CONCLUSION Arsenic is one of the most toxic elements that can be found.

Despite Arsenic is known best as a deadly poison, although in small doses it does have medical benefits. Arsenic is a semimetallic naturally-occurring chemical. It is all around us in the environment and we are all exposed to small doses on a regular basis. It is difficult to detect as it is generally odourless and flavourless, meaning people have little idea when it is around. Arsenic can kill humans quickly if consumed in large amounts, although small, longterm exposure can lead to a much slower death or other illness. Studies have linked prolonged exposure to arsenic with cancer, diabetes, and thickening of the skin, liver disease and problems with the digestive system. It has also been associated with nervous system disorders - feeling tingling or losing sensation in the limbs - and hearing difficulties. Small doses of arsenic have been shown to send some forms of cancer into remission, and it can also help thin blood. It can be present in many complementary medicines in toxic and sub-toxic levels. The homeopathic preparation contains no detectable arsenic. However, therapies involving the chemical are still in the experimental stages.

SUGGESTION Initial treatment of acute arsenic poisoning is to wash any affected skin with copious amounts of water and to remove any contaminated clothes. The patient may need a stomach wash out or irrigation of the bowel with polyethelene glycol to prevent absorption of the arsenic into the gut. Other supportive measures include oxygen, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions and cardiac medication if the heart starts to fail. Fits will also need treating. Pain killers are given when necessary and kidney function needs watching carefully by the attending medical staff. Any burns will need treatment and severe poisoning will probably require a treatment called chelation therapy with DMPS, or DMSA. Chronic poisoning is best treated by removing the source, such as contaminated drinking water and treating complications such as diabetes and heart complaints. Chelation therapy is of uncertain value here but giving micronutrients may be beneficial if sufferers are undernourished. To help reduce your chances of getting arsenic toxicity, take the following steps: If you work with arsenic-treated wood at home, wear a dust mask, gloves, and protective clothing. Do not burn any wood that has been treated with arsenic compounds. If you live in an area with high natural levels of arsenic, use cleaner sources of water (eg, bottled or filtered water) and limit contact with soil. If you have well water, have it tested for a variety of contaminants including arsenic. If you smoke, quit.