Arsenic poisoning: causes, signs (symptoms), lethal dose, first aid, antidote, treatment, consequences and prevention

What is arsenic and where is it used?

Arsenic, also known as Arsenicum in Latin, is an element of the periodic table, a semimetal. Despite the fact that it is a strong poison for the human body, arsenic also has beneficial properties, which makes it indispensable in various fields:

agriculture (pesticides),
deratization and disinfestation (the element is included in many pest control products),
production of semiconductors and electronics,
glass industry,
metallurgy (to impart strength to alloys and increase their anti-corrosion resistance),
woodworking (for impregnation of wooden products),
leather and fur industry (as an antiseptic for products),
medicine (in particular dentistry).

In nature, Arsenicum is present in certain quantities in ore deposits, mountain and earth layers, from where it can be washed out with rain into nearby bodies of water. And when using such water, poisoning is very likely. But this is not the only situation in which arsenic can cause poisoning.

Impact of arsenic on the environment

Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals in low concentrations and can be released into the air and water through wind erosion and leaching.

Arsenic is difficult to convert into a water-soluble or volatile substance. This means that large concentrations of it do not usually accumulate in a particular location. But this is where human activity causes change for the worse. Arsenic that escapes, for example, during ore mining or smelting, is usually much more mobile and therefore spreads more easily.

Sources of arsenic include, in particular, the copper industry, lead and zinc , and agriculture.

Plants absorb arsenic quite easily, so it can often be found in large quantities in food. Concentrations of dangerous inorganic arsenic, which can be found in many surface waters, accumulate in aquatic organisms and can cause changes in genetic material.

Ways and methods of poisoning

There are only 3 routes of intoxication: inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. This can happen in different ways:

in cases of murder or suicide attempts, industrial accidents,
when living in arsenic-contaminated areas,
inhalation of poisoned air,
after eating seafood from contaminated waters,
from the use of pesticides, preservatives (food), herbicides and products against insects, rodents and fungi,
after drinking raw water,
in direct contact with semi-metal in production,
violation of safety regulations when working with arsenic.

In other words, you can encounter arsenic almost everywhere. But whether a person becomes poisoned or not will depend on the concentration of the poison that enters the body.

Where and how is Arsenic mined?

Global arsenic production annually is about 40,000 tons. The leaders in the production of this element are China, Morocco and Russia. China produces about 25,000 tons annually. Morocco, in turn, produces about 9,000 tons and the Russian Federation accounts for about 3,000 tons. Countries that also produce arsenic are Belgium, Bolivia, the USA and Canada. Their annual production is less than 1,000 tons. This chemical element is produced as a by-product of the mining of lead, copper, cobalt and gold.

Its production technology is as follows. Initially, arsenic oxide is obtained by roasting arsenopyrite (FeAsS) in air. Arsenic oxide is then heated at about 600°C and purified arsenic is deposited in clay tubes using sublimation. To be used in semiconductor technology, arsenic must have a purity greater than 99.999%. This purity is achieved by repeated reduction of dissolved arsenic chloride with hydrogen. The operation is carried out until a certain purity is achieved.

Read: Gallium as a chemical element on the periodic table

Arsenic in dentistry - is it dangerous?

Not so long ago, arsenic paste was used to successfully kill the dental nerve by placing it in the cavity of an exposed diseased tooth. It was assumed that over the next 2 days the poison would reduce sensitivity to zero, the nerve would be removed, and the tooth would be healed.

It would seem that everything is very simple. But there are some nuances here: you can carry arsenic in your mouth for no longer than 2 days. After this time, a visit to the dentist must be made again to remove the paste. Because of this, the question often arises: is it possible to get poisoned by carrying arsenic paste in your mouth?

Oddly enough, many people, afraid to feel pain again, walk with arsenic in their mouth for more days than they should, in order to be sure to “finish off” the nerve. The result here can be one: the poison begins to have a destructive effect on the tooth and soft tissues, which leads to inflammation and rapid destruction of the tooth itself.

Contrary to the existing myth that a filling with arsenic can poison the body, I would like to say that this is not at all the dose of poison that could really lead to intoxication. With arsenic, dental treatment will not lead to poisoning, even if:

Read also: Carbon dioxide poisoning in humans

a dental filling containing arsenic fell out and was accidentally swallowed,
the patient is a child,
There was an overexposure of the arsenic filling in the mouth.

The minimum amount of arsenic in the composition of the medicinal paste is unable to poison the entire body. But since it can harm the tooth, this substance is rarely used in dentistry. Basically, unless the patient is allergic to modern local anesthetics.

And although arsenic poisoning during dental treatment is impossible, dentists themselves increasingly refuse to use the outdated method of killing the nerve in order to preserve the tooth and its soft tissues. This has been replaced by strong anesthetics that can reduce discomfort to zero, which allows you to painlessly treat the tooth and preserve it for a long time.

Arsenic As

Arsenic is a chemical element with atomic number 33 in the periodic table and is represented by the symbol As. It is a brittle, steel-colored semi-metal.

Occurrence of arsenic in nature

Arsenic is a trace element. The content in the earth's crust is 1.7•10-4% by weight. This substance can occur in a native state and has the appearance of metallic shiny gray shells or dense masses consisting of small grains. About 200 arsenic-containing minerals are known. It is often found in small concentrations in lead, copper and silver ores. Two natural compounds of arsenic and sulfur are quite common: orange-red transparent realgar AsS and lemon-yellow orpiment As2S3. A mineral of industrial importance is arsenopyrite (arsenic pyrite) FeAsS or FeS2•FeAs2; arsenic pyrite - löllingite (FeAs2) is also mined.

Obtaining arsenic

There are many ways to obtain arsenic: by sublimation of natural arsenic, by the thermal decomposition of arsenic pyrite, by the reduction of arsenous anhydride, etc. Currently, to obtain metallic arsenic, arsenopyrite is most often heated in muffle furnaces without access to air. At the same time, arsenic is released, the vapors of which condense and turn into solid arsenic in iron tubes coming from the furnaces and in special ceramic receivers. The residue in the furnaces is then heated with access to air, and then the arsenic turns into As2O3. Metallic arsenic is obtained in rather small quantities, and the main part of arsenic-containing ores is processed into white arsenic, that is, into arsenic trioxide - arsenic anhydride As2O3.

