weakness, headache, constipation, stomach pain, etc.
All of this. unpleasant though it may be, is nothing
compared to the fact that brain damage may also be
occurring. About 25% of all those who incur brain
damage as a result of lead poisoning die as a result
of it. Most of those who survive show permanent mental
deterioration. Even less severe cases require one

or more years for complete recovery.

Lead, however, is a known threat, and hence perhaps
less dangerous than some of the other materials used,
but not recognized as toxic. Arsenic and barium
compounds (discussed below) are also known dangers.

Areente triortde is the commonest form of arsenic

used in ceramics and is certainly one of the most
dangerous materials ever found in a pot shop. Most
literature on the subject of arsenic poisoning refers
to criminal or suicidal usage or accidental poisoning
from commercial rodent poisons. Arsenic is occasionally
used medicinally as in the treatment of amoebic
dysentery. Under these conditions, a certain immunity
can be established. Personal tolerance to arsenic
varies radically, but as little as 0.12 grams has been
known to be fatal.

Symptoms of acute poisoning from inhaled arsenic begin
with headaches and chest pains (particularly around the
heart). After that, symptoms, regardless of manner of
intake, are much the same. When taken internally, there
is usually a three to four hour delay before any symptoms
are noticed. After that period, vomiting, severe
diarrhea, and nausea begin leading to eventual collapse,
coma, and often death. If inhaled, these are accompanied
by a severe foamy cough,

Chronic poisoning produces serious and lasting effects
including anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney
damage. Patients who survive as long as one week

usually recover after a period of six or more months.

Antimony trioxide (Sb .0 4) produces symptoms and results
similar to arsenic in mist ways. Although fatalities
are rare, one and a half to three grams may be fatal.
As with arsenic, recovery is slow. Acute poisoning has
lasting effects due to hemorrhages in liver and kidney

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