Common Name: Arsenic Acid
CAS Number: 7778-39-4
DOT Number: UN 1554 Solid
Date: August 1, 1987
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Arsenic Acid can affect you when breathed in. Some Arsenic
Acid may also enter the body through the skin.
* Arsenic Acid should be handled as a CARCINOGEN//WITH EXTREME
CAUTION.
* Skin contact can cause burning, itching, thickened skin and
color changes.
* Exposure can irritate the nose and throat, and cause ulcers in
the nose.
* High or repeated exposures can cause nerve damage, with "pins
and needles", numbness and weakness of arms and legs; poor
appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and even
death.
* Arsine, a VERY DEADLY gas is released in the presence of acid
or acid mist.
IDENTIFICATION
Arsenic Acid is a white semi-transparent crystal (sugar or sand-
like) material. It is used as a wood treatment, drying agent, soil
sterilant and to make other Arsenates.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Arsenic Acid is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH and DOT.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air
samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your
employer. You have a legal right to this information under
OSHA 1910. 20.
* If you think you are experiencing any work-related health
problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.
-----------------------------------------
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
0.01 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift for Arsenic
and compounds as Arsenic, inorganic.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.002 mg/m3,
which should not be exceeded during any 15 minute work
period for Arsenic, inorganic.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 mg/m3
averaged over an 8-hour workshift for Arsenic and soluble
compounds.
* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air
levels are less than the limits listed above.
* Arsenic Acid may cause mutations. All contact with this
chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* A regulated, marked area should be established where Arsenic
Acid is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Arsenic Acid and
at the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Arsenic Acid to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Arsenic Acid:
* Arsenic Acid may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living
cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or reproductive hazard
needs further study.
* While Arsenic Acid has not been identified as a carcinogen,
Arsenic and certain Arsenic compounds have been determined to
be human carcinogens. Arsenic Acid should therefore be handled
with extreme caution.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Arsenic Acid and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* Arsenic Acid may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living
cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or reproductive hazard
needs further study.
* While Arsenic Acid has not been identified as a carcinogen,
Arsenic and certain Arsenic compounds have been determined to
be human carcinogens. Arsenic Acid should therefore be handled
with extreme caution. Reproductive Hazard
* Arsenic Acid should be handled as a potential teratogenic
agent since some related Arsenic compounds are known
teratogens.
Other Long-Term Effects
* Long-term exposure can cause an ulcer or hole in the bone
dividing the inner nose. Hoarseness and sore eyes also occur.
* High or repeated exposure can cause nerve damage, with "pins
and needles", burning, numbness and later weakness of arms and
legs.
* Repeated skin contact can cause thickened skin and/or patchy
areas of darkening and loss of pigment. Some persons develop
white lines on the nails.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the
following is recommended:
* Exam of the nose, skin, eyes, nails and nervous system.
* Test for urine Arsenic. This is most accurate at the end of a
workday. Eating shellfish or fish may elevate Arsenic levels
for up to two days. At NIOSH recommended exposure levels,
urine Arsenic should not be greater than 50 to 100 micrograms
per liter of urine.
After suspected overexposure, repeat these tests. Also examine your
skin periodically for abnormal growths. Skin cancer from Arsenic is
easily cured when detected early. Any evaluation should include a
careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical
tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for
controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You
have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20.
Mixed Exposures
Arsenic Acid in the presence of acid or acid mist may release a
VERY DEADLY gas called Arsine.
Conditions Made Worse By Exposure
Many scientists believe that skin changes such as thickening and
pigment changes make those skin areas more likely to develop skin
cancer.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following controls are recommended:
* Where possible, automatically transfer Arsenic Acid from drums
or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical
by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA standard for Inorganic Arsenic
1910.1018.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this
chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document:
Inorganic Arsenic #75-149.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Arsenic Acid
should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Arsenic
Acid.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work
area for emergency use.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with Arsenic Acid, immediately wash or shower
to remove the chemical.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Arsenic Acid is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
* Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up.
Do not dry sweep.
* When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA)
filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Arsenic Acid. Wear protective gloves
and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can
provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing
material for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Eye Protection
* Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory
protection.
Respiratory Protection
* IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment
should only be used if the employer has a written program that
takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for
worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as
described in OSHA 1910.134.
* At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air
respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive
pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the
continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-
contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated
in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. Common
Name: Arsenic Acid
DOT Number: UN 1554 Solid
DOT Emergency Guide code: 53
CAS Number: 7778-39-4
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY Not Found
REACTIVITY Not Found
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POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of
surrounding fire. Arsenic Acid itself does not burn.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Arsenic.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Arsenic Acid is spilled, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill until cleanup is complete.
* Ventilate the area of spill.
* Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe
manner and deposit in sealed containers.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Arsenic Acid
as
a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the
federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific
recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Arsenic Acid you should be trained on
its proper handling and storage.
* Arsenic Acid must be stored to avoid contact with ChemicalLY
ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM and ZINC)
since violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from HEAT.
* A regulated, marked area should be established where Arsenic
Acid is handled, used, or stored.
FIRST AID
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin
Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of water. Antidotes and
Special Procedures
* For severe poisoning BAL has been used. For milder poisoning
Penicillamine (not Penicillin) has been used, both with mixed
success. Side effects occur with such treatment and it is
NEVER a substitute for controlling exposure. It can only be
done under strict medical care.
PHYSICAL DATA
Water Solubility: Soluble
OTHER NAMES AND FORMULATIONS
Arsenate; Zotox; Orthoarsenic Acid; Metaarsenic Acid.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
(609) 984-2202
------------------------------------------
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element which is used to make
glass, cloth, and electrical semiconductors. It is also commonly
used in fungicides, wood preservatives, growth stimulants for
plants and animals, and in veterinary uses. Arsenic enters the
environment mainly from its use as a pesticide and from emissions
from coal-fueled power plants.
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Arsenic metabolism and effects are significantly influenced by the
animal/plant tested, the route of administration, the physical and
chemical form of the arsenical, and the dose. Inorganic arsenic
compounds are more toxic than organic arsenic compounds.
Arsenic has high acute toxicity to aquatic life, birds, and land
animals. Except where soil arsenic content is high (around
smelters and where arsenic-based pesticides have been used
heavily), arsenic does not accumulate in plants to toxic levels.
Where soil arsenic content is high, growth and crop yields can be
decreased.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Arsenic has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life, and moderate
chronic toxicity to birds and land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Arsenic and its salts have low solubility in water. Concentrations
of less than 1 milligram will mix with a liter of water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Arsenic is highly persistent in water, with a half-life of more
than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time
it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded.
BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.
The concentration of arsenic found in fish tissues is expected to
be somewhat higher than the average concentration of arsenic in the
water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA; FWS
Biological Rpt 85(1.12); EPA rpt #EPA-
450/5-85-002
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