ARSENIC TRICHLORIDE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
0 3 0	Health	3	Can cause serious or permanent injury.
	Flammability	0	Will not burn under typical fire conditions.
	Instability	0	Normally stable, even under fire conditions.
	Special

A colorless to yellow oily fuming liquid. It is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Very toxic by inhalation and ingestion.

• Water-Reactive
• Air-Reactive

Fumes in air. Reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid and As(OH)3.

When in contact with active metals such as arsenic, iron, aluminum, zinc, or when heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of arsenic. Upon contact with water hydrogen chloride is produced. Water causes it to decompose to yield arsenic acid and hydrochloric acid. Avoid active metals such as arsenic, iron, aluminum, zinc, decomposed by water to form arsenic hydroxide and hydrogen chloride. Avoid air, ultraviolet light. Hazardous polymerization may not occur. (EPA, 1998)

It can cause death. In acute exposures, it is extremely toxic and caustic, owing not only to the poisonous nature of arsenic, but also to the release of hydrochloric acid in the presence of water. Exposure to the skin causes local irritation and blisters. Inhalation or ingestion causes hemorrhagic gastroenteritis resulting in loss of fluids and electrolytes, collapse, shock and death. Chronic poisoning can lead to peripheral nerve damage, skin conditions, liver damage and it has been implicated in the induction of skin and lung cancer. The fatal human dose is 70-180 mg depending on the weight of the victim. (EPA, 1998)

When ARSENIC TRICHLORIDE is heated to decomposition or on contact with mineral acids, it emits highly toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride and of metallic arsenic. Explodes with Na, K, and Al on impact [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 275]. The interaction of hexafluoroisopropylideneaminolithium with a range of chlorinated and /or fluorinated derivatives of arsenic, boron, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur yielded a violently exothermic reaction.

• Acyl Halides, Sulfonyl Halides, and Chloroformates
• Halogenating Agents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1560 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.

This compound is not flammable. Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)

Safety goggles and face shield; acid-type canister gas mask; rubber gloves; protective clothing. (USCG, 1999)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Arsenic (III) chloride	7784-34-1	Liquid					32*/38	32*/38
Arsenic trichloride	7784-34-1	Liquid					32*/38	32*/38

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(DuPont, 2023)

Warning: Effects usually appear within 30 minutes of exposure but may be delayed for several hours. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Arsenous Trichloride Exposure: Dehydration, intense thirst, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea are among the first signs and symptoms of acute arsenous trichloride exposure. Hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate) are common. Headache, conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eyes), runny nose, and lacrimation (tearing) may also be seen. Garlic odor to the breath and feces may be noted. Cardiovascular signs include shock, ventricular fibrillation, tachycardia, and other cardiac abnormalities. Pulmonary edema may occur. Altered mental status, seizures, and delirium are further complications of acute arsenous trichloride exposure. Intense muscular cramping is common. Contact with airborne dust can result in the release of hydrochloric acid and is generally accompanied by irritation of exposed skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to arsenous trichloride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to arsenous trichloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to arsenous trichloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. DO NOT induce vomiting.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
6. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
7. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• ARSENIC BUTTER
• ARSENIC TRICHLORIDE
• ARSENIC TRICHLORIDE, LIQUID
• ARSENIC TRICHLORIDE, [LIQUID]
• ARSENIC(III) CHLORIDE
• ARSENIC(III) TRICHLORIDE
• ARSENIOUS CHLORIDE
• ARSENOUS CHLORIDE
• ARSENOUS TRICHLORIDE
• BUTTER OF ARSENIC
• CAUSTIC ARSENIC CHLORIDE
• CAUSTIC OIL OF ARSENIC
• FUMING LIQUID ARSENIC
• TRICHLOROARSINE