Arsenic Uses Today
Most arsenic in industrial uses today is currently used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps and semi-conductors.The use of Arsenic as a wood preservative is much like the rationale for using pesticides. Arsenic treated wood resists insects, microbes, and molds making it an effective preservative. The problem has come from the fact that touching arsenic treated wood can cause arsenic to be absorbed through the skin, or ingested through normal hand to mouth contact particularly with small children. Arsenic can also leach into the ground surrounding the location of the treated wood, providing yet another exposure pathway for children playing in the area.
Until 2003, children's outdoor wood playsets used arsenic based wood preservatives. As a result of legislation banning the continued use of arsenic based wood preservatives, it is no long being added to new construction. However, picnic tables, play structures and other outdoor wood structures built before 2003 still exist and exposure is still possible. It is recommended that you use a sealant annually to prevent arsenic from surfacing in existing wood structures and being a potential carcinogen.
The use of arsenic in paints was that of a pigment. Arsenic was used as a white extender pigment in white paints where whiteness was important as well as to enhance green pigments. The use of arsenic in dyes was primarily with the color indigo. Arsenic trisulfide and a thickener were added to the indigo vat. The arsenic compound delayed the oxidation of the indigo long enough to paint the dye onto fabrics. Many years ago arsenic was also used in special soap. Arsenic soap was used to prevent the growth of larvae in animal hides that were to be stuffed.
Most, if not all, of these uses of arsenic have been stopped. However, a current and bigger concern with the use or arsenic is in the semi conductor industry. Gallium Arsenide, is a compound of the elements gallium and arsenic. It is used in the manufacture of devices such as microwave frequency integrated circuits, infrared light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, solar cells, and optical windows. The State of California has declared Gallium Arsenide a carcinogen. Given the increasing usage of gallium arsenide there may be significant environmental concerns as related to their disposal. Moreover, workers in industries using the substance may be at risk of cancer as well.
