Arsenic: natural Sources

Arsenic is found in the earth’s crust, most commonly in the form of FeAsS , or Iron Arsenide Sulfide. Arsenic can also be found in the atmosphere as arsenic trioxide dusts, a by-product of industrial smelting operations. Arsenic is usually very toxic, especially in the cases of inorganic arsenic compounds such as arsenic trichloride and arsenous acid. Arsenic compounds have also found their way into rivers and wells, contaminating the drinking water of millions of people. Due to numerous reactions that can occur with Arsenic, this element can be encountered in various phases.