Chemical Datasheet
ARSENIC |
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Chemical Identifiers
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The
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include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
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| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As)
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NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A grayish metallic solid that turns black upon exposure to air. Insoluble in water. Toxic by ingestion.
Hazards
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The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Turns black on exposure to air. Insoluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Contain highly toxic arsenic trioxide and other forms of arsenic. Arsenic gas, the most dangerous form of arsenic, is produced upon contact with an acid or acid fumes.
Behavior in Fire: Burns to produce dense white fumes of highly toxic arsenic trioxide. (USCG, 1999)
Behavior in Fire: Burns to produce dense white fumes of highly toxic arsenic trioxide. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Poisonous by inhalation of dust or by ingestion. Regardless of exposure route, symptoms in most cases are characteristic of severe gastritis or gastroenteritis. All chemical forms of arsenic eventually produce similar toxic effects. Symptoms may be delayed. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
ARSENIC reacts incandescently with bromine trifluoride, even at 10°C [Mellor 2:113 1946-47]. Causes bromoazide to explode upon contact. Ignites if ground up together with solid potassium permanganate [Mellor 12:322 1946-47]. Is oxidized by sodium peroxide with incandescence [Mellor 2:490-93 1946-47]. A combination of finely divided arsenic with finely divided bromates (also chlorates and iodates) of barium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, or zinc can explode by heat, percussion, and friction [Mellor 2:310 1946-47]. Bromine pentafluoride reacts readily in the cold with arsenic. Ignition usually occurs. Reacts vigorously with fluorine at ordinary temperatures [Mellor 9:34 1946-47].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
No information available.
Response Recommendations
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The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 152 [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:
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: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
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: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 152 [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 152 [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As):
Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Wash skin:
• WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
• DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc.
Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)
:Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Wash skin:
• WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
• DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc.
Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As):
Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin: SOAP WASH IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024)
:Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin: SOAP WASH IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024)
Physical Properties
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The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
1135°F
(Sublimes)
(NIOSH, 2024)
Vapor Pressure:
0 mmHg
(approx)
(NIOSH, 2024)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
5.727
at 77°F
(USCG, 1999)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
1135°F
at 760 mmHg
(sublimes)
(USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight:
74.9216
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility:
Insoluble
(NIOSH, 2024)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH:
5 mg As/m3
; A potential occupational carcinogen.
(NIOSH, 2024)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic (7440-38-2) | 1.5 mg/m3 | 17 mg/m3 | 100 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
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The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic †† | 7440-38-2 | 1 pound | 313 | ||||
| Arsenic Compounds | N020 | & | 313 |
- †† indicates that no reporting of releases of this CERCLA hazardous substance is required under CERCLA if the diameter of the pieces of the solid metal released is larger than 100 micrometers (0.004 inches).
- & indicates that no RQ is assigned to this generic or broad class, although the class is a CERCLA hazardous substance. See 50 Federal Register 13456 (April 4, 1985).
(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.Alternate Chemical Names
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This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- ARSENIC
- ARSENIC BLACK
- ARSENIC METAL: ARSENIA
- ARSENIC, METALLIC
- ARSENIC, SOLID
- ARSENIC, [SOLID]
- ARSENIC-75
- GRAY ARSENIC
Web site owner:
Office of Response and Restoration,
National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
USA.gov.
CAMEO Chemicals version 3.1.0 rev 1.