arsenic

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The symbol “As” from the periodic table, belongs to the chemical element Arsenic. Its located in group 15, period 4, and is clasificat as semi-metals. Arsenic’s atomic number is 33, and has a density of 5.776 grams per cubic centimeter. Arsenic melting point is 1090 K (817°C or 1503°F) and the boiling point is 887 K (614°C or 1137°F). The element specific gravities are 1.97 and 5.73, they are respectively to his two solid modifications: yellow, and grey (or metallic). Arsenic’s appearance is steel grey, very brittle, crystalline, and is classified as a semi-metal since it has properties of both.
Arsenic has been one of the elements most mentioned during the middle and even modern age. It was formerly known by Chinese, Romans, Greeks and even earlier, by the Babylonians. The Greeks used the arsenic oxide (III) as a depilatory, and 4,000 years before the Christian era, arsenic was involved in the development of early bronzes. However, the arsenic was released in early civilizations through compounds or substances containing the element, which by its color and appearance would favor the conversion of base metals into gold. It was also used by the alchemists in the method of making the pill of immortality. In the philosophy of alchemy, arsenic represents the masculine principle. The masculinity of arsenic was different, because it combined with an element that was considered as masculine such as sulfur, forming orpiment and realgar.
Arsenic is quite common in nature, but is rare as native. It occurs free in nature, but is most often found in the minerals arsenopyrite, realgar and orpiment. There are three allotropes or polymorphic modifications of arsenic; gray, yellow, and black arsenic. Gray arsenic is the most common, the metallic ...

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...f inorganic arsenic may be a danger to human health. The exposure to arsenic is higher for people who work with arsenic, also for people who drink significant amounts of wine. People living in houses that contain wood preservatives, and live on farms where arsenic pesticides have been applied in the past are highly exposure.
The health effects that exposure of inorganic arsenic are such as isolation on the stomach, and intestines, also causes decreased production of red and white blood cells, skin changes, and lug irritation. Is also suggested that taking amounts of arsenic can intensify the chances of developing cancer, especially in the skin, lung, liver, and lymph. In woman arsenic can cause infertility and abortion. Another effects that it can cause are damage in the DNA, disruption of the skin, disturbance in the heart, and brain damage in both, men and women.

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