Common Name: Arsenic
CAS Number: 7440-38-2
DOT Number: UN 1558
Date: November, 1986
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Arsenic can affect you when breathed in and may enter through
the skin.
* Arsenic is a CARCINOGEN//HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* It may damage the developing fetus.
* Skin contact can cause burning, itching, thickening and color
changes.
* High or repeated exposure can damage nerves, with "pins and
needles," numbness, and weakness of arms and legs as well as
poor appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, nose ulcers,
hoarseness, or damage to the liver, blood vessels, or red
blood cells.
* Arsenic near acid or acid mist can release a VERY DEADLY gas,
Arsine.
IDENTIFICATION
Arsenic is a silver-gray brittle, crystalline solid. It also exists
in black and yellow amorphous forms. It is used as an alloying
agent for heavy metals, in special solders and in medicine.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Arsenic is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, IARC, DOT and
other authorities.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is a CARCINOGEN.
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.
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WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
0.01 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.002 mg/m3,
not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 mg/m3
averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
* 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 is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level
of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced
to the lowest possible level.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* A regulated, marked area should be established where Arsenic
is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Arsenic 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 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:
* Skin contact can cause burning, itching and a rash.
* Breathing Arsenic, such as in liquid spray or powder form, can
cause nose and throat irritation.
* Eye contact can cause red, watery eyes and 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 and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* Arsenic is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause
skin and lung cancer.
* Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a CARCINOGEN. Such substances may also have the potential for
causing reproductive damage in humans.
Reproductive Hazard
* Arsenic may damage the developing fetus.
* Arsenic should be handled as a potential teratogenic agent
since some 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.
* Repeated exposure can also damage the liver, cause narrowing
of the blood vessels, or interfere with the bone marrow's
ability to make red blood cells.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
Before first exposure and every 6 to 12 months thereafter, a
medical history and exam is recommended, including:
* Exam of the nose, skin, eyes, nails, nervous system.
* Test for urine Arsenic (may not be accurate within 2 days of
eating shellfish or fish; most accurate at the end of a
workday) should not be greater than 100 micrograms per gram
creatinine in the urine.
After suspected overexposure, repeat these tests and consider
complete blood count and liver function tests. Also examine your
skin periodically for abnormal growths. Skin cancer from Arsenic
can be 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 in the presence of acid or acid mist may release a
VERY DEADLY gas called Arsine.
* Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung
cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may
worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure.
Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will
reduce your risk of developing health problems.
Conditions Made Worse By Exposure
Many scientist 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 calc al
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 from drums or
other storage containers to process containers.
* 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 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.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Arsenic at
the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has
occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Arsenic 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. 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.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Arsenic you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
* Arsenic must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such
as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and
NITRATES) and STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and
NITRIC) since violent reactions occur.
* A regulated area should be established where Arsenic is
handled, used, or stored.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well-ventilated
area away from FOOD and COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.
Common Name: Arsenic
DOT Number: UN 1558
DOT Emergency Guide code: 53
CAS Number: 7440-38-2
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY Not Found
REACTIVITY Not Found
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POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE
CARCINOGEN
-----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED 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 is spilled, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill until clean-up is complete.
* 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 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.
==========================================
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 soap and 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
Vapor Pressure: 1 mm Hg at 372oF
Water Solubility: Insoluble
OTHER NAMES AND FORMULATIONS
Arsenicals; Colloidal Arsenic; Metallic Arsenic.
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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 Project
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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