International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM ARSENITE ICSC: 1213
POTASSIUM ARSENITE
Arseninous acid, potassium salt
Potassium metaarsenite
KAsO2
Molecular mass: 146.02 (see Notes)
CAS # 10124-50-2
RTECS # CG3800000
ICSC # 1213
UN # 1678
EC # 033-002-00-5
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. Headache. Laboured breathing. Weakness (see Ingestion).
    		Closed system and ventilation.
    		Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain.
    		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. Vomiting. Burning sensation behind breastbone and in the mouth.
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
    		Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Do NOT wash away into sewer. Vacuum spilled material. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).
    		Separated from acids, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
    		Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T symbol
    R: 23/25
    S: (1/2-)20/21-28-45
    Note: A
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    UN Packing Group: II
    Marine pollutant.
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 1213 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

    POTASSIUM ARSENITE ICSC: 1213

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     WHITE HYGROSCOPIC POWDER.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic fumes of arsenic and potassium oxide. Reacts with acids releasing toxic arsine gas (see ICSC # 0222). Decomposes on contact with air (by atmospheric carbon dioxide) and through the skin.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as As): ppm; 0.2 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1991-1992).


    		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 by dispersing.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance and the aerosol irritate the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, digestive tract, circulatory system , resulting in severe haemorrhagic, losses of fluids and electrolytes, collapse, shock and death. Exposure at low level may result in death. The effects may be delayed.

    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 peripheral nervous system, skin, mucous membranes and liver , resulting in neuropathy, pigmentation disorders, perforation of nasal septum and cirrhosis. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Decomposes below melting point at 300░C
    		Solubility in water: good
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water. 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 compound is of somewhat variable composition; the article of commerce is of a composition corresponding to approximately KAsO2.HAsO2. Do NOT take working clothes home.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 1213 POTASSIUM ARSENITE
    © 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.