.  Short or acute effects can occur within hours or days of exposure. Long or chronic effects occur over many years. Long term exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidneys, nasal passages, liver and prostate. Exposure to high doses of arsenic can cause thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in hands and feet, partial paralysis, and blindness.

Definitions

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration. This is the lowest level to which water systems can reasonably be required to control this contaminant should it occur in drinking water at their customer's home taps. MCLs are enforceable standards.

Testing Procedure

Important

• Keep tests out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest anything from this test kit. Do not drink water sample used for testing. Store and use at room temperature (60-86 F).

• Do not open packets or a vial until you are ready to perform the tests.

• Do not touch test pads.

• Do not use on hot water or water containing bleach detergents.

• Do not re-use any part of the test kit.

• Read and follow all instructions carefully.

Arsenic Instructions

1. For best results, verify that the water temperature is between 68°F to 86°F (ideally 72°F to 82°F). Use a thermometer to verify the temperature of the sample.

2. To Reaction Bottle, slowly and carefully add the water sample to the upper marked line on the bottle (250 mL).

3. Add 1 packet of First Reagent to Reaction Bottle. Cap bottle securely with red mixing cap and shake vigorously with bottle upright for 15 seconds.

4. Uncap Reaction Bottle, add 1 packet Second Reagent. Cap bottle securely with red mixing cap and shake vigorously with bottle upright for 15 seconds. Note: This step allows the test to tolerate Hydrogen Sulfide up to 2ppm (mg/L). If you suspect the presence of Hydrogen Sulfide by smell or testing, allow the sample to sit for 2 minutes to minimize interference before proceeding to Step 5.

5. Uncap Reaction Bottle and add 1 packet of Third Reagent. Cap bottle securely with red mixing cap and shake vigorously with bottle upright for 5 seconds.

6. Remove red mixing cap. Recap bottle securely using white reaction caps with turret up (open).

7. Remove one Arsenic test strip from the test strip packet.

8. Insert the test strip into the turret:

a) Position the strip so that the test pad and red line are facing the back of the white reaction cap (see photo). b) Insert the strip into the turret until the red line is even with the top of the turret, and close (flip down) the turret. This will hold the test strip in place. Note: In order for the result to be accurate, the test strip must be oriented correctly, and inserted to the correct depth.

9. Using a timer, time the reaction for 12 minutes. Allow the reaction to occur in an undisturbed, well-ventilated area. You will notice small hydrogen gas bubbles being generated.

10. After the 12 minute wait, pull up the turret and carefully remove the test strips.  Do not touch the reaction pads. Use the Quick™ Easy-Read™ Color Chart included with the test kit to match the reaction pad color. Position the reacted test strip pad behind the punched holes, view center of test strip pad through the hole, and confirm precise color match and Arsenic level.  Complete matching within the next 30 seconds. After 30 seconds have elapsed, the colors may begin to change. For best color matching results, use natural daylight; avoid direct sunlight.

Arsenic Results

BDL*	3 ppb	6 ppb	8 ppb	10 ppb	12 ppb	15 ppb	19 ppb	24 ppb
30 ppb	40 ppb	50 ppb	60 ppb	70 ppb	80 ppb	>80 ppb	>80 ppb	>80 ppb
*BDL - below detection level.

Specifications

Features

• Easy to use kit provides a convenient way to check your water Arsenic levels below the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).

• Do-it-yourself one step test kit. Everything needed to perform and analyze the test are included.

• The test is fast and provides you with results right at home in 12 minutes.

• Clear directions, easy methods and top quality test ingredients assure you of reliable test results.

• This test participates in the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program. This is a US EPA program to develop innovative testing protocols and verify performance data.

• EPA-based, laboratory certified test kit includes:

2 - Arsenic Tests

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