Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Inorganic Chemicals > Elements > Chalcogens Terms and Definitions

Chalcogens

	Oxygen - An element with atomic symbol O, atomic number 8, and atomic weight 16. It is the most abundant element on earth and essential for respiration.
	Polonium - Polonium. A radioactive element that is a member of the chalcogen family. It has the atomic symbol Po, atomic number 84, and the atomic weight of the isotope with the longest half-life (209Po) is 208.98. It decays by alpha-emission.
	Selenium - An element with the atomic symbol Se, atomic number 34, and atomic weight 78.96. It is an essential micronutrient for mammals and other animals but is toxic in large amounts. Selenium protects intracellular structures against oxidative damage. It is an essential component of GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE.
	Sulfur - An element that is a member of the chalcogen family. It has an atomic symbol S, atomic number 16, and atomic weight 32.066. It is found in the amino acids cysteine and methionine.
	Tellurium - Tellurium. An element that is a member of the chalcogen family. It has the atomic symbol Te, atomic number 52, and atomic weight 127.60. It has been used as a coloring agent and in the manufacture of electrical equipment. Exposure may cause nausea, vomiting, and CNS depression.

Chalcogens Medical Definitions and Terms