Research links arsenic, diabetes
By Alexandra Bogdanovic
In findings made public last week, researchers said a link has been discovered between low levels of arsenic — possibly from drinking water — and type 2 diabetes.The research included analysis of more than 780 medical tests conducted on adults. The results indicate the risk for type 2 diabetes quadrupled for people with low levels of arsenic in their urine.
Remington Superintendent James Steward said last week he was unaware that such a connection has been made.
Even so, Steward said that in keeping with federal regulations the town has notified users of its water system that the arsenic level in the water from Remington Well No.2 is excessive.
Test samples taken from the third quarter of 2007 through the second quarter of 2008 show that the average level of arsenic is 0.0012 mg/L. The acceptable level for arsenic is 0.0010 mg/L based on a “four quarter running average.”
Steward said in the letter that there is no need for residents to use another water supply, such as bottled water.
“This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately,” Steward said in the letter.
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