Arsenic Trioxide

Metals -> Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic

Carcinogens

3.738 amorphous or vitreous; 3.865 arsenolite; 4.15 claudetite (EPA, 1998)

3.865 (cubes); 4.15 (rhombic crystals)

Relative density (water = 1): 3.7-4.2

3.86 @25 °C

White cubic crystals (Arsenolite)

Colorless monoclinic crystals (Claudette)

White or transparent, glassy, amorphous lumps or crystalline powder

Exists in 3 allotropic forms. The amorphous form ... the octahedral form ... the rhombic form

SOL IN DIL HYDROCHLORIC ACID, IN ALKALI HYDROXIDE; SOL IN CARBONATE SOLN; PRACTICALLY INSOL IN ALC; PRACTICALLY INSOL IN CHLOROFORM, ETHER.

Soluble in glycerol

In water, 1.7X10+4 mg/l @ 16 °C.

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 1.2-3.7

Breast Feeding; Lactation; Antineoplastic Agents

FDA approved drugs -> Active ingredient

EMA approved medicines: Human medicine

EMA approved medicines: Human medicine

EMA approved medicines: Human medicine

FDA approved drugs -> Active ingredient

869 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)

460 °C

460 °C

460 °C @760 [mm Hg]

Not combustible, but if involved in a fire decomposes to produce arsenic fumes.

DANGEROUS WHEN HEATED TO DECOMP ... IT EMITS TOXIC FUMES OF ARSENIC /SRP: INCLUDING ARSINE/. /ARSENIC CMPD/

379 to 594.1 °F ; Arsenolite and claudetite forms sublime at 379 °F. (EPA, 1998)

313 °C (claudetite); 274 °C (arsenolite)

275-313 °C

274 °C

Danger

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

P203, P260, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P318, P321, P330, P363, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

P203, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: Arsenic oxide (As2O3)

Arsenic oxide (As2O3) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Arsenic oxide (As2O3) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Arsenic (III) oxide: HSNO Approval: HSR004351 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Toxic fumes of arsenic trioxide and arsine may be formed in fire situations. Contact with halide acids will form toxic volatile halides. Reduction in acid solutions will form arsine. Arsenic trioxide and excess zinc filings will explode on heating. Avoid sodium chlorate; fluorine; chlorine trifluoride; chromic oxide; aluminum chloride; phosphorus pentoxide; hydrogen fluoride; oxygen difluoride, tannic acid; infusion cinchona and other vegetable astringent infusions and decoctions; iron in solution. It is stable in air but slowly oxidizes in acid media. (EPA, 1998)

· Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

Material is considered super toxic; probable oral lethal dose (human) is less than 5 mg/kg, i.e., a taste (less than 7 drops) for a 70kg (150 lb.) person. Material causes acute gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms. Renal and hepatic damage have also been observed. Chronic exposure to material has led to nasal septum perforation, dermatological symptoms (lesions, necrosis, etc.) and an increase in the incidence of lung and lymphatic cancers. Appreciable exposure to respiratory irritant promoters such as metal oxide fumes elicits a carcinogenic response from arsenic trioxide. (EPA, 1998)

· Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.

A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Can cause arsenic poisoning; [ICSC] Extremely toxic with an oral lethal dose of less than 5 mg/kg, or just a taste (less than 7 drops) for a 150-lb. person; [CAMEO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; May cause respiratory sensitization after prolonged contact; Effects in high-dose animal studies include acute pulmonary edema, cardiac arrhythmias, abnormal liver function tests, fatty liver degeneration, and depressed renal function tests; [MSDSonline] See Arsenic and the linked occupational diseases.

USEPA/Office of Pesticide Programs; Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document - Chromated Arsenicals EPA 739-R-08-006 (September 2008). The RED summarizes the risk assessment conclusions and outlines any risk reduction measures necessary for the pesticide to continue to be registered in the U.S.[http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm]

WHO; Environmental Health Criteria Document No. 18: Arsenic. EHC are designed for scientists and administrators responsible for the establishment of safety standards and regulations and provide basic scientific risk evaluations of a wide range of chemicals and groups of chemicals.[Available from, as of July 6, 2009: http://www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html]

DHHS/ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Arsenic p. 137 (2000). The ATSDR toxicological profile identifies and reviews the key literature that describes a hazardous substance's toxicologic properties. Other pertinent literature is presented in less detail.

