| High-Arsenic (As) |
In general, hair provides a rough estimate of exposure to Arsenic (As) absorbed from
food and water. However, hair can be contaminated externally with As from air, water, dust, shampoos and soap. Inorganic As, and some organic As compounds, can cause toxicity. Some research suggests that As may be essential at extremely low levels but its function is not understood. Inorganic As accumulates in hair, nails, skin, thyroid gland, bone and the gastrointestinal tract. Organic As is rapidly excreted in the urine.
As can cause malaise, muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and skin cancer. Long-term exposure may affect the peripheral nervous, cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems. As is a major biological antagonist to selenium. |
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Common sources of As are insecticides (calcium and lead arsenate), well water, smog,
shellfish (arsenobetaine), and industrial exposure, particularly in the manufacture of electronic components (gallium arsenide). As burden can be confirmed by urine elements analysis. Comparison of urine As levels pre and post provocation (DMPS, DMSA, D-penicillamine) permit differentiation between recent uptake and body stores. |
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