Use of arsenic

Use of Arsenic in metallurgy - used for alloying lead alloys used to prepare shot, since when shot is cast using the tower method, drops of the arsenic-lead alloy acquire a strictly spherical shape, and in addition, the strength and hardness of lead increases.
Application in electrical engineering - Arsenic of special purity (99.9999%) is used for the synthesis of a number of practically very valuable and important semiconductor materials - arsenides and complex diamond-like semiconductors.
Use as a dye - arsenic sulfide compounds - orpiment and realgar - are used in painting as paints.
Application in the leather industry - used as a means to remove hair from the skin.
Use in pyrotechnics - realgar is used to produce “Greek” or “Indian” fire, which occurs when a mixture of realgar with sulfur and saltpeter burns (bright white flame).
Use in medicine - many of the arsenic compounds in very small doses are used as medicines to combat anemia and a number of serious diseases, as they have a clinically significant stimulating effect on a number of body functions, in particular, on hematopoiesis. Of the inorganic compounds of arsenic, arsenic anhydride can be used in medicine for the preparation of pills and in dental practice in the form of a paste as a necrotizing drug (the same “arsenic” that is placed in the tooth canal before removing the nerve and filling it). Currently, arsenic preparations are rarely used in dental practice due to toxicity and the possibility of painless tooth denervation under local anesthesia.
Application in glass production - arsenic trioxide makes glass “dull”, i.e. opaque. However, small additions of this substance, on the contrary, lighten the glass. Arsenic is still included in the formulations of some glasses, for example, “Vienna” glass for thermometers and semi-crystals.

To determine arsenic concentrations in industry, the X-ray fluorescence method of analyzing the composition of substances is often used, which makes it possible to achieve highly accurate results in the shortest possible time.
XRF analysis of arsenic requires precautions. Because Arsenic is a poisonous substance. The most promising area of application of arsenic is undoubtedly semiconductor technology. Gallium arsenides GaAs and indium InAs have acquired particular importance in it. Gallium arsenide is also needed for an important area of electronic technology - optoelectronics, which arose in 1963...1965. at the intersection of solid state physics, optics and electronics. The same material helped create the first semiconductor lasers.

Why did arsenides turn out to be promising for semiconductor technology? To answer this question, let us briefly recall some basic concepts of semiconductor physics: “valence band”, “band gap” and “conduction band”.

Unlike a free electron, which can have any energy, an electron confined to an atom can only have certain, well-defined energy values. Energy bands are formed from the possible values of electron energy in an atom. Due to the well-known Pauli principle, the number of electrons in each zone cannot exceed a certain maximum. If the zone is empty, then it naturally cannot participate in the creation of conductivity. Electrons of a completely filled band do not participate in conduction either: since there are no free levels, an external electric field cannot cause redistribution of electrons and thereby create an electric current. Conduction is possible only in a partially filled zone. Therefore, bodies with a partially filled band are classified as metals, and bodies whose energy spectrum of electronic states consists of filled and empty bands are classified as dielectrics or semiconductors.

Let us also recall that completely filled bands in crystals are called valence bands, partially filled and empty bands are called conduction bands, and the energy interval (or barrier) between them is the band gap.

The main difference between dielectrics and semiconductors is precisely the band gap: if energy greater than 3 eV is needed to overcome it, then the crystal is classified as a dielectric, and if less, it is classified as a semiconductor.

Compared to classical group IV semiconductors - germanium and silicon - arsenides of group III elements have two advantages. The band gap and the mobility of charge carriers in them can be varied within wider limits. And the more mobile the charge carriers, the higher frequencies a semiconductor device can operate at. The bandgap width is selected depending on the purpose of the device.

Thus, for rectifiers and amplifiers designed to operate at elevated temperatures, a material with a large band gap is used, and for cooled infrared radiation receivers, a material with a small band gap is used.

Gallium arsenide has gained particular popularity because it has good electrical characteristics, which it maintains over a wide temperature range - from sub-zero to plus 500°C. For comparison, we point out that indium arsenide, which is not inferior to GaAs in electrical properties, begins to lose them already at room temperature, germanium - at 70...80, and silicon - at 150...200°C.

Arsenic is also used as a dopant, which gives “classical” semiconductors (Si, Ge) a certain type of conductivity. In this case, a so-called transition layer is created in the semiconductor, and depending on the purpose of the crystal, it is doped in such a way as to obtain a transition layer at different depths. In crystals intended for the manufacture of diodes, it is “hidden” deeper; if solar cells are made from semiconductor crystals, then the depth of the transition layer is no more than one micrometer.

Arsenic is also used as a valuable additive in non-ferrous metallurgy. Thus, the addition of 0.2...1% As to lead significantly increases its hardness. Shots, for example, are always made from lead alloyed with arsenic - otherwise it is impossible to obtain strictly spherical pellets.

The addition of 0.15...0.45% arsenic to copper increases its tensile strength, hardness and corrosion resistance when working in a gaseous environment. In addition, arsenic increases the fluidity of copper during casting and facilitates the process of wire drawing.

Arsenic is added to some types of bronze, brass, babbitt, and printing alloys.

And at the same time, arsenic very often harms metallurgists. In the production of steel and many non-ferrous metals, they deliberately complicate the process in order to remove all arsenic from the metal. The presence of arsenic in ore makes production harmful. Harmful twice: firstly, for human health; secondly, for metals - significant arsenic impurities worsen the properties of almost all metals and alloys.

All connections arsenic, diluted in water and slightly acidic environments (eg, gastric juice), is extremely toxic; Maximum concentration limit in air of arsenic and its connection. (except AsH3) in terms of arsenic 0.5 mg/m3. Conn. As (III) are more toxic than comp. As(V). From inorg. conn. As2O3 and AsH3 are especially dangerous. When working with arsenic and its compounds. necessary: complete sealing of equipment, removal of dust and gases by intensive ventilation, personal hygiene (dust-proof clothing, goggles, gloves, gas mask), frequent medical monitoring; Women and teenagers are not allowed to work. In acute arsenic poisoning, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and central depression are observed. nervous system. Help and antidotes for arsenic poisoning: taking aqueous solutions of Na2S2O3, gastric lavage, taking milk and cottage cheese; specific antidote - unithiol. A special problem is the removal of arsenic from exhaust gases, technol. waters and by-products of processing ores and concentrates of non-ferrous and rare metals and iron. Naib. A promising method for burying arsenic is by converting it into practically insoluble sulfide glasses.

Arsenic has been known since ancient times. Aristotle also mentioned his nature. sulfur compounds. It is unknown who was the first to obtain elemental arsenic; this achievement is usually attributed to Albertus Magnus ca. 1250. Chem. arsenic was recognized as an element by A. Lavoisier in 1789.

This is element No. 33, which deservedly has a bad reputation, and yet is very useful in many cases.

The arsenic content in the earth's crust is only 0.0005%, but this element is quite active, and therefore there are over 120 minerals that contain arsenic. The main industrial mineral of arsenic is arsenopyrite FeAsS. There are large copper-arsenic deposits in the USA, Sweden, Norway and Japan, arsenic-cobalt deposits in Canada, and arsenic-tin deposits in Bolivia and England. In addition, gold-arsenic deposits are known in the USA and France. Russia has numerous deposits of arsenic in Yakutia and the Caucasus, in Central Asia and the Urals, in Siberia and Chukotka, in Kazakhstan and Transbaikalia. Arsenic is one of the few elements for which the demand is less than the ability to produce them. World production of arsenic (without socialist countries) in terms of As2O3 is approx. 50 thousand tons (1983); From them, ~11 tons of elemental arsenic of special purity are obtained for the synthesis of semiconductor compounds.

