Cryptic exposure to arsenic

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2005 Jul-Aug;71(4):230-5. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.16612.

Abstract

Arsenic is an odorless, colorless and tasteless element long linked with effects on the skin and viscera. Exposure to it may be cryptic. Although human intake can occur from four forms, elemental, inorganic (trivalent and pentavalent arsenic) and organic arsenic, the trivalent inorganic arsenicals constitute the major human hazard. Arsenic usually reaches the skin from occupational, therapeutic, or environmental exposure, although it still may be employed as a poison. Occupations involving new technologies are not exempt from arsenic exposure. Its acute and chronic effects are noteworthy. Treatment options exist for arsenic-induced pathology, but prevention of toxicity remains the main focus. Vitamin and mineral supplementation may play a role in the treatment of arsenic toxicity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arsenic / adverse effects*
  • Arsenic Poisoning / drug therapy
  • Arsenic Poisoning / epidemiology*
  • Arsenic Poisoning / etiology*
  • Arsenic Poisoning / prevention & control
  • Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Primary Prevention / methods
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Arsenic