Arsenic
ARSENIC has been declared by some as being essential for life, while others know that it is not. Before the 1950's, doctors would prescribe tin and tin oxide, which contain arsenic, to treat acne. Later, arsenic levels were regulated when effectiveness of these curatives came into doubt, causing sales to decline. Arsenic was also used to treat veneral disease, but the form used was quite different from the arsenic in the 'tin' tablets. In its gaseous form arsine, arsenic is sometimes released into the air from sewage treatment plants. Arsenic is known to impair kidney and brain function and can cause cancer, with high levels resulting in death. Minute quantities are essential, however. It is present in almost all foods. It is also liberally found in pesticides, which could partially explain why it is found in all foodstuffs. Within the body, the highest concentrations are found in the hair, nails, and skin.
Other names include: As, element 33; and is from the same periodic group as phosphorus.
Toxicity symptoms include: weakness, decreased appetite, thickening of skin and peeling on palms and soles of feet, numbness/burning/tingling of hands and feet, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, inflammation of nose/mouth/tongue, sore throat, laryngitis, sneezing, hoarseness, coughing, decreased salivation, jaundice, enlarged liver, kidney deterioration, urination changes, deterioration of hair and fingernails, paralysis, anemia, garlic body odor/breath, increased perspiration, itchy/watery eyes, increased color on neck/eyelids/nipples/armpits, swelling of eyelids/face/ankles.
Deficiency symptoms can include: a deterioration in growth, increased iron in the spleen, coarse hair, and decreased red blood cells.
Inhibitors are: Vitamins Bx and N.