The X-ray fluorescence method for analyzing arsenic is quite simple and safe, unlike the chemical method. Pure arsenic is pressed into tablets and used as a standard. GOST 1293.4-83, GOST 1367.1-83, GOST 1429.10-77, GOST 2082.5-81, GOST 2604.11-85, GOST 6689.13-92, GOST 11739.14-99 Determination is made using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The most proven spectrometers in this area are the edx 3600 B and edx 600.

Impact on the body

So, it is impossible to be poisoned by this semi-metal during dental treatment. However, if the poison enters the body in other ways and in large quantities, serious harm is caused to health.

A lethal dose of arsenic for an adult can be 0.1 - 0.2 g of poison. Sometimes a negligible dose of 0.05 g is enough for a child.

Under the influence of arsenic (after its rapid absorption into the blood), all organs and their systems are affected. The liver, heart, lungs and kidneys are especially affected, and this happens in just a day. After 2 weeks, the substance is found in bones, nails, hair and skin. Wherein:

biochemical processes are disrupted,
the nervous system is affected,
oxygen exchange in cells is disrupted,
the substance quickly binds to hemoglobin, etc.

Removal of poison from the body during arsenic poisoning occurs with feces and urine, and with urine much faster. The remnants of the received dose are stored in tissues and organs, continuing to have a detrimental effect.

Toxic effect of arsenic[edit | edit code]

The effects of arsenic compounds are varied and affect many organs and systems (see below). The cardiovascular system. In acute and subacute poisoning, small doses of inorganic arsenic compounds have a mild vasodilator effect. Increased capillary permeability leads to hidden swelling (especially on the face) and weight gain, which was previously mistakenly regarded as a tonic effect. The permeability of the capillaries of internal organs increases to the greatest extent. When exposed to higher doses, a significant decrease in blood volume is possible due to the release of plasma from the vascular bed. As a result, arterial hypotension, heart failure and arrhythmias develop. In chronic arsenic poisoning, peripheral arteries are affected (Engel et al., 1994), up to gangrene of the extremities, most often the feet.

Figure 67.5. Metabolism of arsenic compounds in humans.

Prolonged exposure to arsenic may be accompanied by myocardial damage and arterial hypotension.

Gastrointestinal tract[edit | edit code]

Acute and subacute arsenic poisoning is manifested by a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, from mild cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea to severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis accompanied by shock. In case of chronic poisoning, there are usually no symptoms of gastrointestinal damage. In small doses, inorganic arsenic compounds, especially trivalent arsenic, cause slight congestion of internal organs. In case of poisoning with higher doses, plasma escapes from the capillaries and the formation of vesicles under the gastrointestinal mucosa. The vesicles subsequently rupture, the epithelium sloughs off, and plasma enters the intestinal lumen, increasing the volume of intestinal contents. Tissue damage and an increase in the volume of intestinal contents leads to increased peristalsis and the appearance of characteristic large, watery stools, reminiscent of rice water. Due to the suppression of epithelial proliferation, tissue damage increases. Soon blood appears in the stool. Upper gastrointestinal involvement usually manifests as bloody vomiting. Possible stomatitis. Sometimes the symptoms grow so imperceptibly that arsenic poisoning remains unrecognized for a long time.

Kidneys[edit | edit code]

Severe kidney damage is possible due to the toxic effect of arsenic on renal capillaries, tubules and glomeruli. First, the glomeruli are affected and proteinuria appears. Later, dystrophy and necrosis of the tubular epithelium occur. Oliguria with proteinuria, hematuria and cylindruria is often observed.

Leather[edit | edit code]

When arsenic poisoning occurs, the skin is the first to suffer. Hyperpigmentation of the skin of the trunk and extremities (diffuse or in the form of small spots) is often the first manifestation of chronic arsenic poisoning. The time to onset of hyperpigmentation is dose dependent; it can be detected as early as 6 months after contact with arsenic. Over the years, hyperkeratosis occurs, mainly in the area of the palms and soles. With long-term intake of inorganic arsenic compounds in low doses, dilation of the blood vessels of the skin occurs, as a result of which it acquires a characteristic color (“blood and milk”). Over time, arsenic can cause skin cancer.

Nervous system[edit | edit code]

Acute or subacute poisoning with high doses of arsenic can be accompanied by encephalopathy, but most often arsenic causes polyneuropathy with “socks” and “gloves” dysesthesia, similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome (Donofrio et al., 1987). Subsequently, weakness of the limb muscles occurs; with prolonged contact with arsenic, tendon reflexes decrease and muscles atrophy. Changes in the brain are caused mainly by vascular damage and are observed in both gray and white matter. A characteristic feature is multiple symmetrical foci of hemorrhagic necrosis.

Blood[edit | edit code]

Inorganic arsenic compounds affect the bone marrow and cause changes in the cellular composition of the blood.

Blood tests usually reveal anemia with mild to moderate leukopenia, and sometimes eosinophilia. With longer contact with arsenic, anisocytosis occurs. Bone marrow vascularization increases. Some late hematological disorders may be a consequence of folic acid malabsorption. In case of poisoning with organic arsenic compounds, severe irreversible changes in the blood and bone marrow are rarely observed.

Liver[edit | edit code]

Inorganic and some now obsolete organic arsenic compounds have a strong toxic effect on the liver, causing fatty degeneration, centrilobular necrosis and cirrhosis. The severity of the injury can vary from mild to extremely severe and fatal. Usually the liver parenchyma is damaged, but in some cases the clinical picture resembles obstruction of the common bile duct, and pericholangitis and bile casts in the bile capillaries are found in the liver.

Malignant neoplasms[edit | edit code]

More than 100 years ago, it was noted that the use of drugs containing arsenic could cause skin cancer (Hutchinson, 1887). In 1980, the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that inorganic arsenic compounds are carcinogenic to both the skin and the lungs (if inhaled). It was later shown that the increased incidence of lung cancer and bladder cancer in Taiwan, Argentina and Chile is due to high (on the order of several milligrams per liter or higher) concentrations of arsenic in drinking water. An increased risk of other malignancies, such as kidney and liver cancer, has also been reported, although the link between these diseases and arsenic is less clear. At the same time, arsenic was recently found to be effective in acute promyelocytic leukemia (Chen et al., 1996).

Symptoms

Signs of arsenic poisoning in acute form are quite characteristic. This specificity helps to identify the problem in time:

temperature increase,
thirst, dehydration,
vomiting with nausea,
sharp pain of varying intensity in the stomach,
decreased diuresis,
weakness,
loose stools that look like rice water,
numbness of hands and feet,
metallic taste in the mouth,
convulsions,
partial loss of vision,
the characteristic smell of garlic from the mouth of a poisoned person,
heart failure, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure.

Properties of arsenic.

