- NAEI
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- Pollutant information
- Arsenic
Pollutant Information: Arsenic
About Arsenic
Category: Heavy metals and base cations
Acute exposure to high levels of arsenic via the inhalation of dust or fumes leads to gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Chronic inhalation exposure to inorganic arsenic is associated with irritation of the mucous membranes as well as being strongly associated with lung cancer. Emissions have declined by 82% since 1970.
Historically the largest source of emissions was coal combustion. Coal use has declined, and so emissions from this source have decreased by 98% since 1990, and this has contributed to a reduction in UK emissions from all sources of 70% since 1990. The largest source of arsenic emissions in 2021 is from open burning of treated wood (63% of 2021 emissions). The emissions from this source have been assumed to remain at a constant level each year, but its share of total emissions has increased significantly since 1990 due to the reductions in emissions from other sectors. Iron and steel production is the next most significant source, contributing 20% of emissions in 2021.
» View and Download Arsenic emission summary data
Time series graph
Notable events
| Start year | End year | Sector | Information | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | 1985 | Public Electricity and Heat Production | Miners strike resulting in a reduction in the consumption of coal and an increase in the consumption of alternative fuels in power stations for that year. | Decrease in emissions |
| 2009 | 2012 | Industrial process | The economic downturn has caused significant reductions in energy demands and many industries have made cut backs or closures, resulting in reduced emissions. | Decrease in emissions |
| 2010 | 2012 | Public Electricity and Heat Production | As a result of the economic downturn the drive to cut energy costs has resulted in an increase in solid fuel use, particularly in 2012 some coal-sensitive pollutants have seen a significant rise in coal burning emissions. | Increase in emissions |