ICSC 0378 - ARSENIC TRIOXIDE

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ARSENIC TRIOXIDE	ICSC: 0378 (November 2008)
Arsenic(III)oxide Arsenous oxide anhydride White arsenic Arsenous acid anhydride Diarsenic trioxide

CAS #: 1327-53-3

UN #: 1561

EC Number: 215-481-4

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.		In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Burning sensation behind the breastbone. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Weakness. See Ingestion. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.	Use closed system and ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness. Pain. Blisters. Skin burns.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .
Eyes	Redness. Pain. Burns.	Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.
Ingestion	Burns in mouth and throat. Abdominal cramps. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Shock or collapse.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . See Notes.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable, plastic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria Toxic if swallowed Causes severe skin burns and eye damage Suspected of causing genetic defects May cause cancer May damage fertility or the unborn child Causes damage to blood, central nervous and cardiovascular system and liver May cause respiratory irritation Causes damage to the bone marrow, the central nervous system, the kidneys and the liver through prolonged or repeated exposure Very toxic to aquatic life Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
PACKAGING
Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Marine pollutant.

ARSENIC TRIOXIDE

ICSC: 0378

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance WHITE LUMPS OR CRYSTALLINE POWDER. Physical dangers Chemical dangers The solution is a weak acid. It reacts with reducing agents. This produces very toxic gas (arsine - see ICSC 0222). Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces toxic fumes of arsenic oxides. It reacts with metals. This generates fire and explosion hazard.	Formula: As₂O₃ Molecular mass: 197.8 Boiling point: 460°C Sublimation point: 193°C Melting point: 275-313°C Relative density (water = 1): 3.7-4.2 Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 1.2-3.7

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE LUMPS OR CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

Physical dangers

Chemical dangers
The solution is a weak acid. It reacts with reducing agents. This produces very toxic gas (arsine - see ICSC 0222). Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces toxic fumes of arsenic oxides. It reacts with metals. This generates fire and explosion hazard.

Formula: As₂O₃
Molecular mass: 197.8
Boiling point: 460°C
Sublimation point: 193°C
Melting point: 275-313°C
Relative density (water = 1): 3.7-4.2
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 1.2-3.7

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the blood, cardiovascular system, nervous system and liver. Inhalation may cause lung oedema. See Notes. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. See Notes. Medical observation is indicated.	Inhalation risk Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the bone marrow (hematopoietic changes), cardiovascular system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, kidneys and liver. This may result in anaemia and impaired functions. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. Causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the blood, cardiovascular system, nervous system and liver. Inhalation may cause lung oedema. See Notes. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. See Notes. Medical observation is indicated.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the bone marrow (hematopoietic changes), cardiovascular system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, kidneys and liver. This may result in anaemia and impaired functions. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. Causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.01 mg/m³, as TWA; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); BEI issued. MAK: skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 1; germ cell mutagen group: 3A. EU-OEL: (inhalable fraction): 0.01 mg/m³ as TWA; (see Notes)

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to birds, fish and mammals. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.

NOTES
Do NOT take working clothes home. Physical properties depend on crystalline form of the substance. The symptoms of acute poisoning appear ½ to 1 hour after the exposure but may be delayed many hours. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Refer for medical attention if breathing difficulties and/or fever develop. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. The recommendations on this Card also apply to inorganic trivalent arsenic compounds (arsenites). For the copper smelting sector, the EU OEL value shall apply from 11 July 2023.

NOTES

Do NOT take working clothes home.
Physical properties depend on crystalline form of the substance.
The symptoms of acute poisoning appear ½ to 1 hour after the exposure but may be delayed many hours.
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Refer for medical attention if breathing difficulties and/or fever develop.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
The recommendations on this Card also apply to inorganic trivalent arsenic compounds (arsenites).
For the copper smelting sector, the EU OEL value shall apply from 11 July 2023.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: T+, N; R: 45-28-34-50/53; S: 53-45-60-61; Note: E

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