Although arsenic looks like a metal, it is still rather a non-metal: it does not form salts, for example, with sulfuric acid, but is itself an acid-forming element. Therefore, this element is often called a semimetal. Arsenic exists in several allotropic forms and in this respect is very similar to phosphorus. The most stable of them is gray arsenic, a very brittle substance that, when freshly fractured, has a metallic sheen (hence the name “metallic arsenic”); its density is 5.78 g/cm3. When heated strongly (up to 615° C), it sublimes without melting (the same behavior is characteristic of iodine). Under a pressure of 3.7 MPa (37 atm), arsenic melts at 817 ° C, which is significantly higher than the sublimation temperature. The electrical conductivity of gray arsenic is 17 times less than that of copper, but 3.6 times higher than that of mercury. As the temperature increases, its electrical conductivity, like that of typical metals, decreases - to approximately the same extent as that of copper.

If arsenic vapor is very quickly cooled to the temperature of liquid nitrogen (–196 ° C), a transparent soft yellow substance is obtained, reminiscent of yellow phosphorus, its density (2.03 g/cm3) is significantly lower than that of gray arsenic. Arsenic vapor and yellow arsenic consist of As4 molecules in the shape of a tetrahedron - and here the analogy with phosphorus. At 800°C, noticeable dissociation of vapors begins with the formation of As2 dimers, and at 1700°C only As2 molecules remain. When heated and exposed to ultraviolet light, yellow arsenic quickly turns gray with the release of heat. When arsenic vapor condenses in an inert atmosphere, another amorphous form of this element, black in color, is formed. If arsenic vapor is deposited on glass, a mirror film is formed.

The structure of the outer electron shell of arsenic is the same as that of nitrogen and phosphorus, but unlike them, it has 18 electrons in the penultimate shell. Like phosphorus, it can form three covalent bonds (4s24p3 configuration), leaving a lone pair on the As atom. The sign of the charge on the As atom in compounds with covalent bonds depends on the electronegativity of neighboring atoms. The participation of a lone pair in complex formation is significantly more difficult for arsenic compared to nitrogen and phosphorus.

If d orbitals are involved in the As atom, pairing of 4s electrons is possible to form five covalent bonds. This possibility is practically realized only in combination with fluorine - in pentafluoride AsF5 (pentachloryl AsCl5 is also known, but it is extremely unstable and quickly decomposes even at –50 ° C).

In dry air, arsenic is stable, but in humid air it fades and becomes covered with black oxide. During sublimation, arsenic vapor easily burns in air with a blue flame to form heavy white vapor of arsenic anhydride As2O3. This oxide is one of the most common arsenic-containing reagents. It has amphoteric properties:

As2O3 + 6HCl ® 2AsCl3 + 3H2O,

2O3 + 6NH4OH ® 2(NH4)3AsO3 + 3H2O.

The oxidation of As2O3 produces an acidic oxide - arsenic anhydride:

As2O3 + 2HNO3® As2O5 + H2O + NO2 + NO.

When it reacts with soda, sodium hydroarsenate is obtained, which is used in medicine:

As2O3 + 2Na2CO3 + H2O ® 2Na2HAsO4 + 2CO2.

Pure arsenic is quite inert; water, alkalis and acids that do not have oxidizing properties do not affect it. Dilute nitric acid oxidizes it to orthoarsenic acid H3AsO3, and concentrated nitric acid oxidizes it to orthoarsenic acid H3AsO4:

3As + 5HNO3 + 2H2O ® 3H3AsO4 + 5NO.

Arsenic(III) oxide reacts similarly:

3As2O3 + 4HNO3 + 7H2O ® 6H3AsO4 + 4NO.

Arsenic acid is a medium-strength acid, slightly weaker than phosphoric acid. In contrast, arsenic acid is very weak, corresponding in strength to boric acid H3BO3. In its solutions there is an equilibrium H3AsO3HAsO2 + H2O. Arsenous acid and its salts (arsenites) are strong reducing agents:

HAsO2 + I2 + 2H2O ® H3AsO4 + 2HI.

Arsenic reacts with halogens and sulfur. AsCl3 chloride is a colorless oily liquid that fumes in air; hydrolyzes with water: AsCl3 + 2H2O ® HAsO2 + 3HCl. Bromide AsBr3 and iodide AsI3 are known, which also decompose with water. In the reactions of arsenic with sulfur, sulfides of various compositions are formed - up to Ar2S5. Arsenic sulfides dissolve in alkalis, in ammonium sulfide solution and in concentrated nitric acid, for example:

As2S3 + 6KOH ® K3AsO3 + K3AsS3 + 3H2O,

2S3 + 3(NH4)2S ® 2(NH4)3AsS3,

2S5 + 3(NH4)2S ® 2(NH4)3AsS4,

As2S5 + 40HNO3 + 4H2O ® 6H2AsO4 + 15H2SO4 + 40NO.

In these reactions, thioarsenites and thioarsenates are formed - salts of the corresponding thioacids (similar to thiosulfuric acid).

In the reaction of arsenic with active metals, salt-like arsenides are formed, which are hydrolyzed by water. The reaction occurs especially quickly in an acidic environment with the formation of arsine: Ca3As2 + 6HCl ® 3CaCl2 + 2AsH3. Arsenides of low-active metals - GaAs, InAs, etc. have a diamond-like atomic lattice. Arsine is a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas, but impurities give it the smell of garlic. Arsine decomposes slowly into elements already at room temperature and quickly when heated.

Arsenic forms many organoarsenic compounds, for example, tetramethyldiarsine (CH3)2As–As(CH3)2. Back in 1760, the director of the Serves porcelain factory, Louis Claude Cadet de Gassicourt, distilling potassium acetate with arsenic(III) oxide, unexpectedly received a fuming liquid containing arsenic with a disgusting odor, which was called alarsine, or Cadet's liquid. As it was later found out, this liquid contained the first obtained organic derivatives of arsenic: the so-called cacodyl oxide, which was formed as a result of the reaction

4CH3COOK + As2O3® (CH3)2As–O–As(CH3)2 + 2K2CO3 + 2CO2, and dicacodyl (CH3)2As–As(CH3)2. Kakodyl (from the Greek “kakos” - bad) was one of the first radicals discovered in organic compounds.

In 1854, Parisian chemistry professor Auguste Kaur synthesized trimethylarsine by the action of methyl iodide on sodium arsenide: 3CH3I + AsNa3® (CH3)3As + 3NaI.

Subsequently, arsenic trichloride was used for syntheses, for example,

(CH3)2Zn + 2AsCl3® 2(CH3)3As + 3ZnCl2.

In 1882, aromatic arsines were obtained by the action of metallic sodium on a mixture of aryl halides and arsenic trichloride: 3C6H5Cl + AsCl3 + 6Na ® (C6H5)3As + 6NaCl. The chemistry of organic derivatives of arsenic developed most intensively in the 20s of the 20th century, when some of them had antimicrobial, as well as irritant and blister effects. Currently, tens of thousands of organoarsenic compounds have been synthesized.

