Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism, and Carcinogenicity of Arsenic

Abstract

In civilizations throughout history, arsenic has enjoyed a reputation of power and mystery, a means of effecting outcomes both virtuous and sinister in intent. Egyptian and Arabic alchemists were perhaps among the earliest to value its properties, believing that it could mediate the transmutation of less valuable metals and ores into silver and gold (Azcue and Nriagu 1994). Its notoriety as a powerful poison has also contributed to its rich historical legacy. In 55 A.D., to secure his right to the Roman throne, Nero used arsenic to poison Britannicus (Jolliffe 1993; Gorby 1994). Aristotle and Socrates were aware of its toxic characteristics as well (Gorby 1994). From the Middle Ages through the mid-1800s, arsenic trioxide was such a popular homicidal agent among professional poisoners, the equivalent of modern-day assassins, that it became known as “inheritance powder” (Jolliffe 1993; Azcue and Nriagu 1994; Gorby 1994). Toward the end of the nineteenth century, arsenic’s popularity as a poison began to fade, likely at least in part because of the development of sensitive and dependable assays for its detection in body tissues and fluids (Hindmarsh and McCurdy 1986; Jolliffe 1993; Gorby 1994).