European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Diarsenic Trioxide (1327-53-3) (2000 CD-ROM edition). Contains information on use, toxicology, and environmental effects of this chemical as supplied to the European Union by industry.[Available from, as of July 7, 2009: http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/]

For more Special Reports (Complete) data for ARSENIC TRIOXIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

P012; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when arsenic trioxide, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to federal and/or state hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any container or inner liner used to hold this waste or any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5(e)).

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

Warning: Effects usually appear within 30 minutes of exposure but may be delayed for several hours. Caution is advised.

General First Aid:

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Inorganic arsenic plus methylated metabolites in urine = 35 ug As/L; end of workweek;

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. /Arsenic trioxide, solid/

Personnel protection: ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. /Arsenic trioxide, solid/

Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire. Use flooding quantities of water as spray. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal.

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Arsenical cmpd, solid, NOS/

Personnel protection: ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. /Arsenical cmpd, solid, NOS/

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, halogens, and iron salts.

Protect container against physical damage. Store in well ventilated area away from food or food products and combustible materials. /Inorganic arsenic cmpd/

Flush with water /for neutralizing acids and caustics/.

A technique was developed for cleansing excavated soils contaminated by hazardous substances. The chemicals tested included arsenic trioxide. The two soils used are organic loam and an inorganic mixture of sand, gravel, silt, and clay. The steps used in this process are water-knife size reduction, soaking, countercurrent extraction, hydrocyclone separation, and wasted fluid treatment for reuse. Arsenic is not easily removed. Contaminated soils can be treated in situ with water or aqueous solutions that are frequently encountered. Soil characteristics are important factors in the removal or retention of contaminants. Tables and diagrams illustrate the results and designs of the process.

Prompt cleanup and removal are necessary. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal.

Floors and other accessible surfaces contaminated with inorganic arsenic may not be cleaned by the use of compressed air, and shoveling and brushing may be used only where vacuuming or other relevant methods have been tried and found not to be effective. /Inorganic arsenic compounds/

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Recycling: Dissolve in a minimum amt of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Add to water until the appearance of white precipitate. Add 6 M-HCL /6 M-hydrochloric acid/ just to dissolve again. Saturate with hydrogen sulfide. After filtration, wash the precipitate, dry, package and return to suppliers. Recommendable methods: Precipitation, solidification /hazardous waste/, landfill. Not recommendable methods: Thermal destruction, discharge to sewer. Peer-review: Arsenic trioxide can be dissolved in sodium hydroxide, treated to precipitate the sulfide, solidified and deposited in a landfill. Small amt of As2O3 /arsenic trioxide/ in containers can be buried in landfills. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

Storage: To convert the gas-cleaning residues obtained during the metallurgical processing of arsenic-containing ores into a portable and less water-soluble form, the metals are precipitated as hydroxides by using an excess of lime water and the arsenic is precipitated as calcium arsenate and calcium arsenite. This "arsenic sludge" is recycled, on the one hand, in order not to lose the valuable metals, and on the other, in order to reduce the problem of arsenic sludge disposal. Arsenic trioxide is removed from waste gases by means of electrostatic separators (efficiency 70-90%) or bag filters (efficiency up to 99%). Bag filters, however, require twice to three times as much energy as electrostatic separators. The following storage possibilities are available today for arsenic residues that cannot be recycled immediately or at all /hazardous waste landfill/.

Arsenic trioxide is a poor candidate for incineration.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for ARSENIC TRIOXIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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.

Arsenic poisoning can be treated by chelation therapy, using chelating agents such as dimercaprol, EDTA or DMSA. Charcoal tablets may also be used for less severe cases. In addition, maintaining a diet high in sulfur helps eliminate arsenic from the body. (L20)

LIGATED RABBIT INTESTINE WAS INFUSED WITH ARSENIC TRIOXIDE & THE BLOOD CIRCULATING AROUND IT WAS COLLECTED FROM THE CANNULATED VEIN. CONCOMITANT DIMERCAPROL (BAL) OR THIOCTIC ACID DECREASED THE AMOUNT OF ARSENIC TRIOXIDE ABSORBED INTO THE BLOOD.

