Arsenic Poison

Summary

Name: Arsenic
Chemical Formula: As
Type: Elemental poison

History and Background

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust and has been used for centuries in various applications, including agriculture, medicine, and even cosmetics. Historical records suggest that arsenic was used as a poison in ancient Rome and during the Middle Ages, often employed for assassination due to its undetectable nature.

In the 19th century, arsenic gained notoriety for its use in “green” pigments in wallpaper and paints. It was also a common ingredient in various medicinal tonics, leading to many cases of arsenic poisoning. Today, arsenic is recognized for its toxic properties and has been the subject of extensive research regarding its effects on human health.

Mechanism

Arsenic disrupts cellular processes and can interfere with enzymatic functions, leading to a variety of health effects. The primary mechanisms include:

1. Inhibition of Cellular Respiration: Arsenic inhibits key enzymes involved in cellular respiration, particularly those in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, leading to reduced ATP production.
2. Oxidative Stress: Arsenic induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative damage to cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids.
3. Disruption of Signal Transduction: Arsenic can interfere with intracellular signaling pathways, impacting cellular functions such as growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Lethal Dose

The estimated lethal dose of arsenic trioxide is around 1-3 mg/kg when ingested, but this can vary based on individual susceptibility and the form of arsenic involved.

Symptoms

Symptoms of arsenic poisoning can be acute or chronic, depending on the level and duration of exposure. Acute symptoms may include:

• Initial Symptoms:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain and diarrhea
  • Headache and confusion
• Progressive Symptoms:
  • Skin lesions and changes in pigmentation
  • Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the extremities)
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Severe cases may lead to multi-organ failure and death.

Chronic exposure can result in long-term health effects such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Time until Death

In cases of severe acute arsenic poisoning, death can occur within hours to days depending on the dose and treatment. However, chronic exposure may lead to gradual health deterioration over months or years.

Antidote.

There is no specific antidote for arsenic poisoning, but treatments include:

• Chelation Therapy: Agents such as dimercaprol and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) can bind to arsenic and promote its excretion from the body.
• Supportive Care: Includes hydration, electrolyte management, and symptomatic treatment for gastrointestinal symptoms.

Detection at Autopsy

Arsenic can be detected in biological tissues, hair, nails, and urine. Techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry are commonly used in forensic investigations to confirm arsenic exposure post-mortem.