ICSC 0013 - ARSENIC

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ARSENIC

ICSC: 0013
_{October 1999}

Grey arsenic

CAS No: 7440-38-2
RTECS No: CG0525000
UN No: 1558
EC No: 033-001-00-X

As
Atomic mass: 74.9

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames. NO contact with strong oxidizers. NO contact with hot surfaces.	Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion is slight when exposed to hot surfaces or flames in the form of fine powder or dust.	Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. Shortness of breath. Weakness. See Ingestion.	Closed system and ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes	Redness.	Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Shock or collapse. Unconsciousness.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.	T Symbol N Symbol R: 23/25-50/53 S: (1/2-)20/21-28-45-60-61 UN Hazard Class: 6.1 UN Pack Group: II	Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Marine pollutant.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT5-II	Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halogens, food and feedstuffs. Well closed.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
ODOURLESS, BRITTLE, GREY, METALLIC-LOOKING CRYSTALS.

Chemical dangers
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts violently with strong oxidants and halogens, causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with acids to produce toxic arsine gas (see: ICSC 0222).

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.01 mg/m³ as TWA; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: Carcinogen category: 1; Germ cell mutagen group: 3A; (DFG 2004).

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly, when dispersed.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, central nervous system and kidneys, resulting in severe gastroenteritis, loss of fluid, and electrolytes, cardiac disorders, shock, convulsions and kidney impairment. Exposure above the OEL may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the mucous membranes, skin, peripheral nervous system, liver and bone marrow, resulting in pigmentation disorders, hyperkeratosis, perforation of nasal septum, neuropathy, liver impairment, anaemia. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES	ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Sublimation point: 613°C Density: 5.7 g/cm³ Solubility in water: none	The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised that this substance does not enter the environment.

NOTES

The substance is combustible but no flash point is available in literature.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Refer also to cards for specific arsenic compounds, e.g., Arsenic pentoxide (ICSC 0377), Arsenic trichloride (ICSC 0221), Arsenic trioxide (ICSC 0378), Arsine (ICSC 0222).
Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response. Card has been partly updated in October 2005 in section Effects of long-term or repeated exposure.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004

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