Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in our Earth's crust, but too much of the element in our water systems, aquifers and wells could cause serious health problems over a long period of time. It has no distinctive taste or smell. You would assume that because arsenic is a naturally occurring element it wouldn't even be a concern. Arsenic causes a very serious environmental problem by contaminating our drinking water, and causing many diseases in people all over the world. .
In an article by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources they explain that at very low levels arsenic is not a problem, in fact the body may even need a very small amount to function. However at higher levels, as low as three micrograms per liter, it could have a very serious effect on peoples health.(1) The main cause of arsenic in the drinking water is the weathering and decomposition of soil and minerals that occurs naturally. When the water comes in contact with these materials it can dissolve the arsenic. Industrial factories also introduce it by the combustion of fossil fuels, and they can also release hazardous waste into the ground that leads to contaminated groundwater.
The water that people drink that is contaminated could cause some short term and long term effects. According to the National Research Council some short-term effects of drinking water contaminated with arsenic are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The arsenic can also cause fatigue and an abnormal heart rhythm. It also causes very abnormal bruising on the body, then a "pins and needles" sensation in your hands and feet.(83) These short term symptoms and signs are not always accurate in defining arsenic poising. There is no universal definition of the disease caused by arsenic, so it is very hard to detect the poising without sometimes mistaking it for something else.
Long-term exposure to arsenic will cause chronic health problems.
Arsenic has been recognized as a poison since ancient times. ... Arsenic can naturally contaminate groundwater, when mineral deposits or rocks containing arsenic dissolve and drain into aquifers. ... Agricultural use is another leading producer of arsenic. ... Arsenic can also be inhaled if one works in copper or lead smelting and inhales arsenic dust or swallows it. ... Arsenic is a real threat to Americans. ...
Because there was no law mandating checks for arsenic in tube-well projects, tests for arsenic were not conducted until several years after. ... In 1993, arsenic was first found in the tube-wells by Department of Public Health Engineering of Bangladesh but it was widely denied until international arsenic conference in Dhaka in February 1998(Chakraborti,2015). As of 2009, the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey estimated that 27.6 million people still drank water with high levels of arsenic. The issue is especially serious because of the length of time it takes for arsenic poisoning...
The article cites some of the health effects of arsenic poisoning, stating that effects of arsenic poisoning are slow to arise, but can be deadly (Rahman, 2002). ... These two symptoms represent the most prominent threats when dealing with arsenic, although the study also cites rising mortality rates, likely at least partially attributable to the arsenic in water (Rahman, 2002). ... The second main health concern in relation to the arsenic poisoning cited in the study is the lack of knowledge as to what, exactly, this exposure to arsenic actually does to the citizens of Bangladesh. Much like c...
When it came time for Miss Emily to purchase the arsenic that she would later give to Homer Barron and cause his death, she visited the druggist. ... The druggist, following regulations on the arsenic, informed Miss Emily that "the law requires you to tell what you are going to use it for" (625). Miss Emily remained silent "stared at him eye for eye, until he looked away and went and got the arsenic and wrapped it up" (625). As if to cover himself for dispensing the arsenic the druggist labeled the poison "For Rats" (625). ...
She uses that authority over the townspeople and it is shown by her visit to the druggist, there she buys arsenic poison. The salesmen ignore the laws, which require Emily to tell him why she is buying the arsenic poison. "Miss Emily just stared at him, her head tilted back in order to look him eye to eye, until he looked away and went and got the arsenic and wrapped it up" (pg.77). ...
(Faulkner, 58) Emily asked for arsenic, but the druggist explained that for such a poison she would have to give her intentions. "Miss Emily just stared at him, her head tilted back in order to look him in the eye for eye, until he looked away and went and got the arsenic and wrapped it up." (Faulkner, 58) The speculation of both the reader and the townspeople was that the arsenic was purchased on the basis of suicide. The arsenic was not however used for Miss Emily to kill herself. ... (Faulkner, 61) Miss Emily had used the arsenic, not to kill her, but the man who she loved and did ...
Arsenic and Old Lace, a well written Shakespearian comedy was the script chosen for this years Fall Play. ... Then the Brewster sisters slip arsenic into their famous Elderberry wine killing their resident. ...
As Homer Barron symbolizes the new generation Miss Emily doesn't want to lose to the new generation and her love so she buys the arsenic. Miss Emily becomes mentally ill as she buys the arsenic to kill Homer Barron because she cannot bear to give up their relationship. ... Miss Emily used the servant to take her to get the arsenic in which she used to kill Homer Barron. ...
This happens as she denies her father's death, refuses to discuss or pay taxes, ignores town gossip about her being a fallen woman, and does not tell the druggist why she is purchasing arsenic. ... She knew when she bought the arsenic poison what her intentions were. ... She only speaks few words and she persuades the druggist to let her purchase arsenic, a deadly poison. ...