Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As)
Synonyms & Trade Names
Arsenia, Arsenic metal [Note: OSHA considers "Inorganic Arsenic" to mean copper acetoarsenite and all inorganic compounds containing arsenic except ARSINE.]Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca C 0.002 mg/m3 [15-minute] See Appendix AOSHA PEL
[1910.1018] TWA 0.010 mg/m3Physical Description
Metal: Silver-gray or tin-white, brittle, odorless solid.Molecular Weight
74.9Boiling Point
SublimesMelting Point
1135°F (Sublimes)Solubility
InsolubleVapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)Ionization Potential
NASpecific Gravity
5.73 (metal)Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NAIncompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, bromine azide [Note: Hydrogen gas can react with inorganic arsenic to form the highly toxic gas arsine.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact, ingestionSymptoms
Ulceration of nasal septum, dermatitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, peripheral neuropathy, resp irritation, hyperpigmentation of skin, [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
Liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, lymphatic systemCancer Site
[lung & lymphatic cancer]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated/Daily
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division