How to help the victim

Although mild poisoning does not require hospital treatment, only a doctor can determine the severity of the problem. Therefore, first of all, you need to call an ambulance, and during its journey, independently help the victim:

provide fresh air,
give 1 glass or 1 liter of acidified water to drink (with 1 liter of vinegar or 3 g of citric acid) to cleanse the stomach,
if there is hydrogen sulfide water in the house, give it a solution (100 ml) to neutralize the poison and transform it into a safe substance - arsenic sulfide,
give sorbents (any except activated carbon, which is useless in this situation),
in case of dehydration, unsolder the victim little by little, but often,
If a toxic substance gets on your skin, wash it off with soapy water.

It is unlikely that in any home there will be drugs for every occasion, much less antidotes against arsenic. Therefore, all other actions will be carried out by doctors.

Determination of arsenic.

A qualitative reaction to arsenic is the precipitation of yellow sulfide As2S3 from hydrochloric acid solutions. Traces are determined by the Marsh reaction or the Gutzeit method: strips of paper soaked in HgCl2 darken in the presence of arsine, which reduces sublimate to mercury.

In recent decades, various sensitive analytical methods have been developed that can quantify minute concentrations of arsenic, for example in natural waters. These include flame atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry, mass spectrometry, atomic fluorescence spectrometry, neutron activation analysis... If there is very little arsenic in the water, pre-concentration of the samples may be necessary. Using such concentration, a group of Kharkov scientists from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine developed in 1999 an extraction-X-ray fluorescence method for determining arsenic (as well as selenium) in drinking water with a sensitivity of up to 2.5–5 μg/l.

For the separate determination of As(III) and As(V) compounds, they are first separated from each other using well-known extraction and chromatographic methods, as well as using selective hydrogenation. Extraction is usually carried out using sodium dithiocarbamate or ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. These compounds form water-insoluble complexes with As(III), which can be extracted with chloroform. The arsenic can then be converted back into the aqueous phase by oxidation with nitric acid. In the second sample, arsenate is converted to arsenite using a reducing agent, and then a similar extraction is performed. This is how “total arsenic” is determined, and then by subtracting the first result from the second, As(III) and As(V) are determined separately. If there are organic arsenic compounds in water, they are usually converted to methyldiodarsine CH3AsI2 or dimethyliodarsine (CH3)2AsI, which are determined by one or another chromatographic method. Thus, using high-performance liquid chromatography, nanogram quantities of a substance can be determined.

Many arsenic compounds can be analyzed using the so-called hydride method. It involves the selective reduction of the analyte into volatile arsine. Thus, inorganic arsenites are reduced to AsH3 at pH 5 – 7, and at pH

The neutron activation method is also sensitive. It consists of irradiating a sample with neutrons, while 75As nuclei capture neutrons and transform into the radionuclide 76As, which is detected by characteristic radioactivity with a half-life of 26 hours. This way you can detect up to 10–10% arsenic in a sample, i.e. 1 mg per 1000 tons of substance

Treatment in hospital

If the poisoning is determined to be severe, the patient will be transported to the department. There, under medical supervision, he will receive the necessary treatment:

Read also: Body poisoning from exhaust gases

Antidotes. The introduction of an antidote is a necessary step in the treatment of poisoning. In case of acute arsenic intoxication, Unithiol will play this role as the main antidote. It neutralizes the poison, turning it into a safe compound, and removes it from the body along with urine. It is administered intravenously (injection or dropper) or intramuscularly. In the chronic form, D-penicillamine is used as an antidote - one gram orally 4 times a day.
Oxygen. Inhalations with it are indicated for arsenic vapor poisoning.
Atropine + morphine. They are administered by injection if pain in the stomach persists.
Hemodialysis, blood transfusion, increased diuresis. They are carried out selectively depending on how badly the kidneys are damaged.
Novocaine + glucose in the presence of blood in the urine.
Calcium chloride (or saline + glucose + adrenaline) to maintain blood pressure and maintain fluid volume in the body.

Treatment after severe poisoning can last up to 2 years. Therefore, after an inpatient course, it is necessary to adhere to rehabilitation standards: do not violate the drinking regime, take baths with alkalis, follow the prescribed diet, and continue vitamin therapy.

Arsenic in Rice – What do you need to know about it?

Rice is recommended as a healthier and lower calorie alternative to pasta and potatoes. This product is very popular, especially when it is accompanied by sauce, chicken, beef or vegetable components. Rice is also delicious accompanied by sweet additions, such as baked apples with cinnamon or raisins. However, it should be remembered that rice also has its disadvantages. It may contain arsenic, which is one of the most dangerous poisons in the world. However, this will not pose a threat to life or health if you follow a few important rules when purchasing and preparing rice.

Arsenic in rice - true or false?

Arsenic enters the environment through fertilizers and pesticides and is then easily absorbed by plants, especially those that must grow in large amounts of water. Depending on the type of product, the amount of harmful impurities may vary. Most of the toxic substance is found in brown rice. Therefore, regular consumption of such a product can develop chronic arsenic poisoning, and also increase the risk of cancer of the bladder, lungs and skin.

Consequences

Severe poisoning often affects the body quite seriously, leaving behind additional health problems. After a strong (or long-term) toxic effect of arsenic (even after high-quality treatment), the following may appear:

polyneuritis,
decreased immunity with subsequent manifestation of existing chronic diseases,
failure of the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart,
headaches after exposure to the central nervous system (mainly felt in the back of the head, forehead and temples).

The consequences of poisoning in children are especially severe: they experience disturbances in speech, hearing and coordination of movements.

Arsenic is a strong carcinogen that, after poisoning, can cause cancer of the prostate, lung, kidney, bladder or liver.

Receipt

To obtain metal, metal sulfide ores or copper and polymetallic processing wastes are used. ore In both cases, the sulfides are roasted, then the metal is extracted in the form of $\ce{As_2O_}$ oxide, which is reduced by heating with charcoal to free metal. To obtain high-purity metal, which is necessary in the manufacture of semiconductor materials, zone melting and distillation in vacuum, etc. The volume of world production of metals in terms of $\ce{As_2O_3}$ is approx. 50 thousand tons/year.

Prevention

Since arsenic is a poison that can cause not only disability, but also death, compliance with preventive measures is extremely important.

To protect yourself and others from the harmful effects of arsenic, it is enough to follow simple rules:

in production, observe all necessary safety measures (protective uniform, neatness, etc.),
do not shy away from undergoing medical examinations,
do not drink raw water,
do not buy products secondhand from strangers,
Do not store substances containing arsenic in the house.

But if, nevertheless, it was not possible to avoid poisoning for some reason, the main thing is to remember the need to immediately call a doctor. You will not be able to determine the severity of intoxication on your own or completely remove the poison from the body.