Arsenic trioxide alone & in combination with benzo(a)pyrene was studied in male Syrian golden hamsters given 15 weekly intratracheal instillations. The animals were divided into 4 groups: arsenic, benzo(a)pyrene, arsenic + benzo(a)pyrene, & controls. At each instillation about 3 mg/kg bw as arsenic &/or 6 mg/kg bw of benzo(a)pyrene was administered. All groups received a carrier dust (charcoal carbon), which increased the lung retention of arsenic, as well as sulfuric acid. Carcinomas of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, or lung were found in 3, 17, & 25 of 47, 40, & 54 animals examined in the arsenic, benzo(a)pyrene, & arsenic + benzo(a)pyrene groups. No respiratory tract carcinomas were found in 53 control animals. The incidence of pulmonary adenomas, papillomas, & adenomatoid lesions were markedly higher in the As group than in the control group (P<0.01).

LC50 Oncorhynchus keta (Chum salmon) 8,330 ug/l/48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC54 Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (pink salmon) 3,787 ug/l/10 days /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC100 Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (pink salmon) 7,195 ug/l/7 days /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

Terrestrial Fate: Half-life is 6.5 years for arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in soil. Microorganisms in the soil metabolize soil arsenic to volatile arsine derivatives. Depending on the conditions, 17-60% of the total arsenic present in the soil may be volatilized.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Oral (L2) ; inhalation (L2) ; dermal (L2)

The mechanism of action of Arsenic Trioxide is not completely understood. Arsenic trioxide causes morphological changes and DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis in NB4 human promyelocytic leukemia cells <i>in vitro</i>. Arsenic trioxide also causes damage or degradation of the fusion protein PML/RAR-alpha. It is suspected that arsenic trioxide induces cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. Arsenic and its metabolites disrupt ATP production through several mechanisms. At the level of the citric acid cycle, arsenic inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase and by competing with phosphate it uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, thus inhibiting energy-linked reduction of NAD+, mitochondrial respiration, and ATP synthesis. Hydrogen peroxide production is also increased, which might form reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Arsenic's carginogenicity is influenced by the arsenical binding of tubulin, which results in aneuploidy, polyploidy and mitotic arrests. The binding of other arsenic protein targets may also cause altered DNA repair enzyme activity, altered DNA methylation patterns and cell proliferation. (T1, A17)

Burning sensation behind the breastbone. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Weakness. See Ingestion. Symptoms may be delayed.

Redness. Pain. Blisters. Skin burns.

Redness. Pain. Burns.

Burns in mouth and throat. Abdominal cramps. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Shock or collapse.

Symptoms of overdose include convulsions, muscle weakness and confusion. Exposure to lower levels of arsenic can cause nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, and damage to blood vessels.

P012; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when arsenic trioxide, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to federal and/or state hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any container or inner liner used to hold this waste or any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5(e)).

As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Arsenic trioxide is found on List A, which contains most food use pesticides and consists of the 194 chemical cases (or 350 individual active ingredients) for which EPA issued registration standards prior to FIFRA '88. Case No: 0132; Pesticide type: fungicide (wood perservative); Registration Standard Date: 6/1/88, 9/10/86; Case Status: OPP is reviewing data from the pesticide's producers regarding its human health and/or environmental effects, or OPP is determining the pesticide's eligibility for reregistration and developing the RED document.; Active ingredient (AI): arsenic trioxide; Data Call-in (DCI) Date(s): 1/31/94, 10/13/95; AI Status: The producers of the pesticide has made commitments to conduct the studies and pay the fees required for reregistration, and are meeting those commitments in a timely manner.

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Arsenical cmpd, liquid, NOS/

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Arsenical cmpd, solid, NOS/

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Arsenic trioxide is included on this list.

