Common Name: Arsenic Trichloride
CAS Number: 7784-34-1
DOT Number: UN 1560
Date: August 1, 1987
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Arsenic Trichloride can affect you when breathed in and can
rapidly enter the body through the skin.
* Arsenic Trichloride should be handled as a CARCINOGEN//WITH
EXTREME CAUTION.
* Contact can cause an itching rash.
* Exposure can irritate the nose, throat and lungs.
* High or repeated exposures can cause nerve damage.
* High or repeated exposures, even by skin contact, can cause
poor appetite, nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting, diarrhea
and even death.
* Arsine, a VERY DEADLY GAS, is released in the presence of acid
or acid mist.
IDENTIFICATION
Arsenic Trichloride is a colorless or pale yellow, oily liquid. It
is used to make other Arsenic compounds such as pharmaceuticals,
pesticides and ceramics.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Arsenic Trichloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because
it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH 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 com-pounds as Arsenic.
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.
* 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 Trichloride 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
Trichloride is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Arsenic
Trichloride 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 Trichloride 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.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Arsenic Trichloride:
* Skin contact can cause burning, itching and SEVERE SKIN BURNS.
* Breathing Arsenic Trichloride, especially in liquid spray or
powder form, can cause severe nose, throat and airway
irritation.
* Eye contact can cause red, watery eyes and severe irritation.
* High exposures can cause poor appetite, nausea, vomiting and
muscle cramps. Heart effects with an abnormal EKG can also
occur with very high exposures.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Arsenic Trichloride and can last for months
or years:
Cancer Hazard
* Arsenic Trichloride may cause mutations (genetic changes) in
living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or reproductive
hazard needs further study.
* While Arsenic Trichloride has not been identified as a
carcinogen, Arsenic and certain Arsenic compounds have been
determined to be human carcinogens. Arsenic Trichloride should
therefore be handled with extreme caution. Reproductive Hazard
* Arsenic Trichloride should be handled as a potential
teratogenic agent, since several related Arsenic compounds are
known teratogens.
Other Long-Term Effects
* Long-term exposure can cause an ulcer or hole to develop in
the bone dividing the inner nose. Hoarseness and sore eyes
also occur.
* It is not known if lung damage occurs, but many highly
irritating substances can damage airways.
* 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 are recommended:
* Exam of the nose, skin, eyes, nails and nervous system.
* Consider lung function testing.
* 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
p er 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. Arsenic Trichloride in the presence of acid or
acid mist may release a VERY DEADLY gas called Arsine.
Conditions Made Worse By Exposures
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 pump liquid Arsenic Trichloride
from drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical
by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA standard: 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
Trichloride 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
Trichloride.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with Arsenic Trichloride, immediately wash or
shower to remove the chemical.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Arsenic Trichloride is
handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be
swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
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 Trichloride. 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 Trichloride
DOT Number: UN 1560
DOT Emergency Guide code: 55
CAS Number: 7784-34-1
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY Not Found
REACTIVITY Not Found
----------------------------------------
DOES NOT BURN
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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 Trichloride itself does not burn.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Arsenic and
Chloride.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Arsenic Trichloride is spilled or leaked, take the following
steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until clean-up is complete.
* Ventilate area of spill or leak.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Arsenic
Trichloride 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 Trichloride you should be
trained on its proper handling and storage.
* Arsenic Trichloride must be stored to avoid contact with
SODIUM, POTASSIUM and POWDERED ALUMINUM since violent
reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from HEAT and WATER.
* A regulated, marked area should be established where Arsenic
Trichloride is handled, used, or stored.
FIRST AID
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue
without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting
upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 10 mm Hg at 74.3oF
Water Solubility: Decomposes in water
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Arsenic Trichloride
Other Names and Formulations:
Arsenous Chloride; Arsenous Trichloride; Trichloroarsine; Butter of
Arsenic.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
------------------------------------------
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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