Potassium arsenite

H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H331 (100%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H400 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P301+P316, P304+P340, P316, P321, P330, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 27 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H310: Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]

H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P337+P317, P361+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention .

Warning: Effects usually appear within 30 minutes of exposure but may be delayed for several hours. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Potassium Arsenite 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 potassium arsenite 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 potassium arsenite 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 potassium arsenite 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 potassium arsenite.

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. Transport 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 potassium arsenite.

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. Transport 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. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of potassium arsenite is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step

4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age. Warning: Ingestion of potassium arsenite 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

4. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

Keep unnecessary people away; stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or foam. (EPA, 1998)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

If material involved in fire: 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, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Arsenical cmpd, liquid, NOS/

If material involved in fire: 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, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Arsenical cmpd, solid, NOS/

Personnel protection: ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. /Arsenical cmpd, solid, NOS/

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· 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.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (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.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· 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.

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable, plastic containers. Vacuum spilled material with specialist equipment. Vacuum spilled material with specialist equipment. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Prompt cleanup and removal are necessary. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal.

Both arsenate and arsenite can be removed from the water column by co-precipitation or adsorption onto iron oxides. Arsenate species can also be removed by adsorption onto aluminum hydroxide and clays, while arsenite is readily adsorbed onto metal sulfides. /Arsenate and arsenite/

Floors and other accessible surfaces contaminated with inorganic arsenic may not be cleaned by the use of compressed air, and shoveling and brushing may be used only where vacuuming or other relevant methods have been tried and found not to be effective. /Inorganic arsenic compounds/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, glove boxes or animal rooms ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in plastic bags immediately after removal ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately ... The sealed bag should be labelled properly ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/

Chemical Treatability of Arsenic; Concentration Process: Chemical Precipitation; Chemical Classification: Metal; Scale of Study: Pilot Scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Domestic Wastewater + Pure Compound; Results of Study: 5ppm @ 4gpm @ pH= 7.0. Iron system-90% reduction; low lime system-80% reduction; high lime system-76% reduction; (3 coagulant systems were used; Iron system used 45 ppm as Fe of Fe2(SO4)3 @ pH= 6.0. Low lime system used 20 ppm Fe of Fe2(SO4)3 and 260 ppm of CaO @ pH= 10.0. High lime system used 600 ppm of CaO @ pH= 11.5. Chemical coagulation was followed by multimedia filtration). /Arsenic cmpd/

Chemical Treatability of Arsenic; Concentration Process: Chemical Precipitation; Chemical Classification: Metal; Scale of Study: Full Scale Continuous Flow; Type of Wastewater Used: Domestic Wastewater; Results of Study: Effluent character (ppb): 2.5, 56% reduction with lime; 3.3, 24% reduction with lime; (lime dose of 350-400 ppm as calcium oxide @ pH= 11.3). /Arsenic cmpd/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... summary of avail methods & recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Incineration may be only feasible method for disposal of contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all incinerators are suitable for this purpose. The most efficient type ... is probably the gas-fired type, in which a first-stage combustion with a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. Some ... are designed to accept ... aqueous & organic-solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to absorb soln onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be used, esp when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for POTASSIUM ARSENITE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

WELL VENTILATED & ALL POISONOUS FUME ... CONDENSED & DUST CONTENT REMOVED. ... EXHAUST HOODS ... WORKTABLES ... EQUIPPED WITH DOWN-DRAUGHT ... VENTILATION. /ARSENIC CMPD/

IN ... /FACTORIES/ WITH ARSENIC HAZARD, FLOORS ... SHOULD BE ... IMPERMEABLE ... TO PREVENT ABSORPTION & ... FLUSHED DOWN FREQUENTLY WITH WATER. /ARSENIC CMPD/

Lockers should be provided with separate compartments for work & personal clothes, & adjacent sanitary facilities of a high standard should be made available. Smoking, eating, & drinking at the workplace should not be allowed. /Arsenic & cmpd/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for POTASSIUM ARSENITE (22 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. 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. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from acids, strong oxidants, metals and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

KEEP WELL CLOSED.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practical to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

