International Chemical Safety Cards

ARSENIC TRIOXIDE ICSC: 0378

ARSENIC TRIOXIDE
Arsenic(III)oxide
Arsenous oxide anhydride
White arsenic
Arsenous acid anhydride
As2O3
Molecular mass: 197.8
CAS # 1327-53-3
RTECS # CG3325000
ICSC # 0378
UN # 1561
EC # 033-003-00-0
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! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
  • INHALATION
    		• Burning sensation. Cough. Shortness of breath. Wheezing. Headache. Sore throat. Dizziness. Weakness (see Ingestion). Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Dry skin. Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns. Conjunctivitis.
    		Safety goggles, 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
    		• Burning sensation. Vomiting. Nausea. Abdominal pain. Abdominal cramps. Diarrhoea. Muscular cramps. Shock. Death.
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
    		Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Rest. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Vacuum spilled material. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong reducing agents.
    		Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T+ symbol
    R: 45-28-34
    S: 53-45
    Note: E
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    UN Packing Group: II
    Marine pollutant.
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0378 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    ARSENIC TRIOXIDE ICSC: 0378

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     WHITE OR TRANSPARENT LUMPS OR CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The solution in water is a weak acid which may react with reducing substances producing very toxic gas (arsine - see ICSC # 0222).

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as As): 0.01 ppm; A1 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1996).


    		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.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the blood, cardiovascular system, nervous system and liver. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed (see Notes). Medical observation is indicated.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract, skin (hyperkeratosis), bone marrow (hematopoietic changes), cardiovascular system, nervous system and liver , resulting in anaemia and impaired functions. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 457-465°C
    Sublimation point: 193°C
    Melting point: 275-313°C
    		 Relative density (water = 1): 3.7-4.2
    Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 1.2-3.7
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to birds, fish and mammals.
    N O T E S
    Physical properties depend on crystalline form of the substance. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The symptoms of acute poisoning appear ½ to 1 hour after the exposure but may be delayed many hours. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Do NOT take working clothes home. The recommendations on this Card also apply to inorganic trivalent arsenic compounds (arsenites).
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G11b
    NFPA Code: H3; F0; R2;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0378 ARSENIC TRIOXIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, 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. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.