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POTASSIUM ARSENITEICSC: 1213 (April 2005)
Potassium metaarsenite
Arsenious acid, potassium salt
Potassium arsonate
CAS #: 10124-50-2
UN #: 1678
EC Number: 233-337-9

  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! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Headache. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. See Ingestion.  Use closed system or ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear face shield 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 refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Dizziness. Headache. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
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. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
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. 
PACKAGING
Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant. 
POTASSIUM ARSENITE ICSC: 1213
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE HYGROSCOPIC POWDER. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic fumes. Reacts with acids. This produces toxic arsine gas (see ICSC 0222). Attacks many metals. This produces flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001) and arsine. 

Formula: see Notes

Decomposes at 300°C
Density: 8.76 g/cm³
Solubility in water: good 


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 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. 

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
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. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
EU-OEL: (inhalable fraction): 0.01 mg/m3 as TWA; (see Notes) 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
The compound has variable composition; the commercial grade formula corresponds approximately to KAsO_2·HAsO_2.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
For the copper smelting sector, the EU OEL value shall apply from 11 July 2023. 

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

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations