# Sodium Arsenite

Chemical Name: CAS #:  
Hazard Classification:   
Location Used: Principal Investigator:  
Processes for Which Chemical Is Used:  
HAZARDS AND PROTECTION  
Hazard Information  
• Acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity  
• Organ Toxicity  
Routes of Exposure  
• Ingestion   
• Inhalation  
• Skin absorption  
If exposed by:  
• Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Do not use   
mouth to mouth; give artificial respiration   
through pocket mask, one-way valve or other   
respiratory medical device  
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting.  
• Eye or skin: Rinse with plenty of water for 15   
minutes.  
If exposed by any route, seek immediate medical   
attention.   
Symptoms of Exposure  
• Exposure can be fatal.  
• May cause headaches, nausea and vomiting.   
Prolonged exposure can cause brain damage.  
• May cause eye, skin and respiratory tract   
irritation  
Exposure Limits  
All exposure limits are Time Weighted Averages   
(average exposure over an eight-hour day) unless   
otherwise indicated.  
OSHA PEL: None indicated  
ACGIH TLV: 0.002 ppm (0.01 mg/m3  
)  
NIOSH IDLH: 5 ppm (26.6 mg/m3  
)  
Engineering Controls  
• Chemical Fume Hood Never open sodium arsenite outside of a chemical   
fume hood.  
Administrative Controls  
• Designated area sign  
• Particularly hazardous substance label  
• Post designated area sign before each use.  
• Label containers of sodium arsenite as a   
health hazard.  
• Use as small a quantity as possible.  
Sodium arsenite 7784-46-5  
Health Hazard  
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY EHS  
LABORATORY CHEMICAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE  
CS-007 Last Reviewed July 8, 2019  
Personal Protective Equipment  
• Gloves   
• Safety glasses (for dry chemical) or splash   
goggles (for solutions)  
• Lab coat  
• Tyvek sleeves (for amounts exceeding 5   
grams).  
Two pairs of nitrile gloves must be worn when   
handling sodium arsenite. Wash hands immediately   
after use. Splash goggles must be worn when working   
with solutions of sodium arsenite greater than 1%.  
OTHER SAFETY INFORMATION  
Transportation Follow guidance given in the laboratory safety manual   
for transport of chemicals.  
Storage  
• Can be stored with other dry chemicals but in   
a dedicated section for toxic chemicals.  
• Keep away from heat and open flames.  
Incompatible materials include:  
Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids  
Spill/Accident Procedures  
For all spills:  
• Wear two pairs of nitrile gloves, safety glasses   
and lab coat  
• Evacuate the immediate area  
Exposure:  
• If anyone exposed requires emergency   
medical attention, dial 911 (or 9-911 from   
landline).  
• Follow procedures outlined in laboratory   
safety manual.  
Small spills (less than 10 g in a hood): Small spills may   
be cleaned by sweeping up dry powder and placing   
them in a container. If the spill is a liquid, cover with   
absorbent material and then place the absorbent   
material container. Clean area with soap and water   
once spill is removed.  
Large spills (greater than 10 g in a hood or any   
amount outside a fume hood): If the spill is in a   
chemical fume hood, contact the EHS director (864-  
710-2933). If he cannot be reached (does not answer   
phone, do not leave voicemail), then call 911, pull the   
fire alarm and exit the building. If the spill is outside of   
a hood, then call 911, pull the fire alarm and exit the   
building.  
Waste Disposal Waste sodium arsenite must be collected for disposal.  
By signing below, you indicate that you have reviewed this SOP and understand the contents thereof:  
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY EHS  
LABORATORY CHEMICAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE  
CS-007 Last Reviewed July 8, 201