MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.  PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION 

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:        Arsenic Sulfide

Formula:                 As₂S₃

CAS Number:           1303-33-9

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 

Hazardous Component:   Arsenic Sulfide 

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      0.01 mg(As)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.01 mg(As)/m³

HMIS Rating:

Health:                             4

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

III.  PHYSICAL DATA 

Boiling Point:                 707 ^oC

Melting Point:                300 ^oC

Specific Gravity:           3.43 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:           Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:  Yellow powder or crystal, rotten egg odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA 

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Explosion Limits:  Lower:  N/E          Upper:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear a full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, or on contact with acids or acid fumes, arsenic sulfide emits highly toxic fumes of SO₂, H₂S and arsenic.  Reacts violently on contact with H₂O₂, (KNO₃ + S).  Arsenic sulfide changes to a red color at 170 ^oC.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of arsenic sulfide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Inorganic arsenic compounds are confirmed human carcinogens producing tumors of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, bladder and para nasal sinus.  A recognized carcinogen of the skin, lungs, and liver.  Poisoning from arsenic usually results from swallowing arsenic compounds; chronic poisoning from either swallowing or inhaling.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

The heavy metal sulfides are generally insoluble and show little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.  Hydrogen sulfide, if generated, is toxic, a severe irritant and flammable.  Effects include conjunctivitis, headache, nausea, dizziness, coughing, pulmonary edema, and possibly death.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  DANGER - POISON.   Arsenic compounds can cause lung cancer.  May be corrosive due to evolutions of hydrogen sulfide on contact with moisture.  Hydrogen sulfide is highly irritating to the respiratory tract and may cause pulmonary edema.  Exposure to high concentrations affects central nervous system and may be fatal.

Ingestion:  DANGER - POISON.  May cause acute arsenic poisoning.  Ingestion may cause severe irritation and possibly be corrosive due to the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.

Skin:  May cause irritation and skin abnormalities. 

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, ulceration of the nasal septum, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system.

Ingestion:  May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system.

Skin:  May cause irritation, occasional ulceration, spotty pigmentation, dermatitis, skin cancer and keratoses (especially on soles and palms).

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  Yes             IARC:  Yes            OSHA:  Yes

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, DO NOT Induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, and wash area with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately.

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA 

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Water, acid or acid fumes, oxidizing materials, potassium chlorate, H₂O₂, (KNO₃ + S).

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  H₂S, As₂O₃, As

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES 

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate the area where the spill occurred, insure proper ventilation is available and that water/moisture are kept out of the area.  Vacuum up the spill using a high efficiency unit and place in a container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust-mist-fume respirator

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels_. Handle in a controlled atmosphere.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene, butyl, PVC, viton

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles or face shield.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry area.  Store under dry atmosphere.  Handle and store in an inert gas.  Open and handle container with care.  Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before meals.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

Reportable Chemical SARA Title III:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                     6.1

Identification Number:      UN1557

Packing Group:                   III

Proper Shipping Name:      Arsenic compound, solid, n.o.s., (Arsenic Sulfide)

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                          S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                July 2007