Thesis statement: Water, food, and air that contains arsenic causes human health problems. Background and history of Arsenic? The elemental Arsenic was discovered by Albert Magnus in 1250 A.D. The word “Arsenic” comes from a Greek word “Arsenikon,” means “yellow orpiment.” Arsenic has an atomic number of 33 with a melting point of 1141 degrees Fahrenheit or 889 Kelvin. The density is 5.75 g cm-3 and the atomic mass is 74.922 g/mol. Arsenic was already known for a long time during the Egyptian, Greeks, and Chinese civilizations. But identifying this chemical as an element such as the atomic number and the atomic mass, were discovered by Albert Magnus. The appearance of arsenic is semi-metal and has a silver-grayish color. Arsenic were used …show more content…
“Long-term exposure to low doses of arsenic may change the way cells communicate, and reduce their ability to function, according to researchers at Dartmouth University. It could play a role in the development of diabetes, cancer, vascular disease and lung disease. The Food and Drug Administration says that long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic is associated with higher rates of skin cancer, bladder cancer and lung cancer, as well as heart disease.” (https://www.livescience.com/23304-arsenic-rice-fda-health-effects.html). Arsenic goes into the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. If the arsenic inhaled, it goes into the lung and then goes into the bloodstream. Then liver, will filter the blood and the arsenic will be removed. Once, the arsenic is removed, it will excreted by urine. If the arsenic was ingested it will go to the gastrointestinal tract and be removed through human feces. There were two types of Arsenic, the organic and inorganic. The organic is less harmful than inorganic. “In acute arsenic toxicity organ damage could occur and may lead to death. On the other hand, disfiguration of extremities due to chronic arsenic exposure may lead to the development of malignant tumors” (ww-sciencedirect-com.lib-proxy.fullerton.edu). Furthermore, long-term exposure of inorganic arsenic can lead to skin becoming dark and appearing of the warts mostly on foot, hands, and upper body. Inhaling large amount of arsenic, especially inorganic, creates lung irritation, sore throat, and inflammation of esophagus. Arsenic can also damage the heart such as coronary heart disease, diffuse capillary leakage, and cardiac
Due to its physical characteristics (no odor, no color, and no flavor), arsenic exposure is often unnoticed, especially when ingested through drinking water. Therefore, the key to prevention of Dermatofibroma is understand the risk factors whether environment such as chronic arsenic exposure due to the ingestion of naturally-contaminated water, groundwater contamination due to leaching of arsenic from rocks and soil frequently results in concentrations above 50 mcg/L, which are associated with carcinogenesis in humans. Occupational exposure via inhalation of arsenic-containing vapors occurs during smelting, mining, refining, electroplating, and manufacturing of decorative-glass, pesticides, gallium arsenide computer microchips, and pressure-treated wood. Documented regions with natural groundwater arsenic contamination include Millard County, Utah; Lane County, Oregon; Lassen County, California; Fallon, Nevada; Fairbanks, Alaska; and New Hampshire, also persons living in the southwestern United States are at higher risk for being exposed to elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water. (Sarina B Elmariah MD PhD, Robert Anolik MD, Ruth F Walters MD, Karla Rosenman MD, Miriam K Pomeranz MD, Miguel R Sanchez MD, Dermatology Online Journal 14 (10): DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13092 24 19 July 2015, Invasive squamous-cell carcinoma and arsenical keratosis.). There currently is no concrete clinical-pathological evidence
A little more than a hundred milligrams of arsenic trioxide would can cause death. In extensive measures, arsenic can kill quickly and the person would die before the onset of the symptoms. Indications of arsenic poisoning are: irritation of the gastric and intestinal zones alongside extreme spewing and looseness of the bowels spotted with blood, another sign is also unbearable torment, and extreme thirst, and a general assault on every one of the frameworks of the body is experienced by the patient. In the occurrence that the patient is lucky, the cardiovascular framework would crumple and demise would happen inside a couple of hours. Be that as it may, a few people stay alive for a few days. This is in light of the fact that the patient stays normal.This is made worse because the patient remains rational and intelligible. If arsenic does not kill you right away, it causes cancer which will eventually lead to
Coal ash also contains selenium which is already needed in our body, but excess amounts can lead to impaired vision, paralysis, and even death. The ash contains a lot of lead, exposure to lead can cause numerous issues in your brain affecting your nervous system and can cause brain swelling. Arsenic which is found in the ash can be harmful, if ingested it can lead to nervous system damage and cardiovascular issues. If arsenic that is found in the ash is absorbed through the skin can cause skin cancer. Coal ash contain boron also can cause damage to the intestines and even death. The EPA is responsible for protecting the environment from these types of spills, but in the case of properly disposing the ash the EPA ruled that coal ash was classified as a non-hazardous material leaving it up to the companies to dispose of it as they want
Copper is another pollutant that at very high levels is toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of strength or, for serious exposure, cirrhosis of the liver (Pure Water Services). In order for copper to metabolized the heavy metal zinc is needed. Zinc helps with copper breakdown but too much zinc can cause a copper deficiency which can also cause problems such as anemia. While copper has some severe side effects there have not been any cases that are related to cancer. In most cases throughout the Silver Bow Creek copper is not thought to be a severe threat to the community.
