Arsenic Group

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Arsenic Group
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Why Arsenic

• Atomic number 33
• Atomic mass 74.9216 g.mol -1 
• Melting point 814 C (36 atm) 
• Boiling point 615 C (sublimation)

• Arsenic is one of the most toxic elements that
  can be found
• Despite their toxic effect, inorganic arsenic
  bonds occur on earth naturally in small amounts
• Humans may be exposed to arsenic through food,
  water and air
• Exposure may also occur through skin contact with
  soil or water that contains arsenic

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In the beginning

• Initially we were scheduled to work with Arsenic
  and mice
• That soon changed when the machine could not
  detect the arsenic levels in the mice tissue
• A new path awaited us.

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Attempted Calibration of the AA

• Our goal was to determine the detection limits of
  the AA, by running Arsenic standards at known
  concentrations
• Our known concentrations were 40, 60 and 80 ppb.
• The outcome was unexpected

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Our Other New Path

• To use a Mass Spectrometer to examine
  Decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) (used in
  flame retardants)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used
  as additives in polymers and textiles to prohibit
  the development of fires.
• Because of the production and use of PBDEs, their
  lipophilic characteristics, and persistence,
  these compounds have become ubiquitous
  environmental contaminants.
• Many think that BDE-209 should be categorized
  with DDT and PCBs, but there is a lot of
  pressure from industry to continue use.

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What is next

• An Intern will continue the work on this research
  over the summer

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Acknowledgments

• We would like to thank Jim Ford for this
  opportunity to work on this research
• Nancy Gordon for donating her time and knowledge
  on calibrating and operating the AA
• Sam Frankel for his time and patience
• Gail Willette for everything
• Dr. Thomas Newton for his help on the GCMS