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NIOSH

ARSENIC

ICSC: 0013

Grey arsenic
As
Atomic mass: 74.9
ICSC # 0013 		CAS # 7440-38-2
RTECS # CG0525000
UN # 1558
EC # 033-001-00-X
October 18, 1999 Validated

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

STORAGE

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.
Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halogens, food and feedstuffs. Well closed.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant.
T symbol
N symbol
R: 23/25-50/53
S: 1/2-20/21-28-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0013 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

ICSC: 0013

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS, BRITTLE, GREY, METALLIC-LOOKING CRYSTALS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


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:
OSHA PEL: 1910.1018 TWA 0.010 mg/m3
NIOSH REL: Ca C 0.002 mg/m3 15-minute See Appendix A
NIOSH IDLH: Ca 5 mg/m3 (as As) See: 7440382
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

Sublimation point: 613°C
Density: 5.7
g/cm3
Solubility in water:
none

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised that this substance does not enter the environment.

N O T E S

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.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT5-II

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0013 ARSENIC
(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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