NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As)

CAS 7440-38-2 (metal)

As (metal)

RTECS CG0525000 (metal)
Synonyms & Trade Names
Arsenic metal: Arsenia
Other synonyms vary depending upon the specific As compound. [Note: OSHA considers "Inorganic Arsenic" to mean copper acetoarsenite & all inorganic compounds containing arsenic except ARSINE.]
DOT ID & Guide
1558 152 (metal)
1562 152 (dust)

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: Ca C 0.002 mg/m3 [15-minute] See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1018] TWA 0.010 mg/m3
IDLH Ca [5 mg/m3 (as As)] See: 7440382 Conversion
Physical Description
Metal: Silver-gray or tin-white, brittle, odorless solid.
MW: 74.9
BP: Sublimes
MLT: 1135°F (Sublimes)
Sol: Insoluble
VP: 0 mmHg (approx)
IP: NA

Sp.Gr: 5.73 (metal)
Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: 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.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7300, 7301, 7303, 7900, 9102; OSHA ID105
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection)
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
Important additional information about respirator selection
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
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact ingestion
Symptoms Ulceration of nasal septum, dermatitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, peripheral neuropathy, respiratory irritation, hyperpigmentation of skin, [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs Liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, lymphatic system

Cancer Site [lung & lymphatic cancer]
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0013   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0017