Arsenic (Symbol= As , Latin arsenium, arsenum, arsenicum from Greek arsen strong)- Nonmetallic element, occurring as a grey, brittle and shiny solid with a "garlicky" odour. It is harmful by ingestion and inhalation. Arsenic is also a carcinogen. Arsenic has been used in medicinal compounds over the ages. "Flower of arsenic" or arsenic trioxide is a sweet tasting arsenic compound that was taken in small doses. It causes an increase in the red blood cell mass and was used to increase the performance of workers. This practice however, is dangerous.

Toxicity of

As with flower of arsenic, the user developed a reddish appearance, probably from the increase in absolute red cell mass and thus, the increase in haemogobin. The idea behind this was increased oxygen delivery, similar to "blood doping" for increased athletic ability. this of course, is only tmemporary. Side effects may include increased clotting, and increased blood viscosity, which has an affect on vessel walls. Also, increases in blood pressure occur. Interestingly, pokeweed also stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).

Acute or immediate arsenic poisoning, which usually results in hypotension and death depending on dose, is characterised by severe stomach pain, cramps, erythematous skin eruptions, nausea, vomiting, swollen eyelids, and peripheral extremities.

Chronic exposure to arsenic results in headaches, peripheral neuropathy, confusion, white lines in the fingernails, pigmentation of the skin, scaling and increased thickness of the skin on the hands and soles.