Common Name: Arsenic Acid CAS Number: 7778-39-4 DOT Number: UN 1554 Solid Date: August 1, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Arsenic Acid can affect you when breathed in. Some Arsenic Acid may also enter the body through the skin. * Arsenic Acid should be handled as a CARCINOGEN//WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Skin contact can cause burning, itching, thickened skin and color changes. * Exposure can irritate the nose and throat, and cause ulcers in the nose. * High or repeated exposures can cause nerve damage, with "pins and needles", numbness and weakness of arms and legs; poor appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and even death. * Arsine, a VERY DEADLY gas is released in the presence of acid or acid mist. IDENTIFICATION Arsenic Acid is a white semi-transparent crystal (sugar or sand- like) material. It is used as a wood treatment, drying agent, soil sterilant and to make other Arsenates. REASON FOR CITATION * Arsenic Acid is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH and DOT. 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 for Arsenic and compounds as Arsenic, inorganic. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.002 mg/m3, which should not be exceeded during any 15 minute work period for Arsenic, inorganic. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift for Arsenic and soluble compounds. * 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 Acid may cause mutations. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Arsenic Acid is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Arsenic Acid 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 Acid 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 Acid: * Arsenic Acid may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or reproductive hazard needs further study. * While Arsenic Acid has not been identified as a carcinogen, Arsenic and certain Arsenic compounds have been determined to be human carcinogens. Arsenic Acid should therefore be handled with extreme caution. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Arsenic Acid and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Arsenic Acid may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or reproductive hazard needs further study. * While Arsenic Acid has not been identified as a carcinogen, Arsenic and certain Arsenic compounds have been determined to be human carcinogens. Arsenic Acid should therefore be handled with extreme caution. Reproductive Hazard * Arsenic Acid should be handled as a potential teratogenic agent since some related 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. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following is recommended: * Exam of the nose, skin, eyes, nails and nervous system. * Test for urine Arsenic. This is most accurate at the end of a workday. Eating shellfish or fish may elevate Arsenic levels for up to two days. At NIOSH recommended exposure levels, urine Arsenic should not be greater than 50 to 100 micrograms per liter of urine. After suspected overexposure, repeat these tests. Also examine your skin periodically for abnormal growths. Skin cancer from Arsenic is 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 Acid in the presence of acid or acid mist may release a VERY DEADLY gas called Arsine. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Many scientists 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 chemical 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 Acid from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA standard for Inorganic Arsenic 1910.1018. * 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 Acid 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 Acid. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Arsenic Acid, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Arsenic Acid 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 Acid. 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. Common Name: Arsenic Acid DOT Number: UN 1554 Solid DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 7778-39-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Arsenic Acid itself does not burn. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Arsenic. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Arsenic Acid is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate the area of spill. * 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 Acid 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. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Arsenic Acid you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Arsenic Acid must be stored to avoid contact with ChemicalLY ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM and ZINC) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Arsenic Acid is handled, used, or stored. 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 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 Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER NAMES AND FORMULATIONS Arsenate; Zotox; Orthoarsenic Acid; Metaarsenic Acid. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program 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