Arsenic Toxicology

Arsenic toxicology addresses a metalloid of major global health concern, particularly due to groundwater contamination. For Zambian tertiary students in public health, environmental science, and clinical medicine, this topic is critical. It covers the different forms of arsenic: inorganic trivalent (AsIII, more toxic) and pentavalent (AsV) compounds, organic forms, and arsine gas. The primary focus is on chronic exposure via drinking water, leading to characteristic dermatological effects (hyperkeratosis, hyperpigmentation), peripheral neuropathy, vascular disease (Blackfoot disease), and cancers of the skin, lung, and bladder. The topic explores mechanisms of toxicity, including inhibition of sulfhydryl-containing enzymes, oxidative stress, and interference with DNA repair. Acute arsenic poisoning, with its severe gastrointestinal symptoms and potential for cardiovascular collapse, is also covered. Knowledge of arsenic's use in pesticides and semiconductors, along with chelation treatment options, is essential for university exam success and for participating in public health initiatives aimed at testing well water and managing arsenicosis in affected communities across Zambia.