Chronic arsenic poisoning[edit | edit code]

The most common early signs of chronic arsenic poisoning are muscle weakness and muscle pain, hyperpigmentation of the skin (especially the neck, eyelids, nipples and armpits), hyperkeratosis and swelling. Gastrointestinal disorders are less pronounced than in acute poisoning. Other symptoms that may suggest arsenic poisoning include garlicky breath and sweat, increased salivation and sweating, stomatitis, generalized itching, sore throat, runny nose, lacrimation, numbness, burning and tingling in the extremities, dermatitis, hypopigmentation and alopecia. The disease may develop gradually; First, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite appear, and sometimes nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhea or constipation. Subsequently, symptoms resembling acute rhinitis occur. Dermatitis and hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles are typical. Another characteristic sign is the deposition of arsenic in the nails in the form of transverse white stripes (Mie lines), which usually appear 6 weeks after contact with arsenic. Since nails grow at a rate of 0.1 mm/day, the Mie lines can be used to approximately determine when poisoning occurred. Peeling of the skin is observed; epithelial desquamation can also occur in other organs. The liver enlarges; With obstruction of the biliary tract, jaundice appears. As a result, cirrhosis of the liver may occur.

Possible kidney failure. With severe intoxication, encephalopathy develops. Neuropathy leads to paralysis and loss of sensation in the limbs; Unlike lead poisoning, the legs are more affected, not the arms. The bone marrow is severely affected. In severe poisoning, all the formed elements of the blood are affected. Treatment. In case of acute poisoning, it is necessary to stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further absorption of arsenic. It is important to maintain blood volume as gastrointestinal disturbances can cause hypovolemic shock, which can be fatal. To eliminate arterial hypotension, in addition to infusion therapy, vasopressor agents are used.

Kammex-forming agents

. In acute poisoning, dimercaprol is usually prescribed first (3-4 mg/kg IM every 4-12 hours). The drug is administered until the symptoms of gastrointestinal damage disappear and activated charcoal appears in the stool (if it was used). After this, instead of dimercaprol, penicillamine is prescribed at a dose of no more than 2 g/day in 4 divided doses for 4 days. If symptoms return after treatment, a second course of penicillamine will be given. Promising results have been obtained using succimer, a derivative of dimercaprol (Graziano et al., 1978; Lenzetal., 1981; Fournier et al., 1988). However, succimer is currently only approved by the FDA for the treatment of lead poisoning in children.

For chronic poisoning, dimercaprol can also be used in combination with penicillamine, but penicillamine alone is usually sufficient. During treatment, the concentration of arsenic in the urine is periodically measured. The duration of treatment depends on the results of these measurements and the patient's condition. Side effects of complexing agents (see below) limit their use. Severe arsenic nephropathy may require hemodialysis. Successful removal of arsenic using this method has been reported (Vaziri et al. 1980).

Arsenic hydrogen

. This gas, formed during electrolytic or metallothermal processing of arsenic-containing polymetallic ores, occasionally causes industrial poisoning. In case of poisoning with arsenic hydrogen, in contrast to poisoning with other arsenic compounds, severe hemolysis quickly develops, which often leads to death. Apparently, hemolysis is caused by the interaction of arsenous hydrogen with hemoglobin and the subsequent reaction of the resulting complex with oxygen. A few hours after poisoning, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, paresthesia, abdominal pain, chills, hemoglobinuria, increased levels of bilirubin in the blood and anuria occur. Hemolysis, abdominal pain and hematuria constitute the classic triad of symptoms of arsenic hydrogen poisoning. Jaundice develops within 24 hours. Due to methemoglobinemia and jaundice, the skin often acquires a bronze tint. In the kidneys, hemoglobin casts are usually found, as well as swelling and necrosis of proximal tubular cells. If the patient does not die from severe hemolysis, the cause of death is often renal failure. Since the complex of hemoglobin with arsenous hydrogen is not removed by dialysis, in severe cases an exchange transfusion is indicated. Forced alkaline diuresis can also be used. Dimercaprol is not recommended because it does not reverse hemolysis or improve renal function.

It is important to note that many metals (such as lead) contain arsenic or antimony. When such metals interact with acids, arsenic hydrogen and antimonous hydrogen can be formed, respectively.

Stages of arsenic poisoning

Depending on the dose of the substance, route of administration and other factors, two stages of poisoning are distinguished:

Spicy. 30 minutes after the poison enters the body, symptoms begin to appear. This is mainly characterized by cardiac dysfunction, depression of the respiratory center and paralysis. At this moment, the person begins to choke and practically cannot move. Visual and hearing impairment occurs. At such a moment, it is important for the poisoned person to administer an antidote, otherwise it will end in death, in a maximum of a day.
Chronic. With prolonged exposure to arsenic, a chronic stage of poisoning occurs. When the toxin accumulates, the circulatory system works worse and the organs are insufficiently supplied with blood. This causes the endocrine system to produce hormones. Gradually, all organs are exposed to poison and malfunction.

Symptoms in the chronic stage may take several months to appear after exposure to toxins. Quite often, a person does not associate the symptoms that appear with chemical poisoning. People attribute this to colds and simple ailments, which can soon turn out unfavorably.

Several decades ago, the chronic stage of poisoning was often diagnosed. This is due to the fact that in addition to chemical plants, arsenic was available in pharmacies. Pharmacists made ointments from them to treat skin diseases.

There were also tablets available for the treatment of cancer, which contained this element.

However, there has long been information that arsenic does not contribute to the treatment of oncology, but has carcinogenic properties.

Traditional healers still recommend treating cancer with arsenic. However, this will not lead to anything good, since in most cases people refuse normal treatment. Soon, such self-medication can lead not only to poisoning, but also to a worsening of the situation associated with oncology.

Symptoms of poisoning

It is not difficult to determine the acute form of arsenic poisoning by external signs. The most obvious symptoms include:

presence of a metallic taste in the mouth,
the stomach often hurts,
Vomiting and diarrhea are observed.

In the most severe cases, it can lead to: acute renal and liver failure and even paralysis with a fatal outcome. If the poisoning is chronic, symptoms include:

frequent headaches,
damage to the blood vessels and respiratory system,
allergic skin reactions,
constant fatigue and irritability.

The consequences of arsenic poisoning are sad, these may be signs:

damage to the lungs and kidneys, fatty hepatosis,
decreased hearing acuity in children, appearance of skin ulcers,
development of psychoses and impaired motor coordination,
violations of muscle trophism, development of endemic goiter,
manifestations of diseases of the nervous system (encephalopathy, seizures, speech disorders),
development of polyneuritis and immunodeficiency,
lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow,
development of oncological diseases of the blood, skin, eyes

How to provide first aid for poisoning

A toxic substance can enter the body in several ways:

by mouth when ingested;
when inhaling vapors of this substance;
through skin pores.

