International Chemical Safety Cards

ARSENIC PENTOXIDE

ICSC: 0377

Arsenic (V) oxide
Arsenic acid anhydride
Arsenic anhydride
As₂O₅
Molecular mass: 229.8

ICSC #    0377
CAS #     1303-28-2
RTECS # CG2275000
UN #        1559
EC #         033-004-00-6
March 25, 1998 Peer reviewed

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!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Dizziness. Weakness. Shortness of breath. Pain in chest. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes), (see Ingestion).	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Redness. Burning sensation. Pain.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness. Pain.	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	Vomiting. Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Severe thirst, muscular cramps, shock. (See Inhalation).	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

Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Remove airborne particles with fine water spray. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Separated from strong bases, reducing substances, food and feedstuffs . Dry. Well closed.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant.
Note: E
T symbol
R: 45-23/25
S: 53-45
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0377

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

ARSENIC PENTOXIDE

ICSC: 0377

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE HYGROSCOPIC POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 300°C producing toxic fumes (arsenic trioxide - see ICSC 0378) and oxygen. The solution in water is a weak acid. Reacts violently with bromine pentafluoride causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with reducing agents, producing very toxic gas (arsine - ICSC 0222). Attacks many metals in presence of water or moisture.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV (as As): 0.01 mg/m³ A1 (ACGIH 1997).
MAK: class III A1 (1997).

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 irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the blood, cardiovascular system,peripheral nervous system and liver. Exposure far above the OEL may result in death. The effects may be delayed (see Notes). Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the skin (hyperkeratosis), cardiovascular and peripheral nervous systems, bone marrow (hematopoietic changes), liver and lungs. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point (decomposes): 315°C
Density: 4.3 g/cm3

Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 65.8

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to fauna and water organisms.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of acute poisoning do not become manifest until some hours. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Do NOT take working clothes home. The recommendations on this Card also apply to inorganic pentavalent arsenic compounds (arsenates).

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G64b

NFPA Code: H2; F0; R0

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0377	ARSENIC PENTOXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

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 NIOSH IDLH values.