Arsine
Synonyms & Trade Names
Arsenic hydride, Arsenic trihydride, Arseniuretted hydrogen, Arsenous hydride, Hydrogen arsenide
Exposure Limits
Measurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless gas with a mild, garlic-like odor.
[Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
Molecular Weight
78.0
Boiling Point
-81°F
Freezing Point
-179°F
Solubility
20%
Vapor Pressure
(70°F): 14.9 atm
Ionization Potential
9.89 eV
Flash Point
NA (Gas)
Upper Explosive Limit
78%
Lower Explosive Limit
5.1%
Relative Gas Density
2.69
Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, chlorine, nitric acid
[Note: Decomposes above 446°F. There is a high potential for the generation of arsine gas when inorganic arsenic is exposed to nascent (freshly formed) hydrogen.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)
Symptoms
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]
Target Organs
Blood, kidneys, liver
Cancer Site
[lung & lymphatic cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Frostbite
Eyes:Frostbite
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Frostbite wash
Skin:Frostbite
Eyes:Frostbite
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Frostbite wash
First Aid
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 canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health