Arsine

For information on chemical warfare blood agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

- Arsine is flammable.

Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer immediately for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then 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.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

For information on chemical warfare blood agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

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

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

13.0 [ppm]

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

Stop flow of gas before extinguishing fire. Approach release from upwind. Eliminate all ignition sources. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel.

Cleanup methods: arsine (1-20 ppm) is removed from process ventilated exhaust air from copper electrolytic purification cells by counter-current wet scrubbing.

Cleanup methods: arsine- or phosphine-containing waste gas is purified by bubbling through an arsenic trichloride or phosphorus trichloride solution, then the treated gas is bubbled through water or an alkaline solution. The removal is complete.

Releases may require isolation or evacuation. Approach release from upwind. eliminate all ignition sources. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Arsine may be disposed of by controlled burning. When possible, cylinders should be sealed and returned to supplier.

In this study the effect of sulfur, sulfur compounds, thiol-containing compounds, and thiol inhibitors on AsH(3)-induced disruption of membrane transport and hemolysis in human erythrocytes was investigated in vitro. Elemental sulfur, sodium thiosulfate, 5, 5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid were successful in delaying hemolysis, but the most successful agent was the sulfhydryl inhibitor, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). This indicated that sulfhydryl groups, possibly membrane sulfhydryls, are major factors in the hemolytic mechanism of AsH(3). Measuring intracellular ion concentrations tested the effect of NEM on AsH(3)-induced disruption of membrane transport. AsH(3) alone caused all ions tested to flow with their concentration gradients: Intracellular K+ and Mg++ decreased, whereas Na+, Cl-, and Ca++ increased. NEM was unable to prevent ion loss except for Ca++, whose increase was prevented for 1 hr after AsH(3) treatment. The influx of Ca++ in AsH(3)-treated erythrocytes is an irreversible event leading to hemolysis. Reduction of oxygenated hemoglobin to carboxyhemoglobin completely inhibited AsH(3)-induced hemolysis. In addition, AsH(3) and NEM had no direct chemical interactions. We concluded that membrane sulfhydryl groups are likely targets of AsH(3) toxicity, with NEM being able to prevent AsH(3)-induced hemolysis.

Hematologic

Blood, kidneys, liver

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)

Arsine (SA) can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. Ingestion is unlikely because arsine (SA) is a gas at room temperature. Metal arsenides are solids that can be ingested; they can react with stomach acids to release arsine (SA) gas. Information is limited about absorption of arsine (SA) through, or arsine’s (SA) toxic effects on, the skin or eyes.

Inhalation

IDENTIFICATION: Arsine is a colorless, extremely flammable gas with a garlic odor. The gas is heavier than air and accumulates close to the surface, which makes distant ignition possible in the presence of flame or spark. Arsine is extensively used in the semiconductor industry for epitaxial growth of gallium arsenide, as a doping agent for silicon based solid state electronic devices and the manufacture of light emitting diodes. HUMAN EXPOSURE: In humans arsine is absorbed via the lungs and mucosal surface of the respiratory tract. After exposure, the concentration of arsine increases rapidly in blood, whereas the distribution to the liver, kidneys and other organs is much slower. In humans, arsine is metabolized to trivalent and pentavalent arsenic. Trivalent arsenic is methylated to monomethylarsonate and dimethylarsinate. Arsine metabolites are mainly excreted via urine. Arsine in humans induces hemolysis with an increase in plasma hemoglobin, iron and potassium and subsequent anemia and kidney damage. No reliable information is available on exposure levels at which these effects occur. Myocardial and pulmonary failures are other causes of death. Severe liver lesions are rare. Anemia is observed accompanied by Heinz-Ehrlich corpuscles and increased leukocytosis. Hemoglobin, hemosiderin, erythrocytes, proteins and casts, found in urine. There are no data on the carcinogenicity or mutagenicity of arsine in humans. ANIMAL STUDIES: In animals, arsine is absorbed via the lungs and respiratory tract. In animals exposed to arsine, the concentration of arsine increases rapidly in blood, whereas distribution to liver, kidneys and lungs and other organs is much slower. In animals, arsine is metabolized to trivalent and pentavalent arsenic. Trivalent arsenic is methylated to monomethylarsonate and dimethylarsinate. These metabolites are mainly excreted via urine. The acute toxicity of arsine in different species is high. Inhalation of arsine by mice caused an increase in the relative spleen weight and a decrease in hematocrit. Histopathological changes observed included hemosiderosis and extramedullary hematopoietic activity in the spleen. Repeated exposure to arsine caused persistent splenomegaly and slight suppression of bone marrow erythroid precursors in rats, mice and Syrian Golden hamsters. Methemoglobinemia was noted in mice. In one study arsine did not induce developmental toxicity in mice or rats. There are no data on the carcinogenicity or mutagenicity in animals.

