The arsenic content of bottled mineral waters

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Abstract
The arsenic levels of 23 mineral waters on sale to the public in the United Kingdom were measured. The arsenic content of most waters was below 1 μg L−1 but the statutory limits of 50 ug L−1 for natural mineral waters and 100 μg L−1 for non-alcoholic beverages were exceeded by the French mineral water, Vichy Célestins (220 ug L−1). Regular consumption of mineral water of such elevated concentration could make a significant contribution to the intake of the more toxic inorganic species of arsenic, with possible adverse long-term effects on the health of some individuals. The general need for analytical speciation studies of dietary arsenic is emphasised.