Arsenic poisoning

Arsenic poisoning is illness caused by exposure to toxic arsenic compounds. Its effects depend on dose, chemical form, route, and duration of exposure.

Arsenite: Arsenite is a trivalent inorganic form of arsenic that binds cellular proteins and is highly toxic. Its strong binding to protein sulfhydryl groups helps explain acute cellular injury.
Acute arsenic poisoning: Acute arsenic poisoning is severe illness following a large arsenic exposure over a short period. It is the rapid-onset form, often marked by intense gastrointestinal symptoms.
Arsenic biomonitoring: Arsenic biomonitoring measures arsenic or its metabolites in biological samples to assess recent exposure. Urine testing can help identify exposure, while interpretation depends on arsenic species and recent seafood intake.
Arsenicosis: Arsenicosis is chronic illness caused by prolonged exposure to arsenic, especially through contaminated drinking water. This term captures the broader health burden of sustained exposure.
Arsenate: Arsenate is a pentavalent inorganic form of arsenic that can mimic phosphate in biochemical reactions. Its interference with phosphate-dependent energy metabolism is one route to toxicity.
Chronic arsenic poisoning: Chronic arsenic poisoning is illness resulting from repeated or sustained arsenic exposure over time. It can follow ongoing exposure in drinking water and develop gradually.
Urinary arsenic speciation: Urinary arsenic speciation separates and measures different arsenic compounds and metabolites in urine. It distinguishes toxic inorganic exposure from less toxic seafood-derived arsenic forms.
Hyperkeratosis: Hyperkeratosis is excessive thickening of the outer layer of the skin. Palmar and plantar hyperkeratosis is a characteristic sign of chronic arsenic exposure.
Oxidative stress: Oxidative stress occurs when reactive molecules overwhelm a cell’s antioxidant defenses. Arsenic exposure can disturb redox balance and contribute to cellular damage.
Groundwater arsenic contamination: Groundwater arsenic contamination is the presence of naturally occurring or introduced arsenic in groundwater. Contaminated wells are a major source of prolonged exposure in affected regions.

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