POTASSIUM ARSENITE

International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM ARSENITE

ICSC: 1213

POTASSIUM ARSENITE
Arseninous acid, potassium salt
Potassium metaarsenite
KAsO₂
Molecular mass: 146.02 (see Notes)
CAS # 10124-50-2
RTECS # CG3800000
ICSC # 1213
UN # 1678
EC # 033-002-00-5

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. Headache. Laboured breathing. Weakness (see Ingestion).	Closed system and ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! 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.	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 take to a doctor.
INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Vomiting. Burning sensation behind breastbone and in the mouth.	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

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Do NOT wash away into sewer. Vacuum spilled material. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).

Separated from acids, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
T symbol
R: 23/25
S: (1/2-)20/21-28-45
Note: A
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II
Marine pollutant.

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1213

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM ARSENITE

ICSC: 1213

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A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE HYGROSCOPIC POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic fumes of arsenic and potassium oxide. Reacts with acids releasing toxic arsine gas (see ICSC # 0222). Decomposes on contact with air (by atmospheric carbon dioxide) and through the skin.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as As): ppm; 0.2 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1991-199?).

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 by dispersing.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance and the aerosol irritate the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, digestive tract, circulatory system , resulting in severe haemorrhagic, losses of fluids and electrolytes, collapse, shock and death. Exposure at low level may result in death. The effects may be delayed.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the peripheral nervous system, skin, mucous membranes and liver , resulting in neuropathy, pigmentation disorders, perforation of nasal septum and cirrhosis. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Decomposes below melting point at 300°C

Solubility in water: good