Thursday, March 28, 2024
 
Click HERE to sign up to receive Eye On Sun Valley's Daily News Email
 
‘The Poison of Kings’ Has a Fascinating History
Loading
   
Sunday, November 14, 2021
 

BY KAREN BOSSICK

Delve into the history of arsenic, often called “the poison of kings,” when the Hailey Public Library hosts the second in a series called “Pick Your Poison.”

Forensic chemist Cat Helms will take a fun, entertaining look at the history and many uses of arsenic in a virtual talk at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18.

RSVP to kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org to tune in.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that has been used in agricultural insecticides, wood preservatives, bullets, artist paint and even chicken feed,” said Kristin Fletcher, the library’s programs and engagement manager.

Breathing in high levels can cause a sore throat and irritated lungs, while swallowing high levels  can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, cramping and skin rashes.

“It’s classified as ‘toxic’ by most countries but, interestingly, the symptoms of arsenic poisoning are not very specific,” said Fletcher. “Kings of yore used that fact to their advantage to knock off the competition.”

Helms has degrees in psychology from Vanderbilt University and in Forensic Chemistry from Virginia Common University where she served as the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory manager. She received a Master of Science degree in Molecular Medicine from the University of Virginia-Charlottesville.

She currently owns Cat Academy Tutoring, providing local academic support to middle and high school students in math and science.


 

~  Today's Topics ~


Lou Whittaker Leaves Behind a Legacy of Mountaineering and Storytelling

Free Range Poetry Society to Hold Second Gathering Tonight

Easter Bunny to Begin Hopping Friday
 
 

 

 

 
Website problems? Contact:
Michael Hobbs
General Manager /Webmaster
Mike@EyeOnSunValley.com
 
Got a story? Contact:
Karen Bossick
Editor in Chief
(208) 578-2111
Karen@EyeOnSunValley.com
 
 
Advertising /Marketing /Public Relations
Leisa Hollister
Chief Marketing Officer
(208) 450-9993
leisahollister@gmail.com
 
Brandi Huizar
Account Executive
(208) 329-2050
brandi@eyeonsunvalley.com
 
 
ABOUT US
EyeOnSunValley.com is the largest online daily news media service in The Wood River Valley, publishing 7 days a week. Our website publication features current news articles, feature stories, local sports articles and video content articles. The Eye On Sun Valley Show is a weekly primetime television show focusing on highlighted news stories of the week airing Monday-Sunday, COX Channel 13. See our interactive Kiosks around town throughout the Wood River Valley!
 
info@eyeonsunvalley.com      Press Releases only
 
P: 208.720.8212
P.O. Box 1453 Ketchum, ID  83340
LOGIN

© Copyright 2023 Eye on Sun Valley