Is arsenic considered carcinogenic?

• A. No, it is not carcinogenic
• B. Only in animals
• C. Yes, it is carcinogenic
• D. Data is inconclusive

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested here is whether inorganic arsenic compounds have been shown to cause cancer in humans. A large body of epidemiological studies has found that chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic—for example, through contaminated drinking water—is associated with higher risks of several cancers, especially skin cancer, and also cancers of the lung and bladder. International health authorities classify inorganic arsenic as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence it can cause cancer in humans. This makes the statement that arsenic is carcinogenic the best answer because the risk is established in humans, not just suggested by animal studies, and the data are not considered inconclusive in this context. While some organic forms of arsenic are less clearly linked to cancer, the inorganic forms used in many environmental and occupational settings carry a well-supported cancer risk.