Protect container against physical damage. Store in well ventilated area away from food or food products and combustible materials. /Inorganic arsenic cmpd/

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Inorganic arsenic plus methylated metabolites in urine = 35 ug As/L; end of workweek;

0.042 [mg/m3]

0.46 [mg/m3]

2.8 [mg/m3]

0.01 [mg/m3], as As

5 mg As/m3 ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024)

5.0 [mg/m3], as As

5 mg/cu m (as AS); NIOSH considers arsenic (inorganic cmpd, as As) to be a potential occupational carcinogen. /Arsenic (inorganic cmpd, as As)/

8 hr Time weighted Avg (TWA) 0.01 mg/cu m /Arsenic and inorganic cmpd, as As/

A1: Confirmed human carcinogen. /Arsenic and inorganic cmpd, as As/

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Arsenic and inorganic compounds, as As/

BEI (Biological Exposure Index): Determinant: Inorganic arsenic plus methylated metabolites in urine; Sampling Time: end of workweek; BEI: 35 ug As/l. The determinant may be present in biological specimens collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed, at a concentration which could affect interpretation of the result. Such background concentrations are incorporated in the BEI value. /Arsenic, elemental and soluble inorganic cmpd/

(inhalable fraction): 0.01 mg/m

Acute Oral: 0.005 mg/kg/day (L134)

Chronic Oral: 0.0003 mg/kg/day (L134)

Chronic Inhalation: 0.01 mg/m3 (L134)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. This may result in severe gastroenteritis, loss of fluids and electrolytes, kidney impairment, cardiac disorders, collapse and shock. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis and pigmentation disorders. The substance may have effects on the peripheral nervous system, bone marrow, kidneys, liver and mucous membranes. This may result in neuropathy, lesions of blood cells, kidney impairment, cirrhosis and perforation of the nasal septum. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

Tolerances for total residues of combined arsenic (calculated as As) in food are established as follows: (a) In edible tissues & in eggs of chickens & turkeys: 0.5 ppm in uncooked muscle tissue; 2 ppm in uncooked edible by-products; & 0.5 ppm in eggs. (b) In edible tissues of swine: 2 ppm in uncooked liver & kidney; 0.5 ppm in uncooked muscle tissue & by-products other than liver & kidney. /Arsenic/

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)

USE GLOVES & GOGGLES TO AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN & EYES. USE EFFECTIVE FUME REMOVAL DEVICE OR OTHER RESP PROTECTION.

Workers should be supplied with suitable protective clothing, protective boots and when there is a risk that the exposure limit for airborne arsenic will be exceeded, respiratory protective equipment. /Arsenic cmpd/

Where there is occupational exposure to inorganic arsenic compounds, protective clothing shall be provided by the employers. This may include underwear, gloves, coveralls, and a hood over the head and neck. /Inorganic arsenic/

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. /Arsenic (inorganic cmpd, as As)/

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for POTASSIUM ARSENITE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Potassium arsenite appears as a white powder. Toxic by ingestion and by inhalation.

White hygroscopic solid; Exact composition varies in commercial product; [Merck Index]

WHITE HYGROSCOPIC POWDER.

White powder

Colorless, monoclinic prisms.

Colorless in water.

Soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol

Solubility in water: good

8.76 g/cm³

NOT STABLE; ARSENITES OF ALKALI METALS ARE SLOWLY CONVERTED IN SOLN TO ARSENATES BY ATMOSPHERIC OXYGEN.

SLOWLY CONVERTED IN SOLN TO ARSENATES BY ATMOSPHERIC OXYGEN; IN DRY STATE DECOMP BY ATMOSPHERIC CO2. /ARSENITES OF ALKALI METALS/

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /arsenic & potassium oxide/.

Variable composition; hygroscopic

Decomposes at 300 °C.

ARSENITES OF ALKALI METALS ARE SLOWLY CONVERTED IN SOLN TO ARSENATES BY ATMOSPHERIC OXYGEN; & DECOMPOSED BY ATMOSPHERIC CARBON DIOXIDE

Metals -> Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic

Carcinogens

Soluble in water. Decomposes slowly in air.

