Right to Know
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet
CACODYLIC ACID
Common Name:
Synonyms: Hydroxydimethylarsine Oxide CAS Number: 75-60-5
Chemical Name: Arsinic Acid, Dimethyl- RTK Substance Number: 0304
Date: January 1999 Revision: July 2008 DOT Number: UN 1572
Description and Use EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE PAGE 6
Hazard Summary
Cacodylic Acid is an organic Arsenic compound. It is a
colorless to white, odorless, crystalline (sand-like) solid that is Hazard Rating NJDHSS NFPA
used as a herbicide and soil sterilant. It is also used in HEALTH 4 -
chemical warfare and in timber thinning. FLAMMABILITY 0 -
REACTIVITY 0 -
CARCINOGEN
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
DOES NOT BURN
Reasons for Citation
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
Cacodylic Acid is on the Right to Know Hazardous
Substance List because it is cited by OSHA, DOT, DEP, Cacodylic Acid can affect you when inhaled and by passing
IARC, IRIS and EPA. through the skin.
This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance Cacodylic Acid is a CARCINOGEN. HANDLE WITH
List. EXTREME CAUTION.
Skin contact can cause irritation, burns, rash and loss of
pigment.
Eye contact can cause irritation and burns.
Inhaling Cacodylic Acid can irritate the nose and throat and
can cause an ulcer or hole in the "bone" (septum) dividing
the inner nose.
Exposure to Cacodylic Acid can cause weakness, poor
SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5.
appetite, headache and even death.
Cacodylic Acid may damage the nervous system and the
FIRST AID liver
Eye Contact
Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact
Workplace Exposure Limits
lenses, if worn, while flushing. Seek medical attention.
The following exposure limit is for organic Arsenic compounds
Skin Contact (measured as Arsenic):
Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of water.
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
3
0.5 mg/m averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
Inhalation
Remove the person from exposure.
Cacodylic Acid is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may
Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if
be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact
breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped.
should be reduced to the lowest possible level.
Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
The above exposure limit is for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though
air levels are less than the limit listed above.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300
NJDEP Hotline: 1-877-927-6337
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802
Page 2 of 6
CACODYLIC ACID
Determining Your Exposure Reproductive Hazard
There is limited evidence that Cacodylic Acid is a teratogen
Read the product manufacturer's Material Safety Data in animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be
Sheet (MSDS) and the label to determine product treated as a possible teratogen in humans.
ingredients and important safety and health information
Other Effects
about the product mixture.
Repeated skin contact can cause thickened skin and/or
For each individual hazardous ingredient, read the New patchy areas of darkening and loss of pigment. Some
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services persons may develop white lines on the nails.
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet, available on the RTK Long-term exposure can cause an ulcer or hole in the "bone"
(septum) dividing the inner nose, hoarseness and sore eyes.
Program website (www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb) or in
Cacodylic Acid may damage the nervous system causing
your facility's RTK Central File or Hazard Communication
numbness, "pins and needles," and/or weakness in the
Standard file.
hands and feet.
You have a right to this information under the New Jersey Cacodylic Acid may damage the liver.
Worker and Community Right to Know Act, the Public
Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Act
Medical
if you are a public worker in New Jersey, and under the
federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) if you
Medical Testing
are a private worker. Before beginning employment and at regular times thereafter,
(at least annually), the following are recommended:
The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most
employers to label chemicals in the workplace and
Chest x-ray
requires public employers to provide their employees with
Exam of the nose, skin and nails
information concerning chemical hazards and controls. Test for urine Arsenic. This is most accurate at the end of
The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 the workday. Eating shellfish or fish may elevate Arsenic
CFR 1910.1200) and the PEOSH Hazard Communication levels for up to two days. At NIOSH recommended
exposure levels, urine Arsenic should not be greater than
Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-7) require employers to provide
100 micrograms per liter of urine.
similar information and training to their employees.
After suspected overexposure, repeat these tests and consider
This Fact Sheet is a summary of available information
an exam of the nervous system and liver function tests. Also
regarding the health hazards that may result from exposure.
examine your skin periodically for abnormal growths. Skin
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
cancer from Arsenic can be easily cured when detected early.
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
Health Hazard Information exposure.
Acute Health Effects
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee
immediately or shortly after exposure to Cacodylic Acid:
Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020).
Skin contact can cause irritation, burns, itching, rash and
loss of pigment. Mixed Exposures
Eye contact can cause irritation, burns, and red, watery More than light alcohol consumption can cause liver
eyes. damage. Drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage
Inhaling Cacodylic Acid can irritate the nose and throat caused by Cacodylic Acid.
causing coughing and wheezing.
Exposure to Cacodylic Acid can cause weakness, poor Conditions Made Worse By Exposure
appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle cramps, and Many scientists believe that skin changes, such as
even death. thickening and pigment changes, make those skin areas
more likely to develop skin cancer.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at
some time after exposure to Cacodylic Acid and can last for
months or years:
Cancer Hazard
Cacodylic Acid is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There is
evidence that Arsenic and Arsenic compounds cause
bladder, lung, and skin cancer in humans.
Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a carcinogen.
Page 3 of 6
CACODYLIC ACID
Workplace Controls and Practices Eye Protection
Wear eye protection with side shields or goggles.
Very toxic chemicals, or those that are reproductive hazards or
Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with
sensitizers, require expert advice on control measures if a less
corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.
toxic chemical cannot be substituted. Control measures
include: (1) enclosing chemical processes for severely
Respiratory Protection
irritating and corrosive chemicals, (2) using local exhaust
Improper use of respirators is dangerous. Respirators
ventilation for chemicals that may be harmful with a single
exposure, and (3) using general ventilation to control should only be used if the employer has implemented a written
exposures to skin and eye irritants. For further information on program that takes into account workplace conditions,
workplace controls, consult the NIOSH document on Control requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and
Banding at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/.
medical exams, as described in the OSHA Respiratory
Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
The following work practices are also recommended:
For field applications check with your supervisor and your
Label process containers.
safety equipment supplier regarding the appropriate
Provide employees with hazard information and training.
respiratory equipment.
Monitor airborne chemical concentrations.
3
Where the potential exists for exposure under 0.5 mg/m (as
Use engineering controls if concentrations exceed
Arsenic), use a NIOSH approved negative pressure, air
recommended exposure levels.
purifying, particulate filter respirator. The filter classifications
Provide eye wash fountains and emergency showers.
of dust/mist/fume, paint spray or pesticide prefilters, and
Wash or shower if skin comes in contact with a hazardous
filters for radon daughters, have been replaced with the N,
material.
R, and P series. Each series has three levels of filtering
Always wash at the end of the workshift.
efficiency: 95%, 99%, and 99.9%.
Change into clean clothing if clothing becomes
Where the potential exists for exposure over 0.5 mg/m3 (as
contaminated.
Arsenic), use a NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with
Do not take contaminated clothing home.
a full facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other
Get special training to wash contaminated clothing.
positive-pressure mode. For increased protection use in
Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chemicals are
combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing
being handled, processed or stored.
apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-
Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, drinking,
pressure mode.
applying cosmetics or using the toilet.
In addition, the following may be useful or required:
Fire Hazards
Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-
If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP.
and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades Standard
Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter when
(29 CFR 1910.156).
vacuuming. Do not use a standard shop vacuum.
Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of
surrounding fire. Cacodylic Acid itself does not burn.
Personal Protective Equipment POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including
Arsenic Oxides.
The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR
Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate
personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train
employees on how and when to use protective equipment.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may
not apply to every situation.
Gloves and Clothing
Avoid skin contact with Cacodylic Acid. Wear personal
protective equipment made from material that can not be
permeated or degraded by this substance. Safety
equipment suppliers and manufacturers can provide
recommendations on the most protective glove and clothing
material for your operation.
Safety equipment manufacturers recommend Nitrile and
Natural Rubber for gloves and DuPont Tyvek? or the
equivalent, as protective materials for clothing.
All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Page 4 of 6
CACODYLIC ACID
Spills and Emergencies Occupational Health Information
If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be
Resources
properly trained and equipped. The OSHA Hazardous Waste
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services,
Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR
Occupational Health Service, offers multiple services in
1910.120) may apply.
occupational health. These services include providing
informational resources, educational materials, public
If Cacodylic Acid is spilled, take the following steps:
presentations, and industrial hygiene and medical
Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the investigations and evaluations.
area.
Eliminate all ignition sources.
Moisten spilled material first or use a HEPA-filter vacuum for
For more information, please contact:
clean-up and deposit in sealed containers.
Ventilate and wash area after clean-up is complete.
New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services
DO NOT wash into sewer.
Right to Know Program
It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Cacodylic
Acid as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state PO Box 368
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Phone: 609-984-2202
Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations.
Fax: 609-984-7407
E-mail: rtk@doh.state.nj.us
Web address: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb
Handling and Storage
Prior to working with Cacodylic Acid you should be trained on The Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
its proper handling and storage. are not intended to be copied and sold
for commercial purposes.
A regulated, marked area should be established where
Cacodylic Acid is handled, used, or stored.
Cacodylic Acid is not compatible with OXIDIZING AGENTS
(such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES,
PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES,
CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); REDUCING
AGENTS (such as LITHIUM, SODIUM, ALUMINUM and
their HYDRIDES); STRONG ACIDS (such as
HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC); CHEMICALLY
ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM and
ZINC); and SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE.
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from WATER and MOISTURE as Cacodylic
Acid absorbs water from the air.
Page 5 of 6
CACODYLIC ACID
GLOSSARY
ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial LEL or Lower Explosive Limit, is the lowest concentration of
Hygienists. They publish guidelines called Threshold Limit a combustible substