Ärsenik

Ärsenik is the German spelling of arsenic, a chemical element with the symbol As and atomic number 33. It is a well-known metalloid, existing in various allotropic forms, including yellow, black, and grey. Grey arsenic is the most stable form under standard conditions.

Arsenic and its compounds are infamous for their toxicity. Historically, arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), also known as white arsenic, was a common poison. Because of its tasteless and odorless nature, it was notoriously difficult to detect, leading to its use in numerous historical poisonings.

While arsenic is toxic, it also has some legitimate uses. In metallurgy, it is used as an alloying agent to improve the properties of certain metals. It is also a component in some semiconductors and wood preservatives. In medicine, certain arsenic compounds, such as arsenic trioxide, are used in the treatment of specific types of leukemia. However, its medicinal use is carefully controlled due to its inherent toxicity.

Exposure to arsenic can occur through contaminated water, food, and air. Chronic arsenic exposure can lead to a variety of health problems, including skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, neurological problems, and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines for arsenic levels in drinking water to minimize the risk of adverse health effects.