Arsenic poisoning

Followup ToQuestion - HelloI have a serious concern. Is it possible for a person suffering from long term arsenic poisoning to experience tingling and numbness sensations in one hand/arm and not the other hand/arm? My sister has been getting off/on sensations like this since June. She is having a urine test but I heard arsenic leaves the body in 3 days. So, this test won't be much good if this is happening to her by deliberate means.Answer - Hi Cliff, Arsenic poisoning is known to cause tingling, or pins and needles in the extremities. This usually occurs after damage to the blood vessels, so it is theoretically possible that one arm/hand may be affected and not the other. However, these symptoms are most commonly symmetrical - there are many things that may cause symptoms like these - are there other symptoms? Do you have good cause to suspect arsenic poisoning?A urine test for arsenic poisoning is the most common diagnostic test used when looking for arsenic that has been ingested in the last few days - organic arsenic (that which tends to occur naturally in shellfish and other foods) is excreted far more quickly that the inorganic arsenic that is commonly associated with poisoning. If you suspect chronic exposure, there are numerous other tests that can detect arsenic: arsenic is found in the fingernails, hair and bone for many years after exposure.I hope this has been helpful, if you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact me again. Best wishes, SamThank you so much for your reponse. Do I have reason to suspect? Recently learned my brother-in-law had taken out a life insurance policy on my sister without her knowledge. He stays at home. She works. He has often cooked dinner. He also stands to gain other financial assets in event of her demise. Since June she has been getting on/off spells of tingling, then numbness in her left hand. Hospital tests found no problem with hewr vital organs. She turned in a urine test yesterday. Other things about him come to mind, which bother me. My sister would never question him ... total denial.Her sensations are confined to her left hand, so far ... no pain ... just uncomfortable. I have urged our mother to get a sample of her hair,when stlying it. FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:I have saved a styrofoam plate from one recent dinner. Can traces of arsenic be detected on such an item? Sorry, if this is a bit like a thriller. I wish it was not. Thanks