Once inside, arsenicum, through the movement of blood, moves to the internal organs - liver, heart, lungs and spleen, affecting the digestive organs and nervous system. Entering cells in large quantities, it inhibits their work, including interfering with the implementation of the most important biochemical processes and disrupting cellular respiration. At a dosage of 0.05 g or more, this substance can become deadly.

If the victim exhibits characteristic symptoms of poisoning, a set of first aid measures must be taken:

Call an ambulance;
If the victim has lost consciousness, turn him on his side, and if breathing stops, carry out resuscitation;
If the victim is conscious, cleanse the body of the toxin. To do this, do a gastric lavage by adding 2 tablespoons of salt per liter of water. If this toxic substance gets on the skin, it is removed from its surface using a large amount of soap and water and a washcloth;
Elimination of the consequences of intoxication and prevention of dehydration - the victim is given frequent, light drinks. Sometimes it is recommended to take activated carbon, but it is quite weak to neutralize the poison.

Depending on the condition of the victim, he will be subject to hospitalization (in severe cases) or may be treated at home when the dose of toxin is insignificant and there is no danger to life.

Therapeutic measures for poisoning, their intensity and nature will depend primarily on the degree of damage by the toxin. If poisoning with toxic vapors has occurred, inhalation is used.

To cleanse the blood of toxic components, infusion therapy is carried out; if renal failure develops, appropriate therapeutic actions are carried out, and in case of damage to the cardiovascular system, special supportive therapy is used.

In a medical hospital, to eliminate the toxic effect of As, they resort to its most effective antidote “Unitiol”, which is administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Application in medicine

The powerful effect of this semi-metal has long been appreciated by doctors, and for many centuries it has been used for anesthesia, as well as for dental purposes. The main effects of this substance, which have long been valued in medicine, can be considered a cauterizing, irritating and necrotizing effect. The latter feature is still partially used in the field of dentistry today.

Due to the strong toxicity of this substance, with the development of new technologies in medicine, it began to be used much less frequently, but in some areas it is still used. These areas include dentistry and oncology.

Arsenic for dental treatment

Dentistry is one of the few areas in which this substance is still used. True, today it is not arsenic itself that is used for dental treatment, but a special compound called arsenic anhydride.

It is not used in its pure form, but as part of a special paste, the purpose of which is to devitalize the dental pulp. In simple words, it kills the nerve, which is required in case of damage to the hard parts of the teeth by caries, usually accompanied by severe pain.

This effect is ensured due to the presence of protoplasmic poison in the composition of this element, which, by reacting with sulfhydride groups, helps block enzyme systems. The consequence of this effect will be hypoxia of cells and their subsequent death, which is actually required from the action of a paste with arsenic anhydride in its composition.

Many patients are interested in how safe it is to use arsenic pastes in dental treatment and whether it is possible to find equally effective and less toxic analogues.

In this aspect, experts argue that such pastes can cause harm in one way or another only if you do not follow the procedure technology or violate the rules and terms of use of this product.

Contraindications. There are also some contraindications to dental treatment with arsenic paste. They apply primarily to patients with a tendency to allergies, children under 1.5 - 2 years old, those who suffer from diseases of the genitourinary system, increased intraocular pressure.

This method of treatment is also contraindicated in the presence of incompletely formed or absorbable roots or in the case of the formation of through holes in the root, as well as some other contraindications.

As for poisoning, which many patients in dental clinics fear, such a consequence is only possible if the doctor has significantly exceeded the dosage or duration of the drug. Therefore, the doctor gives precise instructions on how long to keep arsenic in the tooth.

Another risk group is patients who drink alcohol after applying the paste. Alcohol can enhance the effect of arsenic compounds, thereby increasing their toxicity. In other cases, poisoning as a result of using the paste is unlikely.

Arsenic in the fight against leukemia

The ability of arsenicum to stop cell viability is also useful in the treatment of cancer, especially leukemia. This disease, called leukemia or leukemia, refers to blood pathologies.

The main essence of leukemia is the formation of a tumor as a result of multiple replication of immature bone marrow cells. If there is no proper and timely treatment, tumor tissue grows, then the appearance and growth of metastases begins in the main organs and organ systems.

The As element effectively suppresses the excessive formation of leukocytes and promotes more active formation of red blood cells, which has an additional therapeutic effect.

When treating leukemia, the degree of the disease should be taken into account - arsenicum-based remedies are most effective in the primary stage, immediately after the diagnosis is made, until a significant enlargement of the lymph nodes and spleen begins. If the disease reaches a more serious level, the effectiveness decreases sharply.

It is believed that arsenic is an essential, immunotoxic poison, which tends not only to harm health, but which the body cannot do without.

When studying the issue of the chemical and therapeutic properties of arsenicum, the features of its use in medicine and other fields, it should be taken into account that the effect of the semi-metal on health depends on the methods of application, dosage and individual characteristics of the person.

"Military arsenic."

After the use of chlorine and other poisonous gases during the First World War, chemists in different countries began to develop even more deadly chemical weapons. They, of course, paid a lot of attention to arsenic. In 1918, the American chemist W. J. Lewis, in search of new components for chemical weapons, reacted acetylene with arsenic chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride. As a result, it formed a dark brown liquid with the smell of geranium, which contained b-chlorovinyldichloroarsine as the main component: AsCl3 + C2H2 ® ClCH=CHAsCl2, as well as b,b'-dichlorodivinyldichlorarsine (ClCH=CH)2AsCl2 and b,b' ,b"-trichlorotrivinylarsine (ClCH=CH)3As. This pleasant-smelling mixture, named lewisite after the chemist, had a terrible blister, generally poisonous and irritating effect. Already at a concentration of 0.3 mg/m3, lewisite vapor causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract, and with increasing concentrations it causes damage to the eyes, skin and death. When droplets of lewisite come into contact with the skin, it is quickly absorbed into it, disrupting the course of many biochemical processes and causing severe damage to the body, especially the vascular system. This circumstance at one time gave rise to the Americans calling lewisite “the dew of death.”

Soon other arsenic poisonous substances were synthesized. Among them was a group of irritating substances, its typical representatives being diphenylchloroarsine (C6H5)2AsCl, diphenylcyanoarsine (C6H5)2AsCN, adamsite:

Substances of this group selectively act on the nerve endings of the mucous membranes - mainly the membranes of the upper respiratory tract. This causes the body to reflexively release the irritant by sneezing or coughing. Unlike tear poisonous substances, these substances, even in mild poisoning, act even after the affected person has escaped from the poisoned atmosphere. Within several hours, a person is shaken by a painful cough, pain appears in the chest and head, and tears begin to flow involuntarily. Vomiting, shortness of breath, and a feeling of fear occur; all this leads to complete exhaustion. And in addition, these substances cause general poisoning of the body.

