Arsenium

Arsenium

Arsenium
Arsenic-3D-vdW.png
Identifiers
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ChEBI
ChEMBL
Properties
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Appearance	Metallic grey
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Hazards
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References

Arsenium is a chemical element with the symbol As and atomic number 33. It is a metalloid with various allotropes, the most common being a brittle, metallic grey form. Arsenium is known for its toxicity and has been historically used in pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.

Properties

Arsenium is a member of the pnictogen group and is found in nature primarily in minerals such as arsenopyrite. It has a melting point of 817 °C (1,503 °F) and a boiling point of 614 °C (1,137 °F) under standard atmospheric pressure. Arsenium is known for its ability to form various compounds, including arsenides and arsenates.

Occurrence

Arsenium is not found in its elemental form in nature but is widely distributed in the Earth's crust. It is often found in combination with sulfur and metals, such as in the mineral orpiment (As2S3) and realgar (As4S4). Arsenium is also a byproduct of the smelting of copper, lead, and gold ores.

Uses

Historically, arsenium compounds have been used in agriculture as pesticides and herbicides. In the medical field, arsenium was once used in the treatment of syphilis before the advent of antibiotics. Today, arsenium is used in the production of semiconductors, specifically in the form of gallium arsenide (GaAs), which is used in integrated circuits and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Toxicity

Arsenium is highly toxic and can cause severe health effects. Exposure to arsenium can occur through contaminated water, air, and food. Chronic exposure to arsenium is associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly skin, bladder, and lung cancers. Acute arsenium poisoning can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Health Effects

The health effects of arsenium exposure depend on the dose and duration of exposure. Long-term exposure to low levels of arsenium can lead to skin changes, such as hyperpigmentation and keratosis, and can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Arsenium is also a known teratogen, which means it can cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus.

Environmental Impact

Arsenium contamination is a significant environmental concern, particularly in areas with high natural levels of arsenium in the groundwater. Industrial activities, such as mining and smelting, can also contribute to arsenium pollution. Efforts to mitigate arsenium contamination include the use of filtration systems and the development of phytoremediation techniques.

Regulation

Due to its toxicity, the use of arsenium is heavily regulated in many countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set guidelines for arsenium levels in drinking water, and many countries have established maximum allowable concentrations for arsenium in air, water, and soil.

See Also

• Arsenic poisoning
• Heavy metals
• Metalloids
• Toxicology

External Links

• [World Health Organization - Arsenic](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic)
• [Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry - Arsenic](https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=19&tid=3)