Common Name: Arsenic CAS Number: 7440-38-2 DOT Number: UN 1558 Date: November, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Arsenic can affect you when breathed in and may enter through the skin. * Arsenic is a CARCINOGEN//HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * It may damage the developing fetus. * Skin contact can cause burning, itching, thickening and color changes. * High or repeated exposure can damage nerves, with "pins and needles," numbness, and weakness of arms and legs as well as poor appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, nose ulcers, hoarseness, or damage to the liver, blood vessels, or red blood cells. * Arsenic near acid or acid mist can release a VERY DEADLY gas, Arsine. IDENTIFICATION Arsenic is a silver-gray brittle, crystalline solid. It also exists in black and yellow amorphous forms. It is used as an alloying agent for heavy metals, in special solders and in medicine. REASON FOR CITATION * Arsenic is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, IARC, DOT and other authorities. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. ----------------------------------------- WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.01 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.002 mg/m3, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. * Arsenic is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * A regulated, marked area should be established where Arsenic is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Arsenic and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Arsenic to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Arsenic: * Skin contact can cause burning, itching and a rash. * Breathing Arsenic, such as in liquid spray or powder form, can cause nose and throat irritation. * Eye contact can cause red, watery eyes and irritation. * High exposures can cause poor appetite, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps. * Heart effects with an abnormal EKG can also occur with very high exposures. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Arsenic and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Arsenic is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause skin and lung cancer. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a CARCINOGEN. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * Arsenic may damage the developing fetus. * Arsenic should be handled as a potential teratogenic agent since some Arsenic compounds are known teratogens. Other Long-Term Effects * Long-term exposure can cause an ulcer or hole in the "bone" dividing the inner nose. Hoarseness and sore eyes also occur. * High or repeated exposure can cause nerve damage, with "pins and needles," burning, numbness, and later weakness of arms and legs. * Repeated skin contact can cause thickened skin and/or patchy areas of darkening and loss of pigment. Some persons develop white lines on the nails. * Repeated exposure can also damage the liver, cause narrowing of the blood vessels, or interfere with the bone marrow's ability to make red blood cells. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before first exposure and every 6 to 12 months thereafter, a medical history and exam is recommended, including: * Exam of the nose, skin, eyes, nails, nervous system. * Test for urine Arsenic (may not be accurate within 2 days of eating shellfish or fish; most accurate at the end of a workday) should not be greater than 100 micrograms per gram creatinine in the urine. After suspected overexposure, repeat these tests and consider complete blood count and liver function tests. Also examine your skin periodically for abnormal growths. Skin cancer from Arsenic can be easily cured when detected early. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures * Arsenic in the presence of acid or acid mist may release a VERY DEADLY gas called Arsine. * Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Many scientist believe that skin changes such as thickening and pigment changes make those skin areas more likely to develop skin cancer. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of calc al release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Arsenic from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Inorganic Arsenic # 75-149. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Arsenic should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Arsenic. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Arsenic at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Arsenic is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. Do not dry sweep. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Arsenic. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. Respiratory Protection * IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self- contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Arsenic you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Arsenic must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) and STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) since violent reactions occur. * A regulated area should be established where Arsenic is handled, used, or stored. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well-ventilated area away from FOOD and COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. Common Name: Arsenic DOT Number: UN 1558 DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 7440-38-2 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CARCINOGEN ----------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Arsenic is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Arsenic as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. Antidotes and Special Procedures * For severe poisoning BAL has been used. For milder poisoning Penicillamine (not penicillin) has been used, both with mixed success. Side effects occur with such treatment and it is NEVER a substitute for controlling exposure. It can only be done under strict medical care. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 1 mm Hg at 372oF Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER NAMES AND FORMULATIONS Arsenicals; Colloidal Arsenic; Metallic Arsenic. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Project CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 (609) 984-2202 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Arsenic is a naturally occurring element which is used to make glass, cloth, and electrical semiconductors. It is also commonly used in fungicides, wood preservatives, growth stimulants for plants and animals, and in veterinary uses. Arsenic enters the environment mainly from its use as a pesticide and from emissions from coal-fueled power plants. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Arsenic metabolism and effects are significantly influenced by the animal/plant tested, the route of administration, the physical and chemical form of the arsenical, and the dose. Inorganic arsenic compounds are more toxic than organic arsenic compounds. Arsenic has high acute toxicity to aquatic life, birds, and land animals. Except where soil arsenic content is high (around smelters and where arsenic-based pesticides have been used heavily), arsenic does not accumulate in plants to toxic levels. Where soil arsenic content is high, growth and crop yields can be decreased. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Arsenic has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life, and moderate chronic toxicity to birds and land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Arsenic and its salts have low solubility in water. Concentrations of less than 1 milligram will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Arsenic is highly persistent in water, with a half-life of more than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of arsenic found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of arsenic in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA; FWS Biological Rpt 85(1.12); EPA rpt #EPA- 450/5-85-002.