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Origin / Meaning of the name Arsenic
The name originates from
Greek word arsenikos.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Arsenic Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States
of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Arsenic is classified as a "Metalloid" element and is located in
Groups 13, 14,15, 16 and 17 of the Periodic Table. An element
classified as one of the Metalloids has
the properties of both metals and
Non-Metals. Some are semi-conductors and can carry an electrical
charge making them useful in calculators and computers.
The
Discovery of Arsenic
Arsenic was isolated by
Albertus Magnus inn 1250. Johann Schröder published two ways of
preparing elemental arsenic in 1649.
Facts about the History of the Discovery of Arsenic
Element
Was discovered in Ancient
times and used by the ancient Asians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans
and Chinese.
History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief
History of the
Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous
scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of
the Periodic Table.
Occurrence of the Arsenic Element
Arsenopyrite also called
mispickel
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 23%
% in Sun 23%
% in Meteorites N/A
% in Earth's Crust 5.5×10-7%
% in Oceans 7.2×10-10%
% in Humans N/A
Medical Uses of
Arsenic - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on
the Medical Uses of Arsenic, Health and Treatments. Arsenic has
been used for centuries as a therapeutic agent and continues to
have limited use in some trypanocidal drugs such as melarsoprol
and tryparsamide. Arsenic compounds have been widely used in
veterinary medicine, but many have been replaced by antibiotics,
which are less toxic and just as effective. Arsenic is still
used in homeopathy. It is used to treat some infectious
diseases, especially those caused by protozoa. Some skin
disorders are still treated with arsenic compounds. Since
arsenic is highly toxic it must be administered with caution.
Arsenic
Poisoning Symptoms
Arsenic is can poison by inhalation or ingestion. Acute arsenic
poisoning may result in shock and death. Arsenic poisoning
symptoms include skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
pain, muscular cramps, and swelling of the eyelids, feet, and
hands. The symptoms of chronic Arsenic Poisoning, due to
ingestion of small amounts of arsenic over long periods, is
marked by skin pigmentation accompanied by scaling, headache and
confusion.
Associated Uses of Arsenic
Insecticides
Poison
Weed killers
Various alloys
Medical Treatments
Semi-conductors |