The very chemicals that are used to treat our water to kills deadly toxins are the same chemicals that can pose health problems when digested for a period of time (EPA 2013). For instance, excessive consumption of fluoride over a lifetime may lead to increased likelihood of bone fractures in adults, and tooth enamel pits in young children. Lead consumption leads to physical and mental development in children and mercury consumption leads to kidney damage. (Birmingham Water Works).
While nitrates are one of the major contaminants in the area, San Joaquin Valley residents face drinking water pollution from many other sources including arsenic, coliform bacteria, and pesticides. Arsenic is a naturally occurring semi-metal element that is found in different types of rocks. While arsenic primarily occurs naturally, human activities impact the amount of arsenic in groundwater. Arsenic is not only toxic at high concentrations, but also harmful after prolonged exposure at moderately elevated levels. California recognizes arsenic as a human carcinogen and believes prolonged exposure to the element to be associated with various cancers, including skin, bladder, kidney, lung, and liver cancers. A study in Maine found a connection between water contaminated
This poisoning can affect the general health of a population. Unsafe water can lead to an increase in health problems, such as cancer. This can cause many case managers focusing on access to health care and treatments. Many of these health problems will result in end-of-life case management. Contaminated water can also cause physical and intellectual developmental delays.
- Tests determined increase levels of arsenic, selenium and other metals in the surrounding waters and in sediment nearby.
Cadmium is dangerous because it can cause kidney failure. It travels in the blood toward the liver where it shares bonds with proteins. It then travels to the kidneys where it can gather.
2005). Exposure to the contamination can lead to future health issues. For instance, the development to brain tumors, brain cancers, kidney cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia as well as reproductive effects such as birth defects, fetal death, and intrauterine growth retardation. This is just one of the many problematic issues pertaining materials used for clothing.
These substances not only trigger liver, heart, kidney and nervous system deterioration, but also cause lung impairment and cancer.
The German alchemist, Albertus Magnus from the 13th century, is the man who is known for first identifying Arsenic. Being number 33 on the periodic table, arsenic falls inside the metalloid line because of its characteristics. According to the Green Facts website “Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be found in the Earth crust.” (Arsenic n.d.) It
These toxins more often than not can have fatal consequences. Mercury is definitely one of the number one most dangerously used elements in our history. The first written record of this element is credited to Aristotle Often called the element of the ancients, mercury was dated back to as far as the 15th century BCE when it was found in ceremonial cups in Egyptian Tombs (Czaika). It is known that the Romans were the first to actually mine and use this element for everyday needs. Even at these times humans were aware of the fact that the element was poisonous. They had a mine in Spain that was worked by slaves, prisoners, and other undesirables. After the mine was dry they would use it as a prison system for the workers. Most of them would die very slow and painful deaths, bringing a long end to a short life (Sloane). In ancient China, mercury was used for a variety of medical needs. From a contraceptive, to a cough serum, to a remedy for unknown sexually transmitted diseases (Kok). People would consume mercury as if it was candy. This practice also spread to India. People did not understand the harmful toxins that they were ingesting.
The health hazards for humans who come in contact with contaminants from exposure to polluted water can have long term effects on the body causing possible organ failure and death. Contaminants and chemicals such lead and mercury can bring about many minor illnesses ranging from nausea, lung irritation, skin rash, vomiting, and dizziness, to the major diseases that include cancer, liver and kidney damage, disorders of the nervous system, damage to the immune system, birth defects and even death.
The liquid pectin worked, but not as well as the pectin powder. At 30 minutes, the arsenic concentration reduced from 500 milligrams to only 417 milligrams. Compared to the utilization of pectin powder, the liquid pectin reduced the arsenic slightly less than the pectin powder did. At 60 minutes, the arsenic concentration reduced from 417 milligrams to 346 milligrams. This was a good reduction as the liquid pectin had worked on it, but the pectin powder reduced it even further.