ARSENIC POLLUTION AND ARSENIC POLLUTION AND POISONING THROUGH THE POISONING THROUGH THE

AGESAGES

Jerome O. NriaguJerome O. Nriagu

Department of Environmental Health Department of Environmental Health SciencesSciences

School of Public Health, University of School of Public Health, University of MichiganMichigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109Ann Arbor, MI 48109

E-mail: jnriagu@umich.eduE-mail: jnriagu@umich.edu

An Ode to ArsenicAn Ode to Arsenic

I am an evil, poisonous smoke,I am an evil, poisonous smoke,But when from poison I am freed,But when from poison I am freed,Through art and sleight of hand,Through art and sleight of hand,Then I can cure both men and beasts.Then I can cure both men and beasts.But prepare me correctly, and take great careBut prepare me correctly, and take great careThat you faithfully keep watchful guard over me,That you faithfully keep watchful guard over me,For else I am poison, and poison remainFor else I am poison, and poison remainThat pierces the heart of many a one (Valentini, That pierces the heart of many a one (Valentini,

1694). 1694).

Arsenic: A poison for the godsArsenic: A poison for the gods

The name arsenic itself is The name arsenic itself is derived from the Greek derived from the Greek word, arsenikon, which word, arsenikon, which means potentmeans potent

Arsenic was not one of the Arsenic was not one of the seven metals known to seven metals known to the ancients and although the ancients and although there was no “Arsenic there was no “Arsenic Age”, the king of poisons Age”, the king of poisons has probably influenced has probably influenced human history more than human history more than any other element or toxic any other element or toxic compound.compound.

Arsenic: A poison for the godsArsenic: A poison for the gods Vulcan and CeresVulcan and Ceres This enigmatic metal began its This enigmatic metal began its

long association with human long association with human culture by poisoning the god culture by poisoning the god (Vulcan or Hephaestus) who (Vulcan or Hephaestus) who endeavored to find some use endeavored to find some use for it.for it.

The deformity of Hephaestus, the The deformity of Hephaestus, the mythical Greek god, Vulcan mythical Greek god, Vulcan (his Roman counterpart) and (his Roman counterpart) and the patron gods of smiths in the patron gods of smiths in cultures around the world can cultures around the world can be attributed to the effects of be attributed to the effects of exposure to toxic fumes of exposure to toxic fumes of arsenic (and possibly lead).arsenic (and possibly lead).

Fools’ GoldFools’ Gold

The ancients believed The ancients believed that orphiment (Asthat orphiment (As22SS33) )

contained gold hence contained gold hence the name the name auropigmentum.auropigmentum.

Arsenopyrite has been Arsenopyrite has been known as fools’ gold known as fools’ gold since time since time immemorial.immemorial.

Arsenic minerals in Paleolithic timesArsenic minerals in Paleolithic times

The bright red-colored The bright red-colored orphiment attracted the orphiment attracted the attention of human attention of human culture and was used as culture and was used as pigment in Paleolithic pigment in Paleolithic timestimes

Orphiment was found in a Orphiment was found in a linen bag in King linen bag in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, in Tutankhamun’s tomb, in wall paintings of the wall paintings of the Theban necropolis and Theban necropolis and more extensively from the more extensively from the 1818thth Dynasty onwards Dynasty onwards

Arsenic minerals in Paleolithic timesArsenic minerals in Paleolithic times

Orphiment and realgar were cited in the Orphiment and realgar were cited in the Akkadian texts as ingredients for Akkadian texts as ingredients for ornamental painting and for cosmetic ornamental painting and for cosmetic purposespurposes

Both Pliny and Strabo referred to several Both Pliny and Strabo referred to several ancient mines that produce orphiment for ancient mines that produce orphiment for painterspainters

Fools’ GoldFools’ Gold

GAIUS (CALIGULA). GAIUS (CALIGULA). 37-41 AD.37-41 AD.

Pliny described the failed Pliny described the failed effort of Emperor Caligula effort of Emperor Caligula to extract gold from to extract gold from orphimentorphiment

In 260 AD, Emperor In 260 AD, Emperor Diocletian was so Diocletian was so infuriated by the failure of infuriated by the failure of Egyptian alchemists to Egyptian alchemists to extra gold from orphiment extra gold from orphiment that he collected all books that he collected all books dealing with dealing with transmutation and burned transmutation and burned them.them.

