Arsine

Synonyms & Trade Names

Arsenic hydride, Arsenic trihydride, Arseniuretted hydrogen, Arsenous hydride, Hydrogen arsenide

Physical Description

Colorless gas with a mild, garlic-like odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, chlorine, nitric acid [Note: Decomposes above 446°F. There is a high potential for the generation of arsine gas when inorganic arsenic is exposed to nascent (freshly formed) hydrogen.]

Symptoms

headache, malaise (vague feeling of discomfort), lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); abdominal, back pain; nausea, vomiting; bronze skin; hematuria (blood in the urine); jaundice; peripheral neuropathy; liquid: frostbite; [potential occupational carcinogen]

Cancer Site

[lung & lymphatic cancer]

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 canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection