ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed discussion on the occurrence and production, uses, chemical and physical properties, exposure and exposure limits, toxicokinetics, and effects of arsenic in humans. Arsenic is widely distributed in the earth's crust, with an abundance of about 5 ppm. It is found in minerals such as arsenopyrite, enargite, and orpiment, most often in the trivalent form. It is produced as a by-product from gold, copper, and lead smelters. Arsenic is released to air by the smelting of ores containing it, by combustion of coal, and by the use of arsenical pesticides. Small quantities of organic arsenic compounds such as arsanilic acid are used as a growth promoter (essential trace element) for swine and poultry. The effects of arsenic in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
