Title: The most common heavy metals, their sources and their effects - Family Wellness HQ
Headings: The most common heavy metals, their sources and their effects
The most common heavy metals, their sources and their effects
Common heavy metals:
ALUMINUM
ANTIMONY
ARSENIC
BARIUM
BISMUTH
CADMIUM
LEAD
MERCURY
NICKEL
TIN
URANIUM

Content: ARSENIC
Ultrapure metallic arsenic under argon. Original size of each piece:1-2 g, 0.5 x 1 cm. Source: http://images-of-elements.com
Arsenic is a complex metal, that forms a variety of compounds, either inorganic or organic. Organic Arsenic compounds like Arsenobetaine, Arsenocholine, Arsenosugars and Tetramethylarsonium salts contain carbon and are mainly found in sea-living organisms, however occasionally they can be found in species living on land. Inorganic forms of Arsenic, such as Arsenite and Arsenate are generally known to be more toxic and are mainly of geological origin. These can be found in agricultural soil and groundwater used for drinking or irrigation. When the water comes into contact with Arsenic containing minerals or deposits it causes exposure to humans and other life forms mainly through daily ingestion of contaminated food or water. Other ways of Arsenic absorption are through lungs and skin. Industrially, Arsenic and its compounds are mainly used in the production of pesticides, herbicides and insecticides as well as in semiconductor manufacturing to strengthen copper and lead alloys during batteries manufacturing process.