Boron. Boron (B) is a metalloid. Its atomic number is 5 and its atomic mass is 10.81. It is located in the p block and its configuration is [He] 2s2 2p1. Boron was discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy and J.L Gay-Lussac. Boron is a solid at room temperature. Humans can be exposed to Boron through fruits, vegetables, water, air, and consumer products.We generally take in 18 mg of Boron per week If a human takes in large amounts of Boron the element can affect the kidneys, liver, stomach, and brain which could eventually lead to death. Boron occurs naturally in the environment due to the relase in air, water, and soil through weathering.
Polonium. Polonium (Po) is also a metalloid. Its atomic number is 84 and its atomic mass is (209). It is also located in the p block and its configuration is [Xe]6s2 5d10 6p4. Polonium was discovered in 1898 by Pierre and Marie Curie. Polonium is a solid at room temperature. Polonium -210 is the only component in cigarette smoke that has caused cancer. Polonium also occurs naturally it has become much more available fot entering into water, food, living cells and tissue since the mining boom.
