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NIOSH

ARSENIC TRIOXIDE

ICSC: 0378

Arsenic(III)oxide
Arsenous oxide anhydride
White arsenic
Arsenous acid anhydride
As2O3
Molecular mass: 197.8
ICSC # 0378 		CAS # 1327-53-3
RTECS # CG3325000
UN # 1561
EC # 033-003-00-0
September 04, 1997 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Shortness of breath. Chest pain. Headache. Sore throat. Dizziness. Weakness. (See Ingestion). Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Dry skin. Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns. Conjunctivitis.
Safety goggles 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 Burning sensation. Vomiting. Nausea. Abdominal pain. Abdominal cramps. Diarrhoea. Muscular cramps. Shock. Death.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Vacuum spilled material. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Separated from food and feedstuffs , strong reducing agents .
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant.
Note: E
T+ symbol
N symbol
R: 45-28-34-50/53
S: 53-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0378 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

ARSENIC TRIOXIDE

ICSC: 0378

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE OR TRANSPARENT LUMPS OR CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The solution in water is a weak acid which may react with reducing substances producing very toxic gas (arsine - see ICSC 0222).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as As) 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.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the blood,cardiovascular system,nervous systemandliver. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed (see Notes). 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 respiratory tract, skin (hyperkeratosis), bone marrow (hematopoietic changes), cardiovascular system, nervous system and liver , resulting in anaemia and impaired functions. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Sublimation point: 193°C
Melting point: 275-313°C
Relative density (water = 1): 3.7-4.2
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 1.2-3.7

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to birds, fish and mammals.

N O T E S

Physical properties depend on crystalline form of the substance. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The symptoms of acute poisoning appear 1/2 to 1 hour after the exposure but may be delayed many hours. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Do NOT take working clothes home. The recommendations on this Card also apply to inorganic trivalent arsenic compounds (arsenites). Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT5-II
NFPA Code: H3; F0; R2;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0378 ARSENIC TRIOXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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