Question

What is arsenic used for?

Answer 1

Hint: Arsenic is a highly toxic chemical. It can be used in a controlled manner. Compounds of arsenic can be used for preservation purposes.

Complete answer:
- Arsenic is a poisonous substance and it is well known as a poison. We can use arsenic compounds as insecticides and rat poisons but the amount should be strictly in control.
- There are some medical roles for arsenic as well. The aqueous solution of potassium arsenate was used as a cure-all tonic. In today’s world, organoarsenic compounds can be used in poultry feed as a means to prevent disease and also it helps in gaining weight.
- Arsenic can also be used in semiconductors as a doping agent for solid-state devices. Gallium arsenide is used in this process.
- It is a common belief in some scientists that in very, very low doses arsenic may be an essential element in our everyday diet. Foods like prawns contain arsenic but it is less harmful and exists in organic form.
- Some other uses of arsenic are for pyrotechnics, bronzing and hardening shots.

Additional information:
- Arsenic is mostly found in minerals and a very small amount of arsenic is found in the native state. It is highly toxic and it is suspected to be carcinogenic.
- Arsenic is mainly found in a mineral called arsenopyrite. Other minerals include enargite and orpiment.

Note:
Arsenic poisoning is a common type of poisoning which happens to us when we come in contact with arsenic compounds. Consumption in large amounts of arsenic can lead to severe vomiting, damage to the nervous systems and even death. Hence, it should be handled by taking a good amount of precautions.