Gastrointestinal tract arsenic poisoning

The gastrointestinal tract responds to a number of toxic substances, usually by pain, vomiting, or paralytic ileus (see Intestines, Section 6.4.5). Severe gastrointestinal pain is symptomatic of poisoning by arsenic or iron. Both of these substances can cause vomiting, as can acids, bases, fluorides, salicylates, and theophyllin. Paralytic ileus can result from ingestion of narcotic analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, and clonidine. 

Treatment of inorganic arsenic poisoning involves decontamination procedures and use of the antidote BAL (British anti-lewisite compound 2,3-dime-rcaptopropanol). Use of demulcent to coat the gastrointestinal tract and the use of antibiotics is also recommended. Organic arsenic poisoning treatment involves only withdrawal of the feed involved, with recovery occurring in 3-5 days. Severely affected pigs should be culled. 

Clinical use The major uses of penicillamine are in the treatment of copper poisoning and of Wilson s disease. It is sometimes used as adjunctive therapy in gold, arsenic, and lead intoxication and in rheumatoid arthritis. The agent is water-soluble, well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and excreted unchanged. 

Arsenic (CAS 7440-38-2) irritating to eyes and skin hyperplgmenta-tion, hyperkeratoses, and skin cancers have been dexribed. A general cellular poison. May cause bone marrow suppression, peripheral neuropathy, and gastrointestinal, liver, and cardiac injury. Some arsenic compounds have adverse effects on fetal development in test animals. Exposure linked to skin, respiratory tract, and liver cancer in workers (IARC 1). See also p 115. 0.01 mg/m (as As) A1 OSHACA NIOSH CA 5 mg/m (as As) Elemental forms vary In appearance. Crystals are gray. Amorphous fomes may be yellow or black. Vapor pressure is very low—about 1 mm Hg at 372°C (701°F). 

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