The chemical arsenic used in hundreds of different ways. Those ways include: to preserve wood, in pesticides, for animal hides , arsenic is added to lead and copper for hardening , glass producers use it in production. However, arsenic can also be deadly. Arsenic has been qualified as a carcinogen by many health officials who say high levels of exposure can increase a person's risk for skin, bladder, lung, kidney, colon and liver cancer. Even moderate exposure to the chemical arsenic has resulted in skin changes that include lesions. Acute arsenic exposure can occur when arsenic is leaked into the air or an individual ingests a large amount. This can lead to death. Symptoms to this kind of exposure to chemical arsenic, according to the American Cancer Society, include: abdominal pain , vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness and cramping, arm and leg pain, skin changes or rashes, swelling of the eyelids, feet, and hands. Anyone who believes they have been exposed should contact their doctor immediately.