The Element Arsenic

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.

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 Arsenic compounds have been widely used in veterinary medicine, but many have been replaced by antibiotics, which are less toxic and just as effective.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.