Salts, Basic

Salts, basic, such as POTASSIUM ARSENITE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of the bases in reactivity group 10 (Bases) and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Unstable. Avoid aeration. [EPA, 1998].

INCOMPATABILITIES: ALKALOIDAL SALTS, HYPOPHOSPHITES AND SULFITES IN ACID SOLN; SALTS OF IRON AND OF MOST OTHER HEAVY METALS; TANNIC ACID /POTASSIUM ARSENITE SOLUTION (FOWLER'S SOLN)/

Arsenic and its metabolites disrupt ATP production through several mechanisms. At the level of the citric acid cycle, arsenic inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase and by competing with phosphate it uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, thus inhibiting energy-linked reduction of NAD+, mitochondrial respiration, and ATP synthesis. Hydrogen peroxide production is also increased, which might form reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Arsenic's carginogenicity is influenced by the arsenical binding of tubulin, which results in aneuploidy, polyploidy and mitotic arrests. The binding of other arsenic protein targets may also cause altered DNA repair enzyme activity, altered DNA methylation patterns and cell proliferation. (T1, A17)

Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) evidence in humans: sufficient; 2) evidence in animals: limited. Overall summary evaluation of carcinogenic risk to humans is Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans. NOTE: This evaluation applies to the group of chemicals as a whole and not necessarily to all individual chemicals within the group. /Arsenic and arsenic compounds/

CLASSIFICATION: A; human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Based on sufficient evidence from human data. An increased lung cancer mortality was observed in multiple human populations exposed primarily through inhalation. Also, increased mortality from multiple internal organ cancers (liver, kidney, lung, and bladder) and an increased incidence of skin cancer were observed in populations consuming drinking water high in inorganic arsenic. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Sufficient. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. /Inorganic Arsenic/ /Based on former classification system/

A1: Confirmed human carcinogen. /Arsenic and inorganic compounds, as As/

Evaluation: There is sufficient evidence in humans that arsenic in drinking-water causes cancers of the urinary bladder, lung and skin ... Overall evaluation: Arsenic in drinking-water is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). /Arsenic in drinking-water/

Arsenic compounds, inorganic: known to be a human carcinogen.

1, carcinogenic to humans. (L135)

Arsenic poisoning can lead to death from multi-system organ failure, probably from necrotic cell death, not apoptosis. Arsenic is also a known carcinogen, esepcially in skin, liver, bladder and lung cancers. (T1, L20)

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

Oral (L2) ; inhalation (L2); dermal (L2)

Cough. Headache. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. See Ingestion.

Redness. Pain.

Abdominal pain. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Dizziness. Headache. Shock or collapse.

Exposure to lower levels of arsenic can cause nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels, and a sensation of burn (T1).

Neurotoxin - Sensorimotor

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Aplastic anemia - The presence of increased methemoglobin in the blood; the compound is classified as primary toxic effect.

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

IARC Carcinogen - Class 1: International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies chemicals as established human carcinogens.

NTP Carcinogen - Known to be a human carcinogen.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Confirmed Human.

WHO= 0.002 mg/kg /Inorganic arsenic cmpd, as As; from table/

LD50: 14 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T14)

LD50: 150 mg/kg (Dermal, Rat) (T14)

TD Human oral 7,560 mg/kg/26 wk-continuous; 441 mg/kg/3 wk-continuous; Child oral 390 mg/kg/3 yr-continuous.

TDLo Human oral 0.067 ppm/kg/82 wk; 30 ppm/kg/3 wk-intermittent.

LD50 Chick (embryo) 0.02 mg/egg/4 day (0.10 micro/atoms/egg)

LDLo Mouse percutaneous 291 mg/kg.

