# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As) | CAS 7440-38-2 (metal)
As (metal) | RTECS CG0525000 (metal)
Synonyms & Trade Names Arsenic metal: Arsenia Other synonyms vary depending upon the specific As compound. [Note: OSHA considers "Inorganic Arsenic" to mean copper acetoarsenite & all inorganic compounds containing arsenic except ARSINE.] | DOT ID & Guide 1558 152 (metal) 1562 152 (dust)
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: Ca C 0.002 mg/m3 [15-minute] See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1018] TWA 0.010 mg/m3
IDLH Ca [5 mg/m3 (as As)] | Conversion
Physical Description Metal: Silver-gray or tin-white, brittle, odorless solid.
MW: 74.9 | BP: Sublimes | MLT: 1135°F (Sublimes) | Sol: Insoluble
VP: 0 mmHg (approx) | IP: NA |  | Sp.Gr: 5.73 (metal)
Fl.P: NA | UEL: NA | LEL: NA |
Metal: Noncombustible Solid in bulk form, but a slight explosion hazard in the form of dust when exposed to flame.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers, bromine azide [Note: Hydrogen gas can react with inorganic arsenic to form the highly toxic gas arsine.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH 7300, 7900; OSHA ID105
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated/Daily Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: Daily Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister having a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact ingestion
Symptoms Ulceration of nasal septum, dermatitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, peripheral neuropathy, respiratory irritation, hyperpigmentation of skin, [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs Liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, lymphatic system Cancer Site [lung & lymphatic cancer]
See also: INTRODUCTION