(a) The owner or operator of an existing glass melting furnace subject to the provisions of this subpart shall comply with either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section ... (1) Uncontrolled total arsenic emissions from the glass melting furnace shall be less than 2.5 Mg (2.7 ton) per year, or ... (2) Total arsenic emissions from glass melting furnace shall be conveyed to a control device and reduced by at least 85%. /Total arsenic/

(b) The owner or operator of a new or modified glass melting furnace subject to the provisions of this subpart shall comply with either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section ... (1) Uncontrolled total arsenic emissions from the glass melting furnace shall be less than 0.4 Mg (0.44 ton) per year, or ... (2) Total arsenic emissions from glass melting furnace shall be conveyed to a control device and reduced by at least 85%. /Total arsenic/

The owner or operator of each copper converter subject to the provisions of this subpart shall reduce inorganic arsenic emissions to the atmosphere by meeting the following design, equipment, work practice, and operational requirements: (1) Install, operate, and maintain a secondary hood system on each copper converter. Each secondary hood system shall consist of a hood enclosure, air curtain fan(s), exhaust system fan(s), and ductwork that conveys the captured emission to a control device ... (2) Optimize the capture of secondary inorganic arsenic emission by operating the copper converter and secondary hood systems at all times ... . /Inorganic arsenic/

For more Atmospheric Standards (Complete) data for ARSENIC TRIOXIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Arsenic trioxide is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 100 or 1000 lbs. Extremely hazardous substances that are solids are subject to either of two threshold planning quantities ... The lower quantity applies only if the solid exists in powdered for and has a particle size less than 100 microns; or is handled in solution or in molten form; or meets the criteria for a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) rating of 2, 3 or 4 for reactivity. If the solid does not meet any of these criteria, it is subject to the upper ... threshold planning quantity ... .

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Arsenic trioxide is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Arsenic & cmpd/

For the maximum protection of human health from the potential carcinogenic effects due to exposure of arsenic through ingestion of contaminated water & contaminated aquatic organisms, the ambient water concn should be zero based on the nonthreshold assumption for this chemical. However, zero level may not be attainable at the present time. Therefore, the levels which may result in incremental increase of cancer risk over the lifetime are estimated at 1X10-5, 1X10-6, & 1X10-7. The corresponding criteria are 22 ng/l, 2.2 ng/l, & .22 ng/l, respectively .... For consumption of aquatic organisms only, excluding consumption of water, the levels are 175 ng/ml, 17.5 ng/l, & 1.75 ng/l, respectively. /Arsenic/

D004; A solid waste containing arsenic may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.

(AZ) ARIZONA 10 ug/L /Arsenic/

(CT) CONNECTICUT 10 ug/L /Arsenic/

10 ug/L /Arsenic/

Maximum Contaminant Level: 0.010 mg/L /Arsenic/

L - Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

QL - Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

L01XX27

The mechanism of action of Arsenic Trioxide is not completely understood. Arsenic trioxide causes morphological changes and DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis in NB4 human promyelocytic leukemia cells <i>in vitro</i>. Arsenic trioxide also causes damage or degradation of the fusion protein PML/RAR-alpha. It is suspected that arsenic trioxide induces cancer cells to undergo apoptosis.

ANIMALS ... WHEN ARSENIC TRIOXIDE WAS ADDED TO LIVER HOMOGENATES, OXYGEN CONSUMPTION DECR. ... FOUND THAT ARSENIC BINDS TO THIOL GROUPS OF /CERTAIN ENZYMES/.

AFTER A SINGLE ORAL DOSE OF 29 MG/KG ARSENIC TRIOXIDE, BLOOD LEVELS OF ARSENIC IN RATS REACHED A MAXIMUM AFTER 3 DAYS AND THEN DECREASED, WITH A SLOW BIOLOGICAL HALF-LIFE OF 60 DAYS. ARSENIC IN TISSUES WAS 1% OF ADMINISTERED DOSE. EXCRETION IN FECES WAS 68.6% DURING THE FIRST 4 DAYS, AND A TRACE AMOUNT WAS DETECTED IN BILE. IN RABBITS WITH SAME DOSE, FECAL EXCRETION WAS 62.9% DURING 7 DAYS.

