Flu like symptoms, stomach cramps, skin changes - these are signs that someone may have toxic arsenic levels in their blood stream. Individuals are exposed to arsenic in several ways: Through our food. Everyone ingests some amount of arsenic daily. But this amount is rarely toxic, Through our drinking water. Northern states have naturally high levels of arsenic in their water supply. Individuals who have private wells may not test for arsenic and may unknowingly be drinking contaminated water. On the playground. In the 70s much of the wood used to construct playgrounds was treated with an arsenic compound. In some cases, children experienced symptoms related to this arsenic exposure, as well as, on the job. Even though arsenic itself has not been made in the United States nearly 25 years, many industries use arsenic. Common uses are in pesticides and wood treatment. Arsenic is a known carcinogen known to be a factor in several types of cancers.