Gaius Aurelius Gaius Aurelius

Valerius DiocletianusValerius Diocletianus

(AD 240 - AD 311)(AD 240 - AD 311)

Alchemical symbol for arsenicAlchemical symbol for arsenic

The alchemists who The alchemists who relied on orphiment to relied on orphiment to make gold were make gold were probably rewarded probably rewarded with arsenic poisoning with arsenic poisoning rather than materially rather than materially for their effortsfor their efforts

Discovery of ArsenicDiscovery of Arsenic

The history of human The history of human attempts to isolate and attempts to isolate and study elemental arsenic is study elemental arsenic is as frustrating as the effort as frustrating as the effort to find a universal to find a universal antidote for its poisonous antidote for its poisonous properties.properties.

Albertus Magnus (1193-Albertus Magnus (1193-1280), a German 1280), a German Dominican scholar and Dominican scholar and alchemist, is generally alchemist, is generally credited discovering credited discovering elemental arsenic elemental arsenic Albertus Magnus (1193-1280),Albertus Magnus (1193-1280),

Medicinal uses and iatrogenic poisonings: Medicinal uses and iatrogenic poisonings: Ancient ChinaAncient China

Realgar was produced from several Realgar was produced from several places in ancient China.places in ancient China.

It is said to be spermatic and It is said to be spermatic and masculine and of the masculine and of the YangYang principleprinciple

By contrast, orphiment is female and By contrast, orphiment is female and of the germinal or Yin principleof the germinal or Yin principle

Its antifebrile, prophylactic, emetic, Its antifebrile, prophylactic, emetic, expectorant, deobstruent, arthritic, expectorant, deobstruent, arthritic, anti-helmintic and antidotal anti-helmintic and antidotal properties were noted in properties were noted in Pen Pen Ts’auTs’au (2 (2ndnd century BC) and earlier century BC) and earlier worksworks

Medicinal uses and iatrogenic Medicinal uses and iatrogenic poisonings: Ancient Chinapoisonings: Ancient China

Arsenic was a common ingredient in metallic elixirs Arsenic was a common ingredient in metallic elixirs consumed by the ancient Chinese in their quest consumed by the ancient Chinese in their quest for longevity and/or immortality. for longevity and/or immortality.

Sun Ssu-Mo, the great alchemist and pharmacist Sun Ssu-Mo, the great alchemist and pharmacist gave the secret recipe for gold elixir (chin tan) as gave the secret recipe for gold elixir (chin tan) as 8 oz of gold, 8 oz of mercury, 1 lb of realgar and 8 oz of gold, 8 oz of mercury, 1 lb of realgar and 1 lb of orphiment1 lb of orphiment

Arsenic must bear much of the blame for the Arsenic must bear much of the blame for the iatrogenic poisonings of many ancient Chinese iatrogenic poisonings of many ancient Chinese alchemists and their patron emperorsalchemists and their patron emperors

Even today, many traditional Chinese medicinals Even today, many traditional Chinese medicinals still contain high levels of arsenicstill contain high levels of arsenic

Medicinal uses and iatrogenic poisonings: Medicinal uses and iatrogenic poisonings: Ancient civilizations of the Middle EastAncient civilizations of the Middle East

Arsenic was featured Arsenic was featured extensively in the materia extensively in the materia medica of ancient medica of ancient civilizations of the Middle civilizations of the Middle EastEast

Hippocrates, Galen, Celsus, Hippocrates, Galen, Celsus, Caelius Aurelianus, Caelius Aurelianus, Aetius, Soranus and Aetius, Soranus and many other famous many other famous ancient Greek and ancient Greek and Roman doctors Roman doctors prescribed orphiment and prescribed orphiment and realgar for various realgar for various curative purposescurative purposes

Medicinal uses and iatrogenic Medicinal uses and iatrogenic poisonings: Middle Agespoisonings: Middle Ages

Arabian physicians Arabian physicians added many more added many more arsenic compounds to arsenic compounds to the materia medica the materia medica handed down from handed down from the ancientsthe ancients

Avicenna (980 - 1037)

Medicinal uses and iatrogenic poisonings: Middle Medicinal uses and iatrogenic poisonings: Middle AgesAges

Paracelsus who broke the Paracelsus who broke the rigid tradition of Galenic rigid tradition of Galenic medicine gave cogency to medicine gave cogency to the belief that there was a the belief that there was a therapeutic window for toxic therapeutic window for toxic compounds in which clinical compounds in which clinical benefits can be had without benefits can be had without achieving extreme toxicity. achieving extreme toxicity.

