Knowing the unique qualities as well as the differences between organic and inorganic arsenic can help us understand the health risks associated with these elements. Arsenic is an element found in nature and is a naturally occurring element. It is a metalloid that is found in its most stable form as a compound. Arsenic can be a non-metal, metalloid, or heavy metal.
Table of Contents
Organic Arsenic
Organic arsenic naturally occurs in rocks and soil and is used in pesticides, medications, and illegal drugs. It is used in wood preservatives and other products used around the home. Organic arsenic is found in nature in minerals such as arsenopyrite (FeAsS), realgar (AsS), orpiment (As2S3), and arsenolite (As2S5).
It is also used to produce various pesticides, medications, and other products that the FDA regulates. In products for human use, such as pharmaceuticals and drugs, arsenic is a metabolite of As(III). The most common organic arsenic compounds used include arsphenamine, arsenobetaine, or methylated arsenic compounds.
The arsenic is bound to atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and sometimes oxygen in organic arsenic. The presence of these elements changes the chemical and physical properties of the compound. This affects its use and the health risks associated with its use.
Inorganic Arsenic
Inorganic arsenic is found in several minerals such as arsenopyrite (FeAsS), realgar (AsS), orpiment (As2S3), and arsenolite (As2S5). These elements are used in a number of products in the home.
Inorganic arsenic is also used in the production of pesticides and medications and is a metabolite of As(III). The most common inorganic arsenic compounds used include sodium arsenate and sodium arsenite.
Organic and Inorganic Arsenic Differences
There are many differences between organic and inorganic arsenic. One major difference is the chemical and physical properties of the compound. Organic arsenic contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and some other elements. In contrast, inorganic arsenic contains no carbon, hydrogen, or oxygen.
Animals and plants produce organic arsenic. It is created when two bonded atoms of arsenic break apart. This occurs when the parts of the compound change. On the other hand, inorganic arsenic is produced by heating minerals that contain arsenic. The AsO binds with HNO, releasing the HNO as NO gas. The chemical and physical properties of these types of arsenic also affect the health risks associated with them.
Organic arsenic is metabolized differently than inorganic arsenic. When organic arsenic enters the human body, it is metabolized into a different substance, which is less toxic in its nature. The poisonous substance produced from inorganic arsenic is methyl arsenic acid, which is more toxic than the substance produced by the metabolism of organic arsenic. This is one of the significant differences between organic and inorganic arsenic.
Another difference between organic and inorganic arsenic is the rate of absorption. The body more rapidly absorbs inorganic arsenic. It takes only hours for inorganic arsenic to be absorbed into the human body. On the other hand, it takes days for organic arsenic to be absorbed into the human body.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the qualities and differences between organic and inorganic arsenic can help us understand their risks and uses. They can also allow us to be better informed about the presence of arsenic in the products we use on a daily basis.
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