Arsenic poisoning

What is Arsenic
• As 33
• An element found in many natural sources
• Many uses including:
❑ Agriculture (Wood preservative)
❑ Medicine (Arsenic trioxide treatment for certain leukemia) •
Arsenic recognized as a carcinogen
❑ Arsenic poisoning most commonly through sources such as
contamination of groundwater
❑•Many cases throughout the world
• Arsenic occur in 2 oxidation states
• Trivalent state
• Penta valent state
• Trivalent state is 60 times more toxic than pentavalent.
King of poison:
• Ideal properties(easily mixed in food and drinks.).
• Rumored that Napoleon was poisoned with arsenic.
• Sign and Symptoms
❑Headaches
❑ Drowsiness
❑Diarrhea
❑Vomiting
❑ Bloody urine
❑Convulsions
❑ Changes in fingernail pigmentation (leukonychiastriata)
❑ Coma
❑ Death
Entry and absorption:
• How Arsenic Enters the Body
• Mainly through inhalation and ingestion
• To a lesser extent, through the skin
• Enters cells via Aquaporin channels
• Absorption • Soluble and acidic arsenic compounds are
readily absorbed in the stomach
• • Inorganic Arsenic compounds can also be sequestered on
mucosal linings, leading to irritations and a concentration
gradient that aids in the absorption of Arsenic compounds.
Distribution & Metabolism
Distribution:
• The largest quantity of arsenic is found in the liver.
• Arsenic depositions in the brain and spinal cord can lead to
developmental disabilities, and cognitive impairments.
Metabolism:
• Main organ for arsenic metabolism is the liver
Excretion:
• The excretion of arsenic from the body depends on several factors; Here are the
main routes of arsenic excretion.
1.Urine: The primary route of arsenic excretion is through the urine. Inorganic
arsenic and its metabolites are filtered by the kidneys and eliminated in urine.
Urinary arsenic levels can be measured to assess exposure or monitor treatment
progress.
2.Feces: Some arsenic can be eliminated through the feces, particularly if it is
ingested orally.
3.Hair and nails: Arsenic can also be incorporated into hair and nails. Hair and nail
analysis can be used to assess long-term exposure to arsenic, as they can provide
a historical record of exposure.
4.Sweat: A small amount of arsenic can be excreted through sweat, but it is not a
major route of elimination.
Test for Arsenic poisoning:
1.Urine Test: A urine test is often the initial screening test for arsenic
exposure. It measures the concentration of arsenic and its metabolites in
the urine. This test can help determine recent or ongoing exposure to
arsenic 100micro gram/l.
2.Blood Test: A blood test can measure the level of arsenic in the
bloodstream. It is useful for assessing acute or recent exposure to arsenic.
However, blood levels may decrease rapidly after exposure, so this test may
not be as effective for detecting chronic exposure.
3.Hair and Nail Analysis: Arsenic can accumulate in hair and nails over time,
providing a historical record of exposure. Hair and nail samples are
collected and analyzed for arsenic content. This test can help assess long-
term exposure to arsenic.
Lead Poisoning:
• Lead poisoning is a condition that occurs when there is a high level of
lead in the body. Lead is a toxic metal that can have harmful effects
on various organs and systems, particularly the nervous system.