ARSENIC (POISONOUS) NATIVE (thumbnail)

Arsenic, represented by the symbol As and the atomic number 33, is a metalloid belonging to the pnictogen group, sharing characteristics with its group 15 counterparts, phosphorus and antimony. Known for its high toxicity, arsenic naturally occurs in various minerals, often combined with sulfur and metals, and can also be found in its pure elemental form. Among its several allotropes, only the grey variant, which exhibits a metallic sheen, holds significant industrial value. 

The primary application of arsenic lies in lead alloys, commonly utilized in car batteries and ammunition. Additionally, it serves as a prevalent n-type dopant in semiconductor devices and is a key component of gallium arsenide, a III–V compound semiconductor. Arsenic and its derivatives, particularly arsenic trioxide, are employed in the manufacture of pesticides, treated wood, herbicides, and insecticides, although these uses are diminishing due to growing awareness of arsenic's toxicity. 

Historically recognized for its poisonous effects on humans, arsenic is also metabolized by certain bacterial species. Some studies suggest that trace amounts of arsenic may be essential for the diet of certain animals, such as rats and chickens, though research on its potential role in human metabolism remains limited. Nonetheless, excessive exposure to arsenic can lead to poisoning in multicellular organisms, and groundwater contamination with arsenic poses a significant health risk to millions globally.

Former Sobolewski Collection