Arsenic Element

Arsenic is a chemical element with the symbol As and atomic number 33. It belongs to the group 15 of the periodic table, also known as the nitrogen group. Arsenic is a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and nonmetals.

Arsenic occurs naturally in the Earth's crust, but it can also be found in small amounts in groundwater and surface water. It is commonly used in pesticides, wood preservatives, and semiconductors, among other applications.

Exposure to high levels of arsenic can be harmful to human health. Long-term exposure can cause skin lesions, cancers of the skin, bladder, and lungs, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Ingestion of high levels of arsenic can lead to acute poisoning, which can be fatal.

Despite its toxicity, arsenic compounds have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In the past, arsenic was used to treat syphilis and certain types of cancer. Today, some arsenic-based drugs are still used to treat leukemia.

To protect public health, many countries have set limits on the amount of arsenic allowed in food and drinking water. The World Health Organization recommends that the concentration of arsenic in drinking water should not exceed 10 micrograms per liter.