49.8k views
4 votes
How many milligrams of arsenic would be a typical amount in a 60.-kg adult?

1 Answer

4 votes
Hello!

The typical amount of arsenic in a 60 kg adult would be 15,6 milligrams.

To calculate that number, we take the data that the fraction of mass of arsenic in the human body is 260*10⁻⁹ and we apply the following conversion factor.


60 kg* (260* 10^(-9) kg Arsenic)/(1kg)* (1000000mg)/(1g)=15,6mg

Arsenic is a dangerous element for health, but in very small amounts is one of the essential elements of life. It is incorporated into the body through the eating of meat and especially fish and crustaceans.

Have a nice day!
User Nilesh Dhangare
by
5.8k points