After Paracelsus, the After Paracelsus, the medicinal qualities of medicinal qualities of arsenic and its compounds arsenic and its compounds began to be touted began to be touted throughout Europe in an throughout Europe in an ever-expanding manner. ever-expanding manner.

SPRINGTIME OF ARSENIC SPRINGTIME OF ARSENIC POISONING POISONING

The period of 1700 to 1850 can be regarded as the The period of 1700 to 1850 can be regarded as the spring time of arsenic poisoning when human spring time of arsenic poisoning when human beings were exposed to unprecedented levels of beings were exposed to unprecedented levels of arsenic in their medicine, food, water and at arsenic in their medicine, food, water and at work or accidentally. work or accidentally.

The introduction of The introduction of Tasteless Ague DropTasteless Ague Drop or or Fowler's solution (alkaline solution of potassium Fowler's solution (alkaline solution of potassium arsenite) in 1670 began the ascendancy of arsenite) in 1670 began the ascendancy of arsenic in western pharmacopoeia. By the end arsenic in western pharmacopoeia. By the end of the 19th century every major disease known of the 19th century every major disease known was being subjected to arsenotherapy. was being subjected to arsenotherapy.

Organoarsenicals become famousOrganoarsenicals become famousBunsen, Robert (1811 - 1899)Bunsen, Robert (1811 - 1899) Robert Wilhelm Bunsen (1811-Robert Wilhelm Bunsen (1811-

1899) was the first to isolate a 1899) was the first to isolate a smelly compound, Csmelly compound, C44HH1212AsAs22OO33, to , to which the name cacodyl which the name cacodyl (stinking) was given by Berzelius. (stinking) was given by Berzelius.

Although the daring experiment Although the daring experiment brought instant fame, Bunsen brought instant fame, Bunsen was nearly killed from inhaling was nearly killed from inhaling the arsenic vapor and lost one the arsenic vapor and lost one eye to an explosion of the eye to an explosion of the compoundcompound

Organic arsenicals entered the Organic arsenicals entered the Western pharmacopoeia towards Western pharmacopoeia towards the end of the 19th century. the end of the 19th century.

Organoarsenicals become famousOrganoarsenicals become famous

German bacteriologist Paul Ehrlich German bacteriologist Paul Ehrlich won the 1908 Nobel Prize in won the 1908 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. physiology or medicine.

In his quest for a magic bullet in In his quest for a magic bullet in chemotherapy -- a drug that chemotherapy -- a drug that could destroy bacteria could destroy bacteria circulating in the blood stream circulating in the blood stream without killing or seriously without killing or seriously harming the patient or his harming the patient or his organs -- Paul Ehrlich was organs -- Paul Ehrlich was able to synthesize able to synthesize Arsphenamine, renamed Arsphenamine, renamed salvarsansalvarsan afterwards, which afterwards, which dominated the syphilis therapy dominated the syphilis therapy until the late 1940's and even until the late 1940's and even later in the Far East where it later in the Far East where it was also used to treat yaws was also used to treat yaws

Cure was worse than the diseaseCure was worse than the disease

Treatment of syphilis with arsenic was a lengthy Treatment of syphilis with arsenic was a lengthy and unpleasant business; minimum duration and unpleasant business; minimum duration was about 18 months and involved 20 injections was about 18 months and involved 20 injections of salvarsan and 30-40 injections of bismuth.of salvarsan and 30-40 injections of bismuth.

Thus, from 1700 to early 20Thus, from 1700 to early 20 thth century, century, arsenotherapy was impressive and pervasive arsenotherapy was impressive and pervasive and at no other time in human history has the and at no other time in human history has the health of nations depended so much on one health of nations depended so much on one element. element.

