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Bismuth
Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate)
Bismuth compounds have been prescribed for indigestion and stomach complains for well over 200 years. No-one is absolutely sure how they work. Somehow they protect the gastric lining against attach and may also reduce the activity of certain digestive enzymes. As the ready availability of Pepto-Bismol over the counter demonstrates, bismuth is a marked exception to the rule that heavy metals are toxic.
The largest deposits of bismuth are found in Bolivia, although bismuth is usually obtained as a by-product of mining and refining lead, copper, tin, silver and gold.
Bismuth is usually mixed with other metals, such as lead, tin, iron or cadmium to form low-melting alloys. These alloys are used in such things as automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire detection systems and electrical fuses.
Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), a bismuth compound, is used as a yellow pigment in paints and cosmetics, and Bismuth oxide is used to add the pearl effect in nail varnish and lipstick.
Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) is used to make a pigment known as bismuth white. Bismuth carbonate (Bi2(CO3)3) is used to treat diarrhea and gastric ulcers.