Arsenic

Arsenic is an elemental metalloid that has an atomic number of 33 and symbol “As” in the periodic table. Its name originates from the Greek word Arsenikon (meaning potent). It is a common element found in nature, although not in its pure elemental form but rather in ores and sulfides. Arsenic is commonly found in geologic sediments and rocks, generally in the forms of arsenopyrite, orpiment, realgar, lollingite, and tennantite. Arsenic is usually a grayish or yellowish element, and it sublimes into its oxide form upon heating.

Arsenic occurs in high amounts in the sediments of many countries, most notably Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, the United States (primarily the southwest), and Argentina.

Arsenic is commonly used in pesticides, herbicides, alloys, and semiconductor material. It has ...