Arsenic in warfareArsenic in warfare

Early Chinese alchemical texts recommended Early Chinese alchemical texts recommended arsenic sulfides for making toxic smoke bombs arsenic sulfides for making toxic smoke bombs or "holy smokes" for mass poisoning of soldiers or "holy smokes" for mass poisoning of soldiers -- one of the earliest references to chemical -- one of the earliest references to chemical warfare.warfare.

Arsenic was cited as an ingredient of the devilish Arsenic was cited as an ingredient of the devilish incendiary material used by Marcus Graccus to incendiary material used by Marcus Graccus to burn the Roman naval fleetburn the Roman naval fleet

Wonder Weapon – The Greek FireWonder Weapon – The Greek Fire

Greek fire was invented Greek fire was invented during the reign of during the reign of Constantine IV (641-668 Constantine IV (641-668 AD). This wonder weapon AD). This wonder weapon caught fire spontaneously caught fire spontaneously and was said to be and was said to be impossible to extinguish. impossible to extinguish. The secret of the Greek The secret of the Greek fire was carefully guarded fire was carefully guarded (consisted of a mixture (consisted of a mixture arsenic sulfide and arsenic sulfide and potassium nitrate)potassium nitrate)

Arsenic in warfareArsenic in warfare

The Harmony policy ("gifts" of food laced The Harmony policy ("gifts" of food laced with arsenic) in Australia deserves special with arsenic) in Australia deserves special mention in the annals of human infamymention in the annals of human infamy

This nefarious method was used by British This nefarious method was used by British settlers in the 1840's to wipe out a large settlers in the 1840's to wipe out a large percentage of the famished aboriginal percentage of the famished aboriginal population in the Manning River basin, population in the Manning River basin, AustraliaAustralia

Lewisite – “Dew of Death”Lewisite – “Dew of Death”

Early chemical warfare gases Early chemical warfare gases contained arsenic. Lewisite contained arsenic. Lewisite was first made in 1904 by was first made in 1904 by combining acetylene and combining acetylene and arsenic trioxide, by Rev. Julius arsenic trioxide, by Rev. Julius Arthur Nieuwland, former Arthur Nieuwland, former Professor of Chemistry at the Professor of Chemistry at the University of Notre Dame. University of Notre Dame.

Lewisite (“dew of death”) causes Lewisite (“dew of death”) causes skin lesions that are difficult to skin lesions that are difficult to heal and was highly effective heal and was highly effective as a killing agent during WW I as a killing agent during WW I and was used by the Japanese and was used by the Japanese against the Chinese in the against the Chinese in the Manchuria War of 1940 and Manchuria War of 1940 and

Lewisite – the sneeze gasLewisite – the sneeze gas

Lewisite was used by Lewisite was used by Sadam Hussein in the Sadam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s and later against the and later against the Kurds in northern Iraq.Kurds in northern Iraq.

He also supplied it to the He also supplied it to the Sudanese government to Sudanese government to use against the Sudan use against the Sudan People’s Liberation armyPeople’s Liberation army

Arsenic in warfareArsenic in warfare

Cacodylic acid is Cacodylic acid is registered as a registered as a silvicide (forest silvicide (forest pesticide) and can pesticide) and can defoliate and defoliate and desiccate a wide desiccate a wide range of plant species range of plant species and was employed and was employed extensively in South extensively in South Vietnam as Orange Vietnam as Orange Blue. Blue.

Arsenic in warfareArsenic in warfare

The sphere of arsenic killing was greatly extended The sphere of arsenic killing was greatly extended when arsenic was added to molten lead to when arsenic was added to molten lead to increase the sphericity of the lead shot. increase the sphericity of the lead shot.

Dr. Thomas Holmes is credited with inventing or at Dr. Thomas Holmes is credited with inventing or at least popularizing arsenic embalming as a least popularizing arsenic embalming as a sanitary practice during the American civil war sanitary practice during the American civil war so that soldiers (killed with arsenical lead bullets) so that soldiers (killed with arsenical lead bullets) were mercifully preserved with arsenic until were mercifully preserved with arsenic until given proper burial. given proper burial.

