What is Arsenic Poisoning?
• Arsenic poisoning: A type of heavy metal poisoning caused by excessive exposure to arsenic. • Arsenic poisoning: A shiny gray element with atomic symbol As, atomic number 33, and atomic weight 75. It occurs throughout the universe, mostly in the form of metallic arsenides. Most forms are toxic. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), arsenic and certain arsenic compounds have been listed as known carcinogens.
Arsenic is a highly poisonous metallic element found at varying levels in a wide variety of sources, including, pesticides, laundry aids, smog, tobacco smoke, bone meal, dolomite, kelp, table salt, beer, seafood, and even drinking water. When ingested, inorganic arsenic is deposited in the hair, skin, and nails. Once it makes its way into the hair follicles, it’s presence can be detected in the hair shaft for years. We all take arsenic in very small regular doses. Arsenic is difficult to detect as it is usually odorless and tasteless. Arsenic has been known of and used since 3000 BC. Arsenic poisoning is usually determined by a hair analysis. If arsenic is found in the hair follicles it will stay there for years. If it is in your hair follicles it is usually in your body as well. Arsenic is also deposited in the fingernails and skin.
Arsenic poisoning is accidental or intentional exposure to arsenic in some form. In many cases, the poisoning takes place by either handling products containing high doses of arsenic without proper protection or ingesting foods or liquids containing unhealthy doses of arsenic. The range of symptoms with arsenic poisoning can range from mild headaches to death, depending on the extent of the exposure to the toxic chemical. While many people tend to think in terms of arsenic poisoning taking place due to someone intentionally mixing the product into food or drink, it is possible to experience the poisoning by contact with substances that have not been doctored by anyone. For example, some types of lumber products once used arsenic as a preservative. Anyone sawing lumber treated in this manner could conceivably be poisoned over time due to exposure to airborne fragments and the sawdust that results of the sawing activity. In like manner, untreated water sources may contain amounts of arse
Arsenic poisoning is a general term to describe the negative health effects caused by chronic or high levels of exposure to arsenic. These negative health effects include: – vascular disease – skin lesions and discoloration – liver damage – abnormal sensations in the limbs – in extreme cases, paralysis, muscular atrophy, and death – arsenic poisoning is also suspected to cause cancer and birth defects. How Many People Are Affected? Of the 200 million people living in the Bengal Basin, 30 million people are suffering from various symptoms of arsenic poisoning, and over 100 million people are at risk from contaminated drinking water sources. 59 out of 64 districts in Bangladesh and 6 districts in West Bengal have arsenic contaminated drinking water. In addition, most of the people living in the Bengal Basin are at risk of some water-borne disease due to contaminants or pathogens. How Does Arsenic Contamination of Groundwater Occur in the Bengal Basin? Arsenic has occurred naturally in th
