HealthAugust 18, 2026
arsenic
AR-suh-nik
Definition
A poisonous chemical element found naturally in the earth's crust that can contaminate ground water and pose risks to human health.
Etymology
The word comes from the Greek word 'arsenikon,' meaning 'yellow orpiment' or 'potent,' which likely shares a root with 'arsen,' meaning 'strong' or 'masculine.'
In the news
Arsenic is mentioned as one of the heavy metals that researchers are studying in children's teeth to understand environmental health risks in remote communities.
Aboriginal children helping tooth fairy on a mission
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