What type of damage can arsenic cause to the skin?

Study for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ready yourself for your certification!

Arsenic is a toxic element that can have significant adverse effects on human health, including causing various types of skin damage. Specifically, exposure to arsenic can lead to physical harm to the skin, manifesting as lesions, discoloration, and an increased risk of certain skin cancers.

When skin comes into contact with arsenic, especially in cases of chronic exposure, individuals may experience symptoms such as hyperkeratosis, which is the thickening of the outer layer of the skin, and other inflammatory skin conditions. These effects highlight the direct physical harm that arsenic can inflict on skin cells and overall skin integrity.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the effects of arsenic on the skin. Deterioration of skin texture, while relevant, is not as comprehensive as acknowledging the broader physical harm caused by arsenic exposure. Furthermore, arsenic does not promote improvement in blood flow or strengthen skin cells; these outcomes are contrary to the well-documented toxicological properties of arsenic, which primarily lead to adverse rather than beneficial skin effects.

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