LD50 Rat skin 150 mg/kg

LD50 Rat oral 14 mg/kg

Arsenic poisoning can be treated by chelation therapy, using chelating agents such as dimercaprol, EDTA or DMSA. Charcoal tablets may also be used for less severe cases. In addition, maintaining a diet high in sulfur helps eliminate arsenic from the body. (L20)

... AN INSTANCE OF TRANSITORY ACUTE BLURRING OF VISION IN 1 EYE TO 5/18 ACCOMPANIED BY WIDE DILATION OF PUPIL OF THAT EYE, FOLLOWED BY COMPLETE RECOVERY IN 2 OR 3 DAYS HAS BEEN ASCRIBED TO TAKING 8 DROPS OF FOWLER'S SOLUTION ... THERE WERE NO SYMPTOMS OF ARSENIC POISONING & THE FUNDI WERE NORMAL. /ANOTHER CASE/ ... REPORTED IN WHICH COTTON WOOL PATCHES, SCATTERED SMALL HEMORRHAGES, & DILATED CAPILLARIES APPEARED IN CENTRAL FUNDI OF 32 YR OLD MAN WITH SINUS TROUBLE & ASTHMA WHO FOR 2 YR HAD TAKEN PROPRIETARY MEDICINE SAID TO INCLUDE FOWLER'S SOLN OR POTASSIUM ARSENITE IN UNSTATED AMOUNTS. FIVE YEARS AFTER ARSENICAL MEDICATION STOPPED, PATIENT HAD HEMORRHAGE IN VITREOUS IN 1 EYE AFTER HARD COUGHING & HE WAS FOUND TO HAVE DILATED VENULES, MICROANEURYSMS & PROLIFERATIVE VASCULAR RETINOPATHY IN MACULAS. ... APART FROM SUGGESTIVE HYPERKERATOSIS & DETECTION OF ARSENIC IN HAIR THERE WAS LITTLE EVIDENCE OF POISONING.

FOUR CASES OF HEMANGIOSARCOMA AND ONE CASE OF CARCINOMA OF THE LIVER HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN INDIVIDUALS EXPOSED TO MEDICINAL ARSENICAL PREPARATIONS.

IT IS KNOWN THAT LARGE DOSES /OF INORGANIC ARSENIC COMPD, PARTICULARLY FOWLER'S SOLN CONTAINING POTASSIUM ARSENITE/ TAKEN INTERNALLY LEAD TO CHRONIC CHANGES IN SKIN SUCH AS HYPERPIGMENTATION AND KERATOSES.

AN ELEVATED RATE OF SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGE WAS FOUND IN THE CULTURED PERIPHERAL LYMPHOCYTES OF 6 PATIENTS WHO HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO 1% POTASSIUM ARSENITE (FOWLER'S SOLN) FOR ASTHMA, PSORIASIS OR ANXIETY FOR PERIODS RANGING FROM 4 MONTHS TO 27 YR; EXPOSURE HAD CEASED 1-56 YEARS BEFORE THE TIME OF STUDY. ALL 6 PATIENTS SUBSEQUENTLY DEVELOPED SKIN CARCINOMAS & ARSENIC KERATOSES; 3 HAD A HISTORY OF HIGH X-RAY EXPOSURE. THE EXPOSED GROUP HAD, ON AVG, 14 SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGES PER MITOSIS, COMPARED WITH 5.8 IN 44 'NORMAL' INDIVIDUALS. THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE IN INCIDENCE OF CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATIONS BETWEEN THE 2 GROUPS.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM ARSENITE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ 14 /Swiss/ mice /were painted/ with a total of 30 mg of potassium arsenite (8.7 mg As), dissolved in methanol, once a week for 10 weeks. Croton oil was also applied weekly, starting 25 days later. Three papillomas were observed in mice treated with potassium arsenite, while 4 papillomas appeared in 19 animals receiving croton oil only.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ A group of 100 mice were painted 3 times weekly with soln of potassium arsenite in ethanol containing 1.8% arsenic trioxide, later reduced to 0.12% due a to high death rate. Of 33 mice that lived for 3 months, 1 developed a metastasizing squamous-cell carcinoma of the skin after 5.5 months.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ Negative results were ... obtained ... on cocarcinogenicity to mouse skin ... /by/ oral admin over 5 days of a total of 2.4 mg potassium arsenite/mouse to 20 Rockland all-purpose mice, 2-wk feeding of 0.676 g/kg of diet to 30 skin-tumor-susceptible mice or 48-wk of 0.169 g potassium arsenite/kg of diet (0.338 mg/kg of diet in first week only) to 30 skin-tumor-susceptible mice. These ... treatments were coupled with skin painting with croton oil or DMBA plus croton oil.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ ... Oral admin of 1 drop of ... Fowler's soln/wk for 5 months to ... 30 mice ... total dose of 7 mg ... led to significant incr in number of tumor-bearing animals. Tumors included adenocarcinomas of skin, lung, & lymph nodes & were observed at 14 months. ... No tumors were seen in 15 control mice. ... Tumors were observed in offspring of treated mothers, /after oral administration of Fowler's soln/ but not in offspring of control mice ...