Fortunately, lewisite and other arsenic toxic substances did not have time to be used in the war, but in all countries, including the USSR, lewisite was accumulated in huge quantities - tens of thousands of tons. It is not easy to neutralize it in a safe way. One of the methods is oxidation to low-toxic arsenic acids:

ClCH=CHAsCl2 + H2O2 ® CHAs(O)(OH)2 + 2HCl;

another way is chlorination with the formation of AsCl3, which is used in industry (see ARSENIC).

How does poisoning occur?

This element is able to penetrate the human body in three ways:

Through the skin;
Through the respiratory tract;
Through the mouth.

After penetration into the body, the substance passes from the blood plasma into red blood cells, and then spreads through the circulatory system to all organs. Is arsenic dangerous to human life?

Acute arsenic poisoning is very dangerous for the human body. When it enters the blood, arsenic combines with hemoglobin and provokes anemia, which later manifests itself as gross hematuria. The development of jaundice is possible.

In acute poisoning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, signs of intoxication, tachycardia, and shortness of breath are noted. In severe cases, acute renal failure occurs, which leads to death.

Ingestion of arsenic is dangerous for humans not only due to exposure to toxins, but also a possible burn to the throat. Arsenic is dangerous for humans because it can damage any organs and systems. Disorders can occur anywhere, and some can even be fatal.

The toxic effect of the substance is due to its binding to sulfhydryl elements of tissues. When exposed, capillaries are broken and toxins affect vital organs. The main danger is necrosis of the stomach and some parts of the intestines, as well as disruption of the liver and kidneys, which can lead to serious complications and then death.

First aid

If you notice symptoms of poisoning, you should call an ambulance, and before it arrives you need to start providing first aid yourself:

If a person is unconscious, then it is necessary to lay him on his side so that if vomiting occurs, he does not choke on it;
In the absence of consciousness and signs of life, you need to independently begin performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is necessary to free the oral cavity from foreign objects and vomit (if any). Stick out your tongue to prevent it from retracting. Next, an indirect cardiac massage is performed. It includes 2 breaths and 30 chest compressions. It is better to do this together;
Flushing it with plenty of water will help remove the remaining toxins in the stomach, but if the person is conscious, this requires giving the person a large amount of water and inducing an attack of vomiting. To do this, just press on the root of the tongue. Arsenic can be removed from skin with soap and water;
In order to avoid dehydration, it is necessary to give the patient water in small portions;
You can use activated carbon, but with such serious poisoning it does not have much effect. You should not take laxatives.

Specialized assistance is necessary in all cases. However, with a mild degree of poisoning, hospitalization in a hospital may not be required and the patient remains in outpatient treatment. In case of moderate and severe poisoning, it is necessary to send the patient to a hospital for further treatment.

When conducting therapy in a medical institution, the following measures are taken:

If chemical vapors are inhaled, artificial ventilation is required;
To restore the volume of circulating blood and normalize blood pressure, a physical solution is prescribed intravenously;
If sugar is low and hemoglobin is present in the urine, a glucose solution is used;
For bronchospasm, Eufillin is used;
Kidney failure is being eliminated.

What is arsenic used for?

Arsenic is well suited for making shot when paired with lead. When they are combined, the fraction has an even spherical shape. And also the strength of such manufacturing increases;
Some arsenic compounds are used in the arts as paints;
Arsenic is used in the manufacture of sparklers, which gives the combustion a white color;
Some components of arsenic are combat agents;
With the help of substances contained in arsenic, medicines for syphilis were invented in the 20th century. However, they were soon replaced, since these drugs had high toxicity;
In small doses, arsenic is used to treat a wide range of diseases.

Signs of arsenic deficiency in the body and signs of excess

The content of any chemical element in the body of a living creature must comply with existing standards. With deficiency or excess, pathologies of varying levels of complexity can develop. This rule also applies to this element. And since it is very toxic, it is important to know the norms regarding its content in the body and the symptoms that indicate the presence of an imbalance.

Deficiency: causes and consequences

The issue of As element deficiency in the human body has not been studied actively; it is assumed that when the chemical is consumed in a dosage of 1 mcg/day or less, deficiency develops.

With a deficiency of the element in the body, blood composition indicators change (the number of triglycerides in the blood and serum decreases), anemia and dermatitis develop.

In animals, a deficiency of this element causes miscarriage and cubs with its deficiency do not grow well.

What are the dangers of excess?

One of the most important aspects of the negative effect of As on human health is a decrease in the absorption of zinc, selenium, and certain vitamins and amino acids. In a minimal amount, this property is not dangerous, but accumulating in the body, this element can cause serious health problems.

Scientists believe that the acceptable rate of intake of As compounds into the body may be 50-100 mcg/day, and the toxicity threshold leading to signs of poisoning is 20 mg.

There may be several reasons for excess arsenicum in the body:

poisoning by pesticides or insecticides that contain a large dose of this substance;
work in a manufacturing plant that involves contact with toxic substances. These types of activities include the production of pesticides, the production of various alloys and others;
smoking, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially wine;
disruptions in the regulation of the metabolism of arsenic and other substances in the body.

It is believed that a constant overdose of orpiment, which is a strong carcinogen, can lead to the development of oncology.

What it is? Description of the element and its physical properties

The periodic table element has an official name (Arsenicum) or arsenic, which means yellow orpiment, and the Russian name most likely refers to the fact that its compounds are used to kill mice and rodents. In the periodic table, the chemical element is located under serial number 33 and is designated As.

The content of the article

What it is? Description of the element and its physical properties
The role of arsenic for the human body
Sources of entry of a chemical element into the body
Signs of arsenic deficiency in the body and signs of excess
Symptoms of poisoning

Arsenic is conventionally classified as a chemical element of the group of semimetals, but many scientists believe that it is still rather a non-metal. One of the features that distinguishes this element from similar ones is its extreme density, which significantly affects the physical and chemical properties. Its atom has 3 empty electrons and a valence of 3, which determines its chemical properties.

The semimetal is characterized by a steel color, with a greenish tint, but it can also be yellowish, some varieties are black, although it is rarely found in its pure form, being an accompanying component in lead, copper or silver ores.

The largest deposits where this element is mined are located in Georgia, Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Great Britain, the USA, Canada and other countries of Europe and Asia, in some regions of Russia.

Despite its high level of toxicity, arsenic has many important properties used in both medicine and industry. In its pure form, As is used in the synthesis of semiconductors. Another important method of use in the manufacture of paints: sulfides of this substance are used in the creation of paints both for painting and for leather production. The chemical industry uses arsenic acid, which is formed as a result of the oxidation of the starting material.

Interesting historical data

In the 19th century, rumors spread from the States and some European countries about a miraculous cosmetic medicine called Arsenic; all the ladies were sure that it gave the skin a noble paleness and a lively shine to the eyes.

The dosage of the medication was strictly regulated, starting with small doses and gradually increasing….

The moments of using this substance as a means for losing weight are also described. It was added in tiny doses to weight loss pills. What this ultimately led to, history is silent.

On the Internet I came across a photo of a New York newspaper clipping that gives a recipe for delicious waffles with arsenic.