What is Arsenic?

Why in News?

• The study assumes special significance for India following the fact that arsenic has been found in certain pockets of 152 districts in 21 states.
• Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are some of the states where arsenic levels (above 0.01 mg/l) have been found in the maximum number of districts.

About Arsenic:

• Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in air, water, and soil. 
• It can also be released into the environment by certain agricultural and industrial processes, such as mining and metal smelting. 
• It is a chemical element in the nitrogen group (Group 15 of the periodic table), existing in both gray and yellow crystalline forms.
• Arsenic comes in two forms (organic and inorganic). It is highly toxic in its inorganic form.
• People in the general population may be exposed to arsenic through drinking contaminated water, using contaminated water in food preparation and irrigation of food crops, industrial processes, eating contaminated food, and smoking tobacco.
• Arsenic poisoning:

• It can occur when you take in high levels of arsenic. 
• Drinking contaminated water causes most cases. 
• Symptoms of immediate arsenic poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 
• Long-term exposure can cause skin changes such as darkening and lesions. 
• Treatment may include the use of a chelating agent or bowel irrigation.

• Applications:

• Arsenic is a well-known poison. Arsenic compounds are sometimes used as rat poisons and insecticides, but their use is strictly controlled.
• Arsenic is used as a doping agent in semiconductors (gallium arsenide) for solid-state devices. 
• It is also used in bronzing, pyrotechnics, and for hardening shot.
• Arsenic compounds can be used to make special glass and preserve wood.