Arsenic poisoning

Description of arsenic poisoning

Arsenic poisoning occurs, When arsenic is ingested into the human body. Arsenic is a simple chemical element. It has no smell and taste. In case of contact with arsenic, you should immediately consult your doctor.

There are two main forms of arsenic compounds:

• Inorganic arsenic compounds – arsenic in combination with oxygen, chlorine, or gray; be in nature;
• Organic arsenic compounds – arsenic in combination with carbon and hydrogen; found in animals and plants.

Inorganic arsenic compounds more harmful, What are its organic compounds.

Causes arsenic poisoning

Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals, may be in the air, water. It is also used in human activity:

• To keep from rotting wooden structures (the use of phased, except for special products, such as sleepers and poles, but old products can still be dangerous);
• As pesticide;
• For glass production;
• In the production of copper and other metals;
• In the electronics industry;
• In medicine.

Arsenic poisoning can occur, When a person is exposed to toxic amounts of arsenic due to:

• Breathing air, containing arsenic;
• Food consumption, contaminated with arsenic;
• Consumption of drinking water, contaminated with arsenic;
• For stays in areas of high natural arsenic content;
• At work, that includes interaction with arsenic.

Risk factors

Arsenic poisoning can occur to any person. But some people are exposed to arsenic are more likely. The following factors increase the risk of poison arsenic:

• At work:
  • In the company, which processes lumber with arsenic;
  • In the metalworking industry;
  • For glass production;
  • In the electronics industry;
  • In other industries, where arsenic is used;
• When poživanii in areas with high natural arsenic.

Besides, children may be more susceptible, than adults, the effects of arsenic. There is some evidence, that exposure to arsenic can harm pregnant women and their unborn children.

Arsenic poisoning symptoms

Adoption inside high levels of arsenic can result in death. Arsenic is also associated with increased risk of lung cancer, skin, Bladder, liver, kidneys, and prostate.

Symptoms of arsenic poisoning include:

• Thickening of the skin;
• Livor;
• Small “corn” or “Warts” at the Palms, soles, and lower back pain;
• Stomach ache;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Reduced production of erythrocytes and leukocytes;
• Abnormal heart rhythm;
• Damage to blood vessels;
• Numbness in hands and feet;
• Partial paralysis;
• Blindness;
• The aroma of garlic breath;
• Convulsions.

Diagnosis of poisoning with arsenic

The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history, performs a physical exam. It can be difficult to diagnose arsenic poisoning, because the symptoms are very diverse. Blood and urine tests will quickly confirm or exclude this diagnosis.

Tests may include the following:

• Blood tests;
• Urine;
• Analysis of the hair or nails.

Treatment of arsenic poisoning

There is no effective treatment for arsenic poisoning. But there is growing evidence, that treatment with the drug helatiruûŝego 2.3-dimerkapto-1-propansul′fonat can be useful in some cases. Also used by sukcimerom treatment (meso-2 w-dimerkaptoântarnaâ acid). Treatment for poisoning includes the introduction of chemical or chelating agent in blood. Helatoobrazovatel binds the toxin, and removes it from the body. Chelation agents can be taken in pill form or injections.

If the cause of the poisoning is not clear or treatment is ineffective, a set of measures to reduce and relieve symptoms.

Prevention of arsenic poisoning

To reduce the chance of poisoning with arsenic, recommended next steps:

• When working with arsenic in wood processing you need to wear a protective mask, gloves and protective clothing. You cannot burn wood, that has been treated with arsenic compounds;
• If staying in an area with high natural arsenic need to drink clean water (eg, bottled or filtered) and limit contact with soil.