Inorganic, lyophilized arsenic trioxide, when placed in solution, is immediately hydrolyzed to arsenous acid - this appears to be the pharmacologically active species of arsenic trioxide. Further metabolism involves the oxidation of arsenous acid to arsenic acid, and an oxidative methylation of arsenous acid to monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) by methyltransferases in the liver. Both MMA and DMA have relatively long half-lives and can accumulate following multiple doses, the extent of which depends upon the dosing regimen in question.

CHEMICAL SPECIATION STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT DIMETHYLARSINIC ACID & METHANEARSONIC ACID ARE PRIMARY FORMS OF ARSENIC PRESENT IN URINE OF HUMANS EXPOSED TO ... ARSENIC TRIOXIDE BY INHALATION.

Urinary profiles of arsenic smelter workers showed that dimethylarsenic acid was the major species followed by methyl arsenic, trivalent arsenic, and pentavalent arsenic.

Urinary concentrations of the four arsenic species, pentavalent (As(V)) and trivalent (As(III)) inorganic arsenic, monomethylarsonic acid (MMAA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA), were followed for several days subsequent to the acute intoxication of two human subjects by arsenic trioxide and sodium orthoarsenate, respectively, in unsuccessful suicide attempts. Total arsenic concentrations ranged from 1.6 to 18.7 mg/1. The increasing predominance of the less toxic methylated species, especially dimethylarsinic acid, after 3 or 4 days supports the concept of methylation as a natural detoxification mechanism as part of an overall reduction/methylation sequence involved in the biotransformation of inorganic arsenic by the human body. However, the additional possibility of oxidation of As(III) to As(V) in vivo under extreme immediate postingestion conditions is suggested by initial high urinary As(V), As(III), monomethylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid in both cases probably reflect species dependent differences in rates of direct elimination and reactivity with tissues as well as the efficiency of methylation.

Rat liver cytosol inactivates inorganic arsenic through methylation; S-adenosylmethionine is the methyl group donor and reduced glutathione is required for full activity. ... Pathway involves the formation of a monomethylated metabolite which is either rapidly further methylated into a dimethylated derivative or is spontaneously oxidized into monomethylarsinic acid. The dimethylated metabolite gives rise to dimethylarsinic acid. The first methylation reaction is rate limiting, can be stimulated by glutathione and is catalyzed by an enzyme different from that which transfers the second methyl group. The latter is sensitive to inhibition by inorganic arsenic. ... A large excess of thiol groups may prevent the methylation reactions probably by decreasing the amount of free trivalent arsenic.

Arsenic is mainly absorbed by inhalation or ingestion, and to a lesser extent by dermal exposure. It is then distributed throughout the body, where it is reduced into arsenite if necessary, then methylated into monomethylarsenic (MMA) and dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) by arsenite methyltransferase. Arsenic and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine. Arsenic is known to induce the metal-binding protein metallothionein, which decreases the toxic effects of arsenic and other metals by binding them and making them biologically inactive, as well as acting as an antioxidant. (L20) The metabolism of arsenic trioxide involves reduction of pentavalent arsenic to trivalent arsenic by arsenate reductase and methylation of trivalent arsenic to monomethylarsonic acid and monomethylarsonic acid to dimethylarsinic acid by methyltransferases. The main site of methylation reactions appears to be the liver. Arsenic is stored mainly in liver, kidney, heart, lung, hair and nails. Route of Elimination: Trivalent arsenic is mostly methylated in humans and excreted in urine.

Trivalent arsenic is mostly methylated in humans and excreted in urine.

BOTH HUMAN & ANIMAL DATA INDICATE THAT OVER 80% OF INGESTED DOSE OF DISSOLVED INORG TRIVALENT ARSENIC IS ABSORBED FROM GI TRACT. ... IN CASE OF ARSENIC TRIOXIDE, WHICH IS ONLY SLIGHTLY SOL IN WATER, GI ABSORPTION WILL BE DEPENDENT ON FACTORS SUCH AS PARTICLE SIZE & PH OF THE GASTRIC JUICES.

FOLLOWING DIETARY ADMIN OF 215 PPM ARSENIC IN FORM OF ... ARSENIC TRIOXIDE FOR UP TO 52 DAYS IN RATS, HIGHEST ... LEVELS ... WERE FOUND IN KIDNEYS & LIVER & RELATIVELY LOWER LEVELS IN HAIR, BRAIN, BONE, MUSCLE & SKIN. ... TRIVALENT ARSENIC ... IS CONVERTED TO ... /PENTAVALENT ARSENIC IN MAN/ WHICH IS RAPIDLY EXCRETED BY KIDNEYS.

