Arsenic “Because of its sinister, homicidal uses, arsenic became world-renowned as the ‘inheritance powder,’” “What made arsenic such a good homicidal poison is the same thing that makes it dangerous in environmental exposures — it gives no warning” . “It’s mostly tasteless, it’s odorless, and it’s colorless. The symptoms of arsenic poisoning, especially if given in small doses over a long time, mimic those of natural diseases, so for a long time, people got away with it. Arsenic became one of the great historical poisons in human history.”

Arsenic occurs naturally Drinking water Industrial by-products Smelting Coal Emissions Treated wood Pesticides or herbicides Food Juices, Rice, Seafood

Forms of Arsenic Most common and stable Arsenite (+3) Arsenate (+5) Can bind to other elements to form inorganic/organic As. Readily binds to Sulfur.

Why do we care? 20th most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust A known multiple organ carcinogen Non-cancer endpoints

Health Effects

Reproductive Effects Known developmental toxicant and teratogen. Readily crosses the placenta

Arsenic: continues to poison the water of millions around the globe Smedley, Pauline L.. 2008 Sources and distribution of arsenic in groundwater and aquifers. In: Appelo, Tony, (ed.) Arsenic in Groundwater : a World Problem. British Geological Survey

As contamination around the world