Discovery Information
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Who: Albertus Magna |
When: 1250 |
Where: Unknown |
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Name Origin
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Greek: arsenikos (male); Latin: arsenicum. |
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Sources
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Found in mispickel (arsenopyrite). |
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Uses
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Used as a deadly poison (in various agricultural insectisides and poisions), in shotgun pellets, metal for mirrors, glass,
lasers. Gallium Arsenide is an important semiconductor used in integrated circuits and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
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Notes
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Arsenic is a carcinogen, associated with lung cancer when inhaled. Contact with skin can result in skin cancer. Also damage to intestines and liver.
Toxic when ingested. It is found in pesticides and wood preservatives. It is naturally occurring in many household products.
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In Victorian times, arsenic was mixed with vinegar and chalk and then eaten by women to improve the complexion of their faces,
making their skin more fair to show they did not work in the fields. Arsenic was also rubbed into the faces and arms of women
to improve their complexion.
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