Paris green

Paris Green is a highly toxic emerald-green crystalline powder that has been used as a rodenticide and insecticide, and also as a pigment, despite its toxicity. It is also known as emerald green or Vienna green.

History

Paris Green was first created in the early 19th century. Originally, it was used to dye fabrics but it was so toxic that it was abandoned as a dye and instead became popular as a rodenticide and insecticide. It was widely used in the United States and other countries during the 19th and early 20th centuries to control rats in sewer systems and insects on crops.

Composition

Paris Green is a compound of copper and arsenic, and its chemical formula is Cu(C2H3O2)2·3Cu(AsO2)2. It is a bright, bluish-green powder that is insoluble in water. The color is due to the copper, while the arsenic provides the toxicity.

Uses

Despite its toxicity, Paris Green has been used in a variety of applications. It was used as a pigment in paints, wallpapers, and fabrics, and also in ceramics and glass. It was also used as a rodenticide and insecticide, particularly in the control of potato beetles. However, due to its high toxicity, it has been largely phased out of these uses.

Toxicity

Paris Green is highly toxic, especially when ingested or inhaled. It can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even death. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning, which can cause skin cancer and other health problems.

See also

• Arsenic poisoning
• Copper(II) acetate
• Insecticide
• Rodenticide

References

Paris green Resources
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