This practice further interweaves the history of This practice further interweaves the history of arsenic with that of both the living and the dead. arsenic with that of both the living and the dead.

Homicidal poisoningHomicidal poisoningThe toxic effects of arsenic tend to be The toxic effects of arsenic tend to be

cumulative, enabling the poisoner to cumulative, enabling the poisoner to weaken the victim with small doses over a weaken the victim with small doses over a period of time before administering the period of time before administering the fatal dose.fatal dose.

Notorious poisoners of ancient RomeNotorious poisoners of ancient Rome

The notorious Agrippina, being intent The notorious Agrippina, being intent on getting rid of Emperor Claudius on getting rid of Emperor Claudius (her cousin) but not daring to (her cousin) but not daring to dispatch him suddenly and yet dispatch him suddenly and yet wishing not to leave him sufficient wishing not to leave him sufficient time to make new regulations time to make new regulations regarding succession to the throne, regarding succession to the throne, used such a poison to deprive him used such a poison to deprive him of his reason and gradually of his reason and gradually consume him. consume him.

Later, the wicked emperor Nero Later, the wicked emperor Nero (Agrippina’s son) used the same (Agrippina’s son) used the same poison to dispatch of Britannicus poison to dispatch of Britannicus who was in line to succeed who was in line to succeed Claudius. Claudius.

Homicidal poisoningHomicidal poisoningArsenic became practically synonymous with Arsenic became practically synonymous with

poison during the Middle Ages when the art of poison during the Middle Ages when the art of secret poisoning became part of the social and secret poisoning became part of the social and political life. political life.

In late 1600's, the infamous Tophana or Toffana of In late 1600's, the infamous Tophana or Toffana of Palermo and Naples distributed her murderous Palermo and Naples distributed her murderous oil marked oil marked Manna of St. Nicholas of BariManna of St. Nicholas of Bari as as charity to wives who wished to get rid of their charity to wives who wished to get rid of their husbands. It is estimated that thousands of men husbands. It is estimated that thousands of men perished from Aperished from Aqua della Toffana qua della Toffana which became which became a generic name for secret poisons sold widely in a generic name for secret poisons sold widely in Europe between 1630 and 1730. Europe between 1630 and 1730.

Homicidal poisoningHomicidal poisoningIn the court of France, there were so many In the court of France, there were so many

notorious poisoners that the name notorious poisoners that the name poudre de poudre de successionsuccession (inheritance powder) for white (inheritance powder) for white arsenic became a nightmare and a arsenic became a nightmare and a destabilizing influence as the heads of the destabilizing influence as the heads of the great families came to regard all relatives great families came to regard all relatives and friends with extreme suspicion. and friends with extreme suspicion.

The punishment for the treacherous act was The punishment for the treacherous act was harsh: "If a Christian disavows faith or works harsh: "If a Christian disavows faith or works magic or the mixing of poison and is caught magic or the mixing of poison and is caught in the act, the person shall be burned on a in the act, the person shall be burned on a rack". rack".

Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503)

The Spanish Pope died in The Spanish Pope died in 1503 after attending a 1503 after attending a banquet. His death was banquet. His death was rumored to have been rumored to have been caused by arsenic-laced caused by arsenic-laced food intended for food intended for someone else. His someone else. His children (Cesare and children (Cesare and Lucrezia) invented Lucrezia) invented La La CantelleraCantellera (arsenic (arsenic powder) and were among powder) and were among the most notorious the most notorious poisoners in Italypoisoners in Italy

Mozart's mysterious death and Mozart's mysterious death and hasty burial hasty burial

Mozart himself suspected foul Mozart himself suspected foul play. Some weeks before play. Some weeks before his death, he told his death, he told Constanze that he was Constanze that he was being poisoned: "Someone being poisoned: "Someone has given me aqua toffana has given me aqua toffana and has calculated the and has calculated the precise time of my death." precise time of my death." Mozart came to believe that Mozart came to believe that the Requiem Mass, which a the Requiem Mass, which a mysterious stranger had mysterious stranger had commissioned him to write, commissioned him to write, was for his own funeral was for his own funeral service.service.

