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Symptoms and Diagnosis of Arsenic Poisoning

Arsenic exposure occurs mostly in areas with high natural levels of arsenic, in factories and workplaces where it is a by-product, or in or around hazardous waste locations. The symptoms of arsenic poisoning can be easy to spot and need to be treated fairly soon as they can result in death.

  1. Exposure to Arsenic Poisoning

    • Arsenic is a shiny gray element with the atomic symbol, As, and possesses a significant health risk to humans. According to the Center for Disease Research, humans are exposed to arsenic by ingesting small amounts present in food and water or in breathing air, breathing sawdust or burning smoke from arsenic-treated wood, living in areas that are high in natural arsenic in the surrounding rock, and working in jobs that involve arsenic production or its use such as wood treating, pesticide application and copper or lead smelting.

    Symptoms of Arsenic Poisoning

    • Symptoms of arsenic poisoning include but are not limited to: dysphagia, burning pain, vomiting, throat constriction, diarrhea, dehydration, renal failure, liver failure, pulmonary oedema, gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, drowsiness, confusion, delirium, seizures, increased risk of skin, tracheal and bronchogenic carcinomas, and an increased rick of hepatic hemangiosarcoma. Symptoms of chronic exposure to arsenic include: thickened skin on palms, weakness, muscle aches, chills, fever, anemia, cognitive impairment and psychological disturbances.

    Diagnosis of Arsenic Poisoning

    • Diagnosis is performed by measuring the level of arsenic in the supposed victim's blood, urine, hair and/or fingernails. A urine test is a highly accurate indicator of acute exposure within 24 to 48 hours of the expected exposure. Hair and fingernail tests measure exposure over periods of time.

    Treatment of Arsenic Poisoning

    • Treatment included chemical and synthetic methods such as dimercaprol and dimercaptosuccinic acid. These two medications are chelating agents and quarantine the arsenic away from blood proteins. (See Reference 2)

    Complications of Arsenic Poisoning

    • Complications of arsenic poisoning include death, chest pain, myocarditis, hemolytic anemia, dysuria, QT lengthening, peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar syndrome, papilloedema, halitosis, hyperkeratosis, body odor, gastrointestinal bleeding, hyperkalemia, Mee's lines, Raynaud's phenomenon, diarrhea, leukonychia, hyperpigmentation, carcinogenesis, ridged nails, myalgia, basophilic stippling, abdominal pain, pyruvic acid levels raised (blood), conjunctivitis, nausea and vomiting.

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