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Arsenic Mineral: Beware of the Dangers

Although many vitamins and minerals are recommended for good health, not all are good for you in large doses. Arsenic is one of those minerals. It is a very dangerous metal that can cause severe illness or death if someone is overexposed. Learn why below.

What Exactly is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a mineral, but also a metallic element that is very poisonous in its crude form. Some believe it is essential for our bodily functions in very limited amounts, but little is known about its benefits.

Arsenic is present in our diets to a small degree, on average around 140 mcg per day. Arsenic amounts exceeding 250 mcg per day will cause toxicity, or poisoning.

Where Arsenic is Found

Arsenic is a natural mineral found in many sources, which include paint, beer, drinking water, wood preservatives, seafood from coastal waters such as shrimp, oysters and muscles, coal combustion, pesticides, table salt and rat poisoning. A hint of arsenic is found in vegetables and animals.

Arsenic Treatments in History

During the seventeenth century arsenic was used to treat malignant skin ulcers and skin diseases in humans. It was applied topically in most cases. Internal treatment was used occasionally for high fevers, however, repeated doses began causing death or chronic illness in patients from poisoning. It was pronounced unsafe for use for a while, but then reinstated later in weak compounds for treatment of anemia and cancerous tumors and growths.

Modern Arsenic Treatments

Today, arsenic treatment is offered in the form of arsenicum album, a homeopathic remedy derived from arsenic. Other names for this remedy include white arsenic, white oxide of metallic arsenic, arsenic trioxide and arsenius acid. Arsenicum album is often used to treat serious acute illnesses, bronchitis, fevers, acute colds and chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease, herpes simplex, measles, mumps, hay fever and asthma. It has also been used to treat cancer, lupus and alcoholism.

People who suffer from restlessness, weakness, a pale complexion, fainting, chills, and anxiety are often prime candidates for treatment.

How Arsenic Affects the Body

Arsenic affects the skin because it is a carcinogen that accumulates on nails, skin and hair. It can cause skin rashes on soles of feet and palms, and can also cause skin depigmentation. The kidneys are affected by a build up of arsenic and can be damaged. Arsenic can cause a decrease in mental ability because it damages the nervous system. The digestive system is also affected, causing abdominal cramps with diarrhea and anemia. Arsenic can cause birth defects and deformities because it attacks the body's musculorskeletal system. As you can see, overexposure to arsenic is extremely dangerous to many critical functions of the body.

Even though arsenic is a natural mineral, over exposure should be avoided at all costs. Only in the form of arsenicum album and even then, only when under the supervision of a physician, should arsenic ever be supplemented.

Written by Candice Pardue

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