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What is arsenic used for?
What is inorganic arsenic used for?
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Arsenic is currently used for induction and consolidation chemotherapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia and other cancers [Miller et al. 2002; Hu et al. 2005]. Arsenic may be found in some traditional remedies from a number of Asian countries [Garvey et al. 2001; Chan 1994].
- A Natural Chemical
- Just The Facts
- Dangers of Arsenic
- Health Problems
- An Essential Nutrient
- Who Knew?
- Agricultural Use
- Medical Use
- Industrial Use
In the periodic table of the elements, arsenic is No. 33. An arsenic atom has 33 electrons and 33 protons with five valence electrons (those that can participate in forming chemical bonds with other electrons) in its outer shell. Arsenic is a crystalline metalloid found in the Earth's crust, but in its free form it is quite rare. The element is typ...
Atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus): 33Atomic symbol (on the periodic table of the elements): AsAtomic weight (average mass of the atom): 74.92160Density: 5.776 grams per cubic centimeterEven when there is no foul play involved, arsenic still poses a danger, as lethal levels may be leaked into people's water, food or air supply. The most urgent concern is drinking water, and for some places, the risk of arsenic contamination is particularly high. In 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) adopted a lower standard for arsenic...
Arsenic poisoning can cause all sorts of health problems. A large dose can cause immediate sickness and death, while long-term exposure is associated with higher rates of skin, bladder and lung cancers, as well as heart disease, according to the FDA. "At levels found in well water in the U.S. (10-100 ppb), ingestion of well water containing arsenic...
Paracelsus, a 16th-century Swiss German philosopher and toxicologist, once famously said, "all things are poison, and nothing is without poison. Only the dose permits something not to be poisonous." But can a toxic element really be necessary for life? A growing body of evidence says yes. Some toxic metals, in trace amounts, might actually be essen...
As early as 82 B.C., the Roman dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla attempted to end a rash of arsenic poisonings by passing the Lex Cornelia, the first known law against poisoning, according to Dartmou...In 1836, a British chemist named James Marsh finally developed a test that could detect minuscule amounts of arsenic in both food and human remains. The epidemic of arsenic poisoning finally began...Although unproven, there is a persistent rumor that Napoleon Bonaparte was slowly poisoned with arsenic by someone in his cortege, which eventually led to his death in 1821. And while it is general...Perhaps the most famous of arsenic poisoners were the Borgias, a power-grabbing family in Italy who, partly due to their strategic arsenic poisonings of the wealthy and prominent, soon became the m...Since arsenic is such a strong toxin, farmers, as well as the U.S. government, in the early 20th century believed it would be a good idea to make rodent poisons and crop pesticides out of the substance. It took several decades for everyone to realize what a terrible idea it was to spray this carcinogenic chemical on the food supply. In the 1980s, a...
In 1786, a British physician named Thomas Fowler presented his arsenic-based, cure-all tonic known as Fowler's solution. The tonic was commonly used to treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis. Unfortunately, it became apparent that people who used the product had a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, particularly on the exact spot the ...
Arsenic is sometimes alloyed with lead to form a harder, more durable metal. Some areas of use include car batteries and bullets. Until recently, arsenic was commonly used in glassmaking. However, due to pressure from the EPA and environmentalists, most glass manufacturers have slowed down or stopped using arsenic. According to the Los Alamos Natio...
- Traci Pedersen
Aug 12, 2018 · Poison or cure? Arsenic can help treat cancer, study finds. Arsenic is infamous for its harmful properties. However, some arsenic compounds — in carefully measured doses — can be used in...
Arsenic is also used in agricultural products, as a hardening agent for bronze and other alloys, in glassmaking and, in a highly purified form, in the manufacture of computer chips. Deposits of arsenic were mined extensively in the United States from the mid- to late-1800s.
May 10, 2024 · Arsenic is a naturally occurring, semimetallic element widely distributed in the Earth’s crust. Arsenic levels in the environment can vary by locality, and it is found in water, air, and soil. There are two general forms of arsenic: Organic arsenic compounds contain carbon.
Arsenic is an element that occurs naturally in rocks & soil, water, air, and in plants and animals. Learn how we are exposed to arsenic and its link to cancer risk.
Arsenic is used as a doping agent in semiconductors (gallium arsenide) for solid-state devices. It is also used in bronzing, pyrotechnics and for hardening shot. Arsenic compounds can be used to make special glass and preserve wood.
