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ARSENIC TRIOXIDEICSC: 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

corrskull;toxiccancer;health haz
DANGER
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  


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. 

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

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Arsenic trioxide (UKPID)