The Dangers of Arsenic

Arsenic's symbol is 'As' and the atomic number is 33 on the periodic table. This metalloid is extremely poisonous, and it has many allotropic forms including several metalloid black and gray forms and a non metallic yellow form. It is converted to gas with no liquid transitional state, (it is called sublimation).

Note: allotropic forms of an element are those substances in similar states, (all liquid or all solid), with similar atoms that are attached to each other differently. A clear example would be carbon, diamond and graphite.

There are three metalloid forms found free in nature that have different crystal structures, but more commonly they are found in arsenide and arsenate compounds. There are a few hundred such mineral species that are known.

Is Arsenic Still In Use?

We still use arsenic even though it's extremely poisonous. It's even listed as a Class 1 carcinogen. It has uses in farming and in carpentry.

• As recent as the 20th century, it was still used as insecticides for fruit trees. It reportedly causes brain damage sometimes, to those working with the sprayers.
• In the 19th century it was used as a coloring agent for confectionary foods.
• Currently there is a new, less toxic organ form of arsenic called monosodium methyl arsenate (MSMA). It's an organic, less toxic form of arsenic and replaces lead arsenate in agriculture.
• Called by any of its names copper acetoarsenite is quite poisonous as the green pigment. Two of its names are "Emerald Green" and "Paris Green."
• It's used predominantly in wood preservatives. It can be found in drugs, fertilizers, contaminated groundwater, seafood such as mollusks, oysters and clams.

Exposure to Arsenic

Certain occupations present a great threat of exposure to arsenic. Industries using inorganic arsenic and compounds for glass production, electronic semiconductor manufacturing, nonferrous metal alloys, and wood preservation, present a great chance of being poisoned on the job.

The most common arsenic-bearing mineral is arsenopyrite and when roasted in air, the arsenic sublimes as arsenic (III) oxide leaving iron oxides.

What Does Arsenic Do To The Body?

• Arsenic disrupts adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) which is multifunctional nucleotide critical for normal body functioning.
• Arsenic enters the body through the intestinal tract and can be eliminated in small enough amounts. Otherwise, it is transported throughout the body and is stored in many locations including internal organs as well as skin, nails and hair.
• It can contribute to a weakened immune system, cancer, weak liver function and bowel disease.

What Can Be Done About Arsenic In Your Body?

• You can get help to cleanse your body, and help to rid your body of all the dangerous toxins present.
• The first thing you may want to do is to cleanse your colon. Dr. Group's Advanced 6-Day Oxygen Colon Cleanse is a great way to get started. With this product you can begin to expel compacted fecal matter, thus cleaning your intestinal wall for better functioning.
• Take the Heavy Metals Arsenic Test to determine the level of arsenic that is in your body.
• Use Dr. Group's Heavy Metals Cleanse products presented to help remove any build up metals from your body.