International Chemical Safety Cards

ARSENIC PENTOXIDE ICSC: 0377
ARSENIC PENTOXIDE
Arsenic (V) oxide
Arsenic acid anhydride
Arsenic anhydride
As2O5
Molecular mass: 229.8
CAS # 1303-28-2
RTECS # CG2275000
ICSC # 0377
UN # 1559
EC # 033-004-00-6
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
  • INHALATION
    		• Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Dizziness. Weakness. Shortness of breath. Pain in chest. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes) (see Ingestion).
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness. Burning sensation. Pain.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain.
    		Safety goggles, 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
    		• Vomiting. Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Severe thirst, muscular cramps, shock (see Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
    		Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Rest. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Remove airborne particles with fine water spray. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Separated from strong bases, reducing substances, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed.
    		Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T symbol
    R: 45-23/25
    S: 53-45
    Note: E
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    UN Packing Group: II
    Marine pollutant.
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0377 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 PENTOXIDE ICSC: 0377

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     WHITE, HYGROSCOPIC POWDER.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on heating above 300░C producing toxic fumes (arsenic trioxide - see ICSC # 0378) and oxygen. The solution in water is a weak acid. Reacts violently with bromine pentafluoride causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with reducing agents, producing very toxic gas (arsine - ICSC # 0222). Attacks many metals in presence of water or moisture.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as As): ppm; 0.01 mg/m3 A1 (ACGIH 1997).
    MAK: class III A1 (1997).


    		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.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the blood, cardiovascular and peripheral nervous systems and liver. Exposure far above the OEL may result in death. The effects may be delayed (see Notes). Medical observation is indicated.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     The substance may have effects on the skin (hyperkeratosis), cardiovascular and peripheral nervous systems, bone marrow (hematopoietic changes), liver and lungs. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Melting point (decomposes): 315░C
    Density: 4.3 g/cm3
    		 Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20░C: 65.8
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to fauna and water organisms.
    N O T E S
    Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of acute poisoning do not become manifest until some hours. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Do NOT take working clothes home. The recommendations on this Card also apply to inorganic pentavalent arsenic compounds (arsenates).
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G64b
    NFPA Code: H2; F0; R0
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0377 ARSENIC PENTOXIDE
    © 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.