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM ARSENITE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

LC50 Penaeus seliferus (white shrimp, juvenile) 24,700 ug/l/96 hr.

LC100 Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (pink salmon) 12,307 ug/l/96 hr; 7,195 ug/l/day.

LC50 Oncorhynchus keta (chum salmon) 8,330 ug/l/48 hr.

LC50 Daphnia magna (cladoceran) 2,850 ug/l/3 wk.

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for POTASSIUM ARSENITE (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.

ARSENITES OF ALKALI METALS ARE SLOWLY CONVERTED IN SOLN TO ARSENATES BY ATMOSPHERIC OXYGEN.

Chemical Treatability of Arsenic; Concentration Process: Chemical Precipitation; Chemical Classification: Metal; Scale of Study: Pilot Scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Domestic Wastewater + Pure Compound; Results of Study: 5ppm @ 4gpm @ pH= 7.0. Iron system-90% reduction; low lime system-80% reduction; high lime system-76% reduction; (3 coagulant systems were used; Iron system used 45 ppm as Fe of Fe2(SO4)3 @ pH= 6.0. Low lime system used 20 ppm Fe of Fe2(SO4)3 and 260 ppm of CaO @ pH= 10.0. High lime system used 600 ppm of CaO @ pH= 11.5. Chemical coagulation was followed by multimedia filtration). /Arsenic cmpd/

Chemical Treatability of Arsenic; Concentration Process: Chemical Precipitation; Chemical Classification: Metal; Scale of Study: Full Scale Continuous Flow; Type of Wastewater Used: Domestic Wastewater; Results of Study: Effluent character (ppb): 2.5, 56% reduction with lime; 3.3, 24% reduction with lime; (lime dose of 350-400 ppm as calcium oxide @ pH= 11.3). /Arsenic cmpd/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... summary of avail methods & recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Incineration may be only feasible method for disposal of contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all incinerators are suitable for this purpose. The most efficient type ... is probably the gas-fired type, in which a first-stage combustion with a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. Some ... are designed to accept ... aqueous & organic-solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to absorb soln onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be used, esp when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for POTASSIUM ARSENITE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . As an 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. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for POTASSIUM ARSENITE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1678; Potassium arsenite, solid

IMO 6.1; Potassium arsenite

49 232 78; Potassium arsenite

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Procurement ... of unduly large amt ... should be avoided. To avoid spilling, carcinogens should be transported in securely sealed glass bottles or ampoules, which should themselves be placed inside strong screw-cap or snap-top container that will not open when dropped & will resist attack from the carcinogen. Both bottle & the outside container should be appropriately labelled. ... National post offices, railway companies, road haulage companies & airlines have regulations governing transport of hazardous materials. These authorities should be consulted before ... material is shipped. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": When no regulations exist, the following procedure must be adopted. The carcinogen should be enclosed in a securely sealed, watertight container (primary container), which should be enclosed in a second, unbreakable, leakproof container that will withstand chem attack from the carcinogen (secondary container). The space between primary & secondary container should be filled with absorbent material, which would withstand chem attack from the carcinogen & is sufficient to absorb the entire contents of the primary container in the event of breakage or leakage. Each secondary container should then be enclosed in a strong outer box. The space between the secondary container & the outer box should be filled with an appropriate quantity of shock-absorbent material. Sender should use fastest & most secure form of transport & notify recipient of its departure. If parcel is not received when expected, carrier should be informed so that immediate effort can be made to find it. Traffic schedules should be consulted to avoid ... arrival on weekend or holiday ... /Chemical Carcinogens/

Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Marine pollutant.

Symbol: T, N; R: 23/25-50/53; S: (1/2)-20/21-28-45-60-61; Note: A, 1

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II