ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ARSENIC COMPOUNDS
oArsanilic acid (C6H8AsNO3).
White crystalline powder.
Syn: 4aminobenzenearsonic acid.
Arsenazo. Reddish brown powder.
Syn: 2(1,8dihydroxy3,6disilfo2naphthylazo) benzenearsonic
acid.
Arsenazo III (C22H16As2N4Na2O14S2.4H2O). Dark brown powder.
Carboxyarsenazo (C23H15AsN4Na2O13S2). Brown crystalline powder.
Phenyl arsenoxide (C6H5As=O).
Colourless crystals.
Syn: Phenylansene oxide, phenylarsine.
Phenylarsonic acid (C6H5AsO(OH)2). Colourless crystals.
Sodium cacodylate (C2H6AsNaO2.3H2O).
White deliquescent crystals or powder.
Syn: Dimethylarsinic acid, sodium salt.
Thorin (C16H10O10N2S2AsNa2).
Orangered powder.
Syn: Thoron, naphtharson
1(2arsonophenylazo)2naphthol3,6disulphonic2Na)
Triphenylarsine (C18H15As). White
crystals.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces the highly toxic gas arsine.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
These compounds irritate the eyes and skin and absorption causes
poisoning. They are highly toxic compounds if inhaled or
ingested and the effects are cumulative. The effects of arsenic
poisoning are severe stomach irritation, nervousness, thirst,
vomiting, diarrhoea, cyanosis, and collapse due to heart, liver
and kidney damage. Skin contact over a long period may cause
ulceration. The compounds are combustible. Arsine, which may be
formed by heating the above compounds or by the action of aid
reducing agents, is an extremely poisonous gas causing
destruction of the blood and damage to liver and kidneys.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood when one is available to keep the level of
exposure to dust low. Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or
eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory
coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a
minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the
affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If contact was prolonged seek
medical advice. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). Seek immediate medical advice.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere
away from heat.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coat and
respirator (or work in a fume hood).
WASTE: Dissolve in a minimum of concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Filter if necessary. Dilute with water until a white precipitate
forms. Add just enough 6M hydrochloric acid to redissolve.
Saturate with hydrogen sulphide. Filter, wash and dry the
precipitate.
ENVIRONMENT
Arsenic compounds are pollutants and must be contained. 1 mg/L
is toxic to water organisms.
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