King George III (1738-1820) King George III (1738-1820)

King George III of England was King George III of England was instrumental in ending Seven instrumental in ending Seven Years War at Peace of Paris, Years War at Peace of Paris, 1763. He was a strong 1763. He was a strong supporter of policies leading to supporter of policies leading to American Revolution, opposed American Revolution, opposed liberalization of colonial liberalization of colonial government in America. government in America. Analysis of strands of his hair Analysis of strands of his hair in 2003 showed 17 ppm in 2003 showed 17 ppm arsenic, 2.5 ppm mercury and arsenic, 2.5 ppm mercury and 6.5 ppm lead. Arsenic probably 6.5 ppm lead. Arsenic probably came from the tartar emetic came from the tartar emetic that was often prescribed for that was often prescribed for him.him.

President Zachary Taylor was not President Zachary Taylor was not poisoned by arsenicpoisoned by arsenic

The 14The 14thth president of the US was a fit president of the US was a fit and healthy man nicknamed “Old and healthy man nicknamed “Old Rough and Ready” when he was Rough and Ready” when he was elected into office. Shortly after elected into office. Shortly after breaking ground for the Washington breaking ground for the Washington Monument on July 4, 1850, the Monument on July 4, 1850, the President, a hero of the Mexican President, a hero of the Mexican War, fell ill and died suddenly.War, fell ill and died suddenly.

At a request of one of his descendants, At a request of one of his descendants, his remains were exhumed in 1999 his remains were exhumed in 1999 and analysis of his fingernail and and analysis of his fingernail and hair showed only trace amounts of hair showed only trace amounts of arsenic, lead and mercury.arsenic, lead and mercury.

Napoleon BonaparteNapoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), (1769-1821), Emperor of France 1804-14 Emperor of France 1804-14

Did the British poison Did the British poison him in prison?him in prison?

Other deep mysteries of arsenicOther deep mysteries of arsenic

How prevalent were death lamps in which How prevalent were death lamps in which the oil and wax impregnated with arsenic the oil and wax impregnated with arsenic were burned to poison victims slowly? were burned to poison victims slowly?

ArsenophagyArsenophagyHabituated eating of arsenic is deeply rooted in Habituated eating of arsenic is deeply rooted in

folkloric medicine, religious beliefs and harmful folkloric medicine, religious beliefs and harmful magic. magic.

The famed arsenic eaters of Styria (Austrian Alps) The famed arsenic eaters of Styria (Austrian Alps) take a special place in the history of pharmaco-take a special place in the history of pharmaco-toxicology. Their antics served to minimize the toxicology. Their antics served to minimize the public concern about the dangers of public concern about the dangers of environmental and occupational exposure to environmental and occupational exposure to arsenic and perpetrate the myth that arsenic arsenic and perpetrate the myth that arsenic may be good for the human race. may be good for the human race.

Somewhat related to arsenophagy of Styria was Somewhat related to arsenophagy of Styria was the prospective arsenic prophylaxis of the fakirs the prospective arsenic prophylaxis of the fakirs (snake charmers) said to have been widespread (snake charmers) said to have been widespread in Persia during the middle of the 19th century in Persia during the middle of the 19th century

Widespread environmental Widespread environmental contamination with arseniccontamination with arsenic

The efficacy of arsenical insecticides was discovered The efficacy of arsenical insecticides was discovered serendipiciously in 1867 when an exasperated farmer serendipiciously in 1867 when an exasperated farmer threw some Paris green (copper arsenate) paint on threw some Paris green (copper arsenate) paint on beetle-infested potato plants and came back a few beetle-infested potato plants and came back a few hours later to find that all the bugs were dead hours later to find that all the bugs were dead

The problem of the phytotoxicity of Paris green and The problem of the phytotoxicity of Paris green and London purple was solved with the introduction of lead London purple was solved with the introduction of lead arsenate (especially for gypsy moth) in 1892 which was arsenate (especially for gypsy moth) in 1892 which was gentler to the foliage and its bug killing properties were gentler to the foliage and its bug killing properties were more catholic. more catholic.

For nearly three-quarters of a century, arsenic remained For nearly three-quarters of a century, arsenic remained unchallenged as the protector of American crops until unchallenged as the protector of American crops until the introduction of synthetic organic insecticides during the introduction of synthetic organic insecticides during World War II. World War II.

