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  • Published
    23rd May, 2023

HEALTH

Arsenic Consumption

In a recent study it has been found that even low levels of ‘arsenic consumption’ may impact cognitive function in children, adolescents, and young adults.

About: Arsenic

  • Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form.
  • Arsenic exposure is a serious public health concern due to its toxic nature.
  • Arsenic can enter the body through various routes, but one of the major sources of exposure is through contaminated drinking water.
  • Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic, mainly through drinking-water and food, can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning. Skin lesions and skin cancer are the most characteristic effects.
  • Arsenic exposure through inhalation of contaminated air is relatively rare and usually associated with occupational settings or specific environmental incidents.
  • Ingestion of contaminated water or food is the most common route of arsenic exposure for the general population.
  • While arsenic is a naturally occurring element and has some industrial applications, it is not considered beneficial or essential for human health.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Radiometric Dating

Scientists have suggested using Calcium-41 for Radiometric Dating as an alternative to Carbon-14 for determining the age of fossilized bones and rocks.

About: Calcium-41 for Radiometric Dating

  • Calcium-41 (Ca-41) is a radioactive isotope of calcium that can be used in radiometric dating methods. It undergoes radioactive decay and transforms into Argon-40 (Ar-40) over time.
  • The ratio of Ca-41 to Ar-40 in a sample can be measured, and by knowing the half-life of Ca-41, the age of the sample can be determined.
  • Ca-41 dating is not commonly employed in dating methods involving carbon-based materials like charcoal and bone, as mentioned in option D. Carbon dating methods, which rely on the decay of Carbon-14 (C-14), are specifically designed for dating organic materials. Therefore, option D is incorrect.
  • In summary, Calcium-41 (Ca-41) decays into Argon-40 (Ar-40), and the ratio of Ca-41 to Ar-40 can be used to calculate the age of rocks and minerals.
  • It is not suitable for dating organic materials, has a half-life of approximately 100,000 years, and is commonly applied in geological dating rather than carbon-based dating methods.
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