Arsenic

A possible relationship between bumblefoot responsive to potassium arsenite and micrococci in the blood of three birds of prey

“…In the recent past the efficacy of arsenic against various dermatological illnesses was acknowledged in both human (The Merck Index, 1974) and veterinary medicine (Hutÿra et al, 1949). Furthermore, arsenic is an essential element to some species, including humans (Anke, 1986;Emsley, 1991), although the specific biochemical reason for its importance has not yet been determined (Uthus, 1994).…”

Essential and Toxic Effects of Macro, Trace, and Ultratrace Elements in the Nutrition of Man

“…The burning of arsenic-rich brown coal in parts of Europe, together with the arsenic emissions by power stations and households, formerly enriched the soils with arsenic and introduced considerable quantities of the element into the food chain over wide regions. Besides these sources of arsenic in European environments, there are several areas in Saxony (Germany) in which rocks (mica, gneiss) and their weathering soils are naturally very rich in arsenic and deliver it into the food chain (Anke 1986, Anke et al 1997c, Risch 1980, Metzner et al 1991 danger of a harmful arsenic load in Europe is quite tangible.…”

Possibly Essential Trace Elements

“…Arsenic deprivation has been induced in chickens, hamsters, goats, pigs, and rats (18,(35)(36)(37). In the goat, pig, and rat, the most consistent signs of arsenic deprivation were depressed growth and abnormal reproduction characterized by impaired fertility and increased perinatal mortality.…”