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Arsenic compounds are found in a select group of industrial, commercial, and pharmaceutical products. Use of arsenic as a wood preservative in industrial applications (eg, marine timbers and utility poles) accounts for two-thirds of domestic consumption, but former widespread use in new lumber sold for residential purposes (eg, decks, fencing, play structures) ended with a voluntary ban effective at the end of 2003. Arsenic-treated lumber used in residential structures and objects created before 2004 has not been officially recalled or removed. Virtually all arsenic in pesticides and herbicides in the United States have been withdrawn or subject to phaseout with the exception of the limited use of monosodium methane arsonate (MSMA) as an herbicide. Until recently phenylarsenic compounds were used as feed additives for poultry and swine, and poultry litter used as a soil amendment sometimes contained low levels of soluble arsenic. Intravenous arsenic trioxide, reintroduced to the US Pharmacopoeia in 2000, is used as a drug for cancer chemotherapy. Inorganic arsenic is used in the production of nonferrous alloys, semiconductors, and certain types of glass. Inorganic arsenic is sometimes found in folk remedies and tonics, particularly from Asian sources. Artesian well water can be contaminated by inorganic arsenic from natural geologic deposits, and elevated levels of arsenic may be encountered in mine tailings and sediments and coal fly ash. Arsine, a hydride gas of arsenic, is discussed on Arsine.
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MECHANISM OF TOXICITY
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Arsenic compounds may be organic or inorganic and may contain arsenic in either a pentavalent (arsenate) or a trivalent (arsenite) form. Once absorbed, arsenicals exert their toxic effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of enzymatic reactions vital to cellular metabolism, induction of oxidative stress, and alteration in gene expression and cell signal transduction. Although arsenite and arsenate undergo in vivo biotransformation to less toxic pentavalent monomethyl and dimethyl forms, there is evidence that the process also forms more toxic trivalent methylated compounds. Thioarsenite compounds, which occur in vivo as minor metabolites, may also contribute to toxicity.
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Soluble arsenic compounds, which are well absorbed after ingestion or inhalation, pose the greatest risk for acute human intoxication.
Inorganic arsenic dusts (eg, arsenic trioxide) may exert irritant effects on the skin and mucous membranes. Contact dermatitis has also been reported. Although the skin is a minor route of absorption for most arsenic compounds, systemic toxicity has resulted from industrial accidents involving percutaneous exposure to highly concentrated liquid formulations.
The chemical warfare agent lewisite (dichloro [2-chlorovinyl] arsine) is a volatile vesicant liquid that causes immediate severe irritation and necrosis to the eyes, skin, and airways (see also Warfare Agents—chemical).
Arsenate and arsenite are known human carcinogens by both ingestion and inhalation.
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The toxicity of arsenic compounds varies considerably with the valence state, chemical composition, and solubility. Humans are generally more sensitive than other animals to the acute and chronic ...