University of San Diego Professor to Discuss Potential Hazards from Arsenic in Drinking Water

University of San Diego Professor to Discuss Potential Hazards from Arsenic in Drinking Water


The discovery of trace amounts of arsenic in some California wines recently has gained media attention and excessive use of groundwater to irrigate crops during the drought has also raised questions about the concentration of arsenic in ground and drinking water.

On Monday, March 14, University of San Diego geochemist Bethany O’Shea will discuss potential health implications of exposure to this naturally occurring poison. The free talk takes place at 5:30 p.m. in the university’s Rosalie Hill Hall in the Warren Auditorium.

O’Shea’s talk “Pick Your Poison: Is Arsenic in California Wine and Drinking Water Affecting Your Health?” will look at the natural cycling of arsenic through rocks and water that is linked to arsenic found in some California wines and other products. She will give an overview of arsenic in drinking water supplies both globally and locally, and explain the source and potential health implications of exposure to the substance.

The free lecture is part of the Illume Speaker Series offered by the University of San Diego’s College of Arts and Sciences that features its own renowned faculty scholars, invited thought leaders and prominent public figures to advance the liberal arts and inspire lifelong learning. For more information go to www.sandiego.edu/events/cas.

 


About the University of San Diego

Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.