Widespread environmental Widespread environmental contamination with arseniccontamination with arsenic

Spray of lead and calcium arsenates marked the Spray of lead and calcium arsenates marked the beginning of widespread intentional beginning of widespread intentional contamination of the environment from contamination of the environment from dissipative application of a highly toxic material dissipative application of a highly toxic material

Over the years, the spraying of over one billion Over the years, the spraying of over one billion pounds of arsenical pesticides on American pounds of arsenical pesticides on American crops has left a legacy of contaminated soils and crops has left a legacy of contaminated soils and groundwater that will remain with us for a long groundwater that will remain with us for a long time. time.

Widespread environmental Widespread environmental contamination with arseniccontamination with arsenic

Elevated levels of arsenic from natural and industrial Elevated levels of arsenic from natural and industrial sources have recently been reported in groundwater in sources have recently been reported in groundwater in many parts of the world including Taiwan, China, India, many parts of the world including Taiwan, China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Bangladesh, Thailand, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, United States. Canada, United States.

Contamination of groundwater is global phenomenonContamination of groundwater is global phenomenonIt is estimated that about 80million people in Bangladesh It is estimated that about 80million people in Bangladesh

and 6 million people in China are at risk of being and 6 million people in China are at risk of being poisoned by ingesting water with arsenic levels above 50 poisoned by ingesting water with arsenic levels above 50 g/L; worldwide, the at-risk population is estimated to be g/L; worldwide, the at-risk population is estimated to be over 150 million. over 150 million.

Recent research continues to show how wedded we are to Recent research continues to show how wedded we are to arsenicarsenic..

Arsenic in our daily livesArsenic in our daily lives

Pigments containing arsenic were employed in Pigments containing arsenic were employed in numerous consumer products including fancy numerous consumer products including fancy and colored papers in magazines and children's and colored papers in magazines and children's books, sheets for cardboard boxes, labels of all books, sheets for cardboard boxes, labels of all kinds, advertising cards, wrappers for candies, kinds, advertising cards, wrappers for candies, confectionary and sweatmeats, playing cards, confectionary and sweatmeats, playing cards, lamp shades, paper hangings for walls and other lamp shades, paper hangings for walls and other purposes, artificial leaves and flowers, artificial purposes, artificial leaves and flowers, artificial wreaths, wax ornaments for Christmas trees and wreaths, wax ornaments for Christmas trees and other purposes, children's toys, printed or woven other purposes, children's toys, printed or woven fabric intended for use as garment, curtains, fabric intended for use as garment, curtains, furniture coverings, painted India rubber dollsfurniture coverings, painted India rubber dolls

Arsenic in daily lives of peopleArsenic in daily lives of people

Other uses for arsenic included Venetian and other blinds, Other uses for arsenic included Venetian and other blinds, leather cloth, printed table baizes, book cloth and fancy leather cloth, printed table baizes, book cloth and fancy bindings, decorative tin plates, oil paintings, carpets, bindings, decorative tin plates, oil paintings, carpets, floorcloth linoleum, wallpaper, wall paint (Paris-Scheele's-floorcloth linoleum, wallpaper, wall paint (Paris-Scheele's-Vienna-Emerald greens, King's or Naples yellow, magenta, Vienna-Emerald greens, King's or Naples yellow, magenta, and other anilin-based colors), boxes of water colors and and other anilin-based colors), boxes of water colors and surprisingly to give color to confectionery ornaments. In surprisingly to give color to confectionery ornaments. In addition, arsenic was used in medicated soaps, embalming addition, arsenic was used in medicated soaps, embalming solutions, preparation of skins for stuffing, adhesive solutions, preparation of skins for stuffing, adhesive envelopes, glass, fly-powder and rat poison and sheep-dip. envelopes, glass, fly-powder and rat poison and sheep-dip. Practically everybody must have come into contact with Practically everybody must have come into contact with these products.these products.

Numerous cases of poisonings and fatalities following contact Numerous cases of poisonings and fatalities following contact with arsenic in consumer products appeared frequently in with arsenic in consumer products appeared frequently in the historical records from about 1820 onwards. the historical records from about 1820 onwards.