ORAL ADMIN OF 1 MG/KG BODY WT ARSENIC AS ARSENIC TRIOXIDE TO MONKEYS RESULTED IN APPROXIMATELY 80% ABSORPTION FROM THE GUT; 75% OF THE ADMIN DOSE WAS EXCRETED WITHIN 14 DAYS, PRIMARILY IN URINE.

... MALE & ... FEMALE RATS, 21 DAYS OF AGE WERE GIVEN DIET CONTAINING 26.8 OR 215 MG/KG OF DIET ARSENIC AS ARSENIC TRIOXIDE AD LIBITUM. ... LITTERS OF FOLLOWING 3 PREGNANCIES WERE EVALUATED, AS WELL AS FIRST LITTER OF SECOND GENERATION. AMT ... FOUND IN NEWBORNS WAS LOWER IN FIRST LITTER OF FIRST GENERATION ... THAN LATER LITTERS ...

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for ARSENIC TRIOXIDE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Uses include purification of synthesis gas, decolorizing glass, dyeing textiles (mordant), preserving hides, and preserving wood; Also used in pigments, ceramic enamels, aniline colors, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides (sheep and cattle dip), rodenticides, mineral flotation reagents, antineoplastic drugs, and growth inhibitors; [HSDB]

Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]

Ceramics making [Category: Hobbies]

For Arsenic Trioxide (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 007001) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

PURIFICATION OF SYNTHESIS GAS

Primary material for all arsenic cmpd; for preserving hides; textile mordant

(1977) 5.0X10+9 G

About 13.5 million lb of arsenic are imported. Primarily as arsenic trioxide.

(1982) 1.5X10+10 G

(1986)5.00X10+8 g /estimated/

For more U.S. Imports (Complete) data for ARSENIC TRIOXIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2023: 5,000,000 - <10,000,000 lb

(1977) AT LEAST 4.54X10+9 G

(1985) 2.20X10+9 g

(1986) No domestic production of arsenic or arsenic trioxide.

PESTICIDAL USES (INCL ARSENIC ACID & SODIUM ARSENATE), 50%; WOOD PRESERVATIVE & MINERAL FLOTATION, 40%; GLASS MFR & ARSENIC SULFIDES, 5%; METAL PRODN, 3%; OTHER, 2% (1980)

Accounted for 98% of the arsenic consumed in 1988

Smelting of copper and lead concentrates. Flue dust, to which pyrite or galena concentrates are added, yields As2O3 vapor. Condensation gives product of varying purity called crude arsenic (90-95% pure). A higher-purity called white arsenic is obtained by resubliming the crude As2O3 (99+% pure).

Schenk in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Vol 1, G Brauer, ed (Academic Press, NY, 2nd ed, 1963) 600.

Commercially, it is obtained by roasting arsenopyrite, FeAsS

Arsenic trioxide is produced as a by product of copper smelting operations.

USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code 007001; Trade Names: White Arsenic; Arsenicum Album.

Refined: 99%; Crude: 95%.

99.999% Purity grade; 99.9998% high-purity grade

Formulations: Paste (103 g/kg)

Wood Product Manufacturing

Arsenic oxide (As2O3): ACTIVE

Arsenic trioxide-arsenic hexaoxide (As2O3-As4O6), may be formed by the ignition of arsenic vapor in air or oxygen. There are two crystal modifications of the oxide, cubic & monoclinic.

Upon heating in air, both /metallic arsenic & the amorphous form/ sublime & the vapor oxidizes to arsenic trioxide, As2O3. Although As4O6 represents the crystalline make-up of the oxide, it is more commonly referred to as arsenic trioxide. A persistent garlic like odor is noted during oxidation.

The yield of metallic arsenic from the reduction of arsenic trioxide with carbon & carbon monoxide has been studied.

Production of arsenic trioxide and metal at the Tacoma, WA, copper smelter were terminated by the end of 1985.