International Chemical Safety Cards

ARSENIC ICSC: 0013
ARSENIC
Grey arsenic
Metallic arsenic
As
Atomic mass: 74.9
CAS # 7440-38-2
RTECS # CG0525000
ICSC # 0013
UN # 1558
EC # 033-001-00-X
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 if in the form of fine powder or dust when exposed to hot surfaces or flames.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
  • INHALATION
    		• Cough. Diarrhoea. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Vomiting. Weakness. Grey skin.
    		Closed system and ventilation.
    		Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
  • EYES
    		• Redness.
    		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
    		• Diarrhoea. Nausea. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Vomiting (further see Inhalation).
    		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. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halogens, food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
    		Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T symbol
    R: 23/25
    S: (1/2-)20/21-28-45
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    UN Packing Group: II
    Marine pollutant.
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0013 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    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 nitric acid, hot sulfuric acid. Toxic arsine gas may be formed in contact with acid or acidic substances and certain metals, such as galvanized or light metals.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: ppm; 0.01 mg/m3 (as TWA) A1 (ACGIH 1994-1995).


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     Evaporation at 20░C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the circulatory system, nervous system, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract , resulting in convulsions, kidney impairment, severe hemorrhage, losses of fluids, and electrolytes, shock and death. Exposure 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. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the mucous membranes, skin, kidneys, liver , resulting in neuropathy, pigmentation disorders, perforation of nasal septum and tissue lesions. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Sublimation point: 613░C
    Relative density (water = 1): 5.7
    		 Solubility in water: none
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment because it persists in 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 indicated. 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).
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0013 ARSENIC
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.