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Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As)

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Synonyms & Trade Names
Arsenia, Arsenic metal [Note: OSHA considers "Inorganic Arsenic" to mean copper acetoarsenite and all inorganic compounds containing arsenic except ARSINE.]
CAS No.
7440-38-2 (metal)
RTECS No.
CG0525000 (metal)
DOT ID & Guide
1558 152(metal)
1562 152(dust)
Formula
As (metal)
Conversion
IDLH
Ca [5 mg/m3 (as As)]
See: 7440382
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca C 0.002 mg/m3 [15-minute] See Appendix A
OSHA PEL
[1910.1018] TWA 0.010 mg/m3
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7300 , 7301 , 7303 , 7900 , 9102;
OSHA ID105
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Metal: Silver-gray or tin-white, brittle, odorless solid.
Molecular Weight
74.9
Boiling Point
Sublimes
Melting Point
1135°F (Sublimes)
Solubility
Insoluble
Vapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)
Ionization Potential
NA
Specific Gravity
5.73 (metal)
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Metal: Noncombustible Solid in bulk form, but a slight explosion hazard in the form of dust when exposed to flame.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, bromine azide [Note: Hydrogen gas can react with inorganic arsenic to form the highly toxic gas arsine.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms
Ulceration of nasal septum, dermatitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, peripheral neuropathy, resp irritation, hyperpigmentation of skin, [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, lymphatic system
Cancer Site
[lung & lymphatic cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated/Daily
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

(See Appendix E)

NIOSH

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0013   MEDICAL TESTS: 0017
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health