Chemical Datasheet
ARSENIC TRIOXIDE |
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Chemical Identifiers
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| 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
| Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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
|
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
White or transparent, glassy amorphous lumps or crystalline powder. Slightly soluble in water, but dissolves very slowly; more soluble in hot water. Noncombustible. Corrosive to metals in the presence of moisture. Toxic by ingestion.
Hazards
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Hazard fields
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special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
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Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly soluble in water, but dissolves very slowly; more soluble in hot water [Merck].
Fire Hazard
Toxic fumes of arsenic trioxide and arsine may be formed in fire situations. Contact with halide acids will form toxic volatile halides. Reduction in acid solutions will form arsine. Arsenic trioxide and excess zinc filings will explode on heating. Avoid sodium chlorate; fluorine; chlorine trifluoride; chromic oxide; aluminum chloride; phosphorus pentoxide; hydrogen fluoride; oxygen difluoride, tannic acid; infusion cinchona and other vegetable astringent infusions and decoctions; iron in solution. It is stable in air but slowly oxidizes in acid media. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Material is considered super toxic; probable oral lethal dose (human) is less than 5 mg/kg, i.e., a taste (less than 7 drops) for a 70kg (150 lb.) person. Material causes acute gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms. Renal and hepatic damage have also been observed. Chronic exposure to material has led to nasal septum perforation, dermatological symptoms (lesions, necrosis, etc.) and an increase in the incidence of lung and lymphatic cancers. Appreciable exposure to respiratory irritant promoters such as metal oxide fumes elicits a carcinogenic response from arsenic trioxide. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
ARSENIC TRIOXIDE reacts vigorously with fluorine at ordinary temperatures [Mellor 9:34 1946-47]. Dissolves in aqueous acids. Incompatible with tannic acid, infusions of cinchona and other vegetable astringent infusions and decoctions, and with iron in solution [Merck].
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 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-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
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire (material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty). Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical. (EPA, 1998)
Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire (material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty). Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:
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. For solids, prevent dust cloud and avoid inhalation of dust. (ERG, 2024)
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. For solids, prevent dust cloud and avoid inhalation of dust. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
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 Oxide Exposure: Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), dehydration, intense thirst, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are among the first signs and symptoms noticed following acute arsenous oxide exposure. Headache, conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eyes), runny nose, and lacrimation (tearing) are also common. Garlic odor of breath and feces may be noted. Cardiovascular effects include shock, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), ventricular fibrillation, and other cardiac abnormalities. Pulmonary edema may occur. Altered mental status, seizures, and delirium are further complications of arsenous oxide exposure. Intense muscle cramping is common. Exposure to airborne dust is generally accompanied by irritation of exposed skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to arsenous oxide 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 oxide.
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. RUSH to a health care facility!
4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to arsenous oxide.
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. RUSH to a health care facility!
7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
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. RUSH to a health care facility!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of arsenous oxide is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step
5.Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of arsenous oxide may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step
5.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.
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. (EPA, 1998)
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Arsenous Oxide Exposure: Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), dehydration, intense thirst, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are among the first signs and symptoms noticed following acute arsenous oxide exposure. Headache, conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eyes), runny nose, and lacrimation (tearing) are also common. Garlic odor of breath and feces may be noted. Cardiovascular effects include shock, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), ventricular fibrillation, and other cardiac abnormalities. Pulmonary edema may occur. Altered mental status, seizures, and delirium are further complications of arsenous oxide exposure. Intense muscle cramping is common. Exposure to airborne dust is generally accompanied by irritation of exposed skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to arsenous oxide 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 oxide.
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. RUSH to a health care facility!
4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to arsenous oxide.
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. RUSH to a health care facility!
7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
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. RUSH to a health care facility!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of arsenous oxide is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step
5.Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of arsenous oxide may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step
5.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.
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. (EPA, 1998)
Physical Properties
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Physical Property fields
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boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
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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):
Not flammable.
(EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
Not flammable.
(EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
379 to 594.1°F
; Arsenolite and claudetite forms sublime at 379°F.
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure:
66.1 mmHg
at 593.6°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
3.738 amorphous or vitreous; 3.865 arsenolite; 4.15 claudetite
(EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point:
869°F
at 760 mmHg
(EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight:
197.82
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH:
5 mg As/m3
; A potential occupational carcinogen.
(NIOSH, 2024)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
| Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | NR | 3.7 mg/m3 | 11 mg/m3 |
| 30 minutes | NR | 3.7 mg/m3 | 11 mg/m3 |
| 60 minutes | NR | 3 mg/m3 | 9.1 mg/m3 |
| 4 hours | NR | 1.9 mg/m3 | 5.7 mg/m3 |
| 8 hours | NR | 1.2 mg/m3 | 3.7 mg/m3 |
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic trioxide (1327-53-3) | 0.27 mg/m3 | 3 mg/m3 | 9.1 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 Compounds | N020 | & | 313 | ||||
| Arsenic trioxide | 1327-53-3 | 100/10000 pounds | 1 pound | 1 pound | 313c | P012 | |
| Arsenous oxide | 1327-53-3 | 100/10000 pounds | 1 pound | 1 pound | 313c | P012 |
- 313c indicates that although not listed by name and CAS number, this chemical is reportable under one or more of the EPCRA section 313 chemical categories.
- & 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 (III) OXIDE
- ARSENIC OXIDE
- ARSENIC OXIDE (ASO1.5)
- ARSENIC SESQUIOXIDE
- ARSENIC SESQUIOXIDE (AS2O3)
- ARSENIC TRIOXIDE
- ARSENIC TRIOXIDE, SOLID
- ARSENIC TRIOXIDE, [SOLID]
- ARSENIC(III) OXIDE
- ARSENICUM ALBUM
- ARSENIOUS ACID
- ARSENIOUS OXIDE
- ARSENIOUS TRIOXIDE
- ARSENITE
- ARSENOLITE
- ARSENOUS ACID
- ARSENOUS ACID ANHYDRIDE
- ARSENOUS ANHYDRIDE
- ARSENOUS OXIDE
- ARSENOUS OXIDE ANHYDRIDE
- ARSODENT
- CLAUDELITE
- CLAUDETITE
- CRUDE ARSENIC
- DIARSENIC TRIOXIDE
- WHITE 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.