Arsine enters the bloodstream and crosses the alveolo-capillary membrane into red blood cells. Here it preferentially binds to hemoglobin and is oxidized to an arsenic dihydride intermediate and elemental arsenic, both of which are hemolytic agents. Arsine also depletes the reduced glutathione content of the red blood cells, resulting in the oxidation of sulfhydryl groups in hemoglobin and red cell membranes. These effects produce membrane instability, resulting in hemolysis. Arsine may also inhibit catalase, which leads to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. This destroys red cell membranes and may contribute to arsine-induced conversion of Fe+2 to Fe+3, which also impairs oxygen transport. (L11)

Abdominal pain. Confusion. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Weakness. Symptoms may be delayed.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

headache, malaise (vague feeling of discomfort), lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); abdominal, back pain; nausea, vomiting; bronze skin; hematuria (blood in the urine); jaundice; peripheral neuropathy; liquid: frostbite; [potential occupational carcinogen]

- Contact with the eyes does not normally result in whole-body (systemic) toxicity.

- Arsine (SA) is present as a gas at room temperature, so ingestion is unlikely.

Arsine was present in sewage sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Ruhrgebiet, Germany at a concentration of 0.76 ng/L. The compound was produced by pure cultures of anaerobic sewage sludge micorflora Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanosarcina, and Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum; amounts of volatile arsine were 0.06-9.6, 0.2-1.0, and 0.073-12.6 ng, respectively(1).

Arsine

Hematologic

5 x 10 ^-5 mg/m^3

D004; A waste containing arsenic (such as arsine) may or may not be characterized as a hazardous waste following testing by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.

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. Arsine is included on this list.

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. Arsine is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 100 lbs.

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

Arsine

1

1000

0.67

15

Toxic chemical that can be released at a facility.

Arsine may be released in metal refining processes. It is used as a doping agent in microelectronics; also used in the manufacturing of organic chemicals and lead storage batteries. Most cases of arsine poisoning do not result from the manufacture or use of the gas itself; rather, they come from the formation of arsine as a by-product of a chemical reaction involving, in most instances, a base metal, an arsenic impurity and an acid, or rarely, a strong alkali. [ACGIH]

Electroplating [Category: Plate]

Arsine is used in organic synthesis and in the electronics industry for the manufacture of semiconductors as a dopant applied to ultrapure crystals to increase electrical conductivity.

For the preparation of gallium arsenide.

For the preparation of GaAsP by chemical vapor deposition

Manufacture of certain glass dyes.

2023: 75,000 - <500,000 lb

(1977) AT LEAST 4.54X10+5 G

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule.[Table#1401]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Arsine. Aggregated National Production Volume: < 500,000 lbs.

The most convenient method of production is the reaction between sodium arsenide and water or zinc arsenide and dilute hydrochloric acid. These reactions are fast and complete and have the advantage that the product is not contaminated with hydrogen. Arsenic hydride can also be produced by cathodic reduction or by reduction of arsenic compounds in acidic solution with zinc or magnesium.

HYDROLYSIS OF ALUMINUM ARSENIDE OR TREATMENT OF ALUMINUM ARSENIDE WITH HYDROGEN CHLORIDE; REDUCTION OF ARSENIC CMPD-EG, ARSENIC TRIOXIDE WITH ZINC IN HYDROCHLORIC ACID; DECOMPOSITION OF ARSENIDES OF ELECTROPOSITIVE METALS-EG, CALCIUM ARSENIDE

Reaction of aluminum arsenide with water or hydrochloric acid, electrochemical reduction of arsenic compounds in acid solutions.

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

Arsine: ACTIVE

Acetylene prepared from calcium carbide occasionally contains ... some arsine impurities.

Stibine & arsine were also detected in the charging & forming areas (x= 0.44 & 0.042 mg/cu m, respectively) low levels (x= 0.00083 mg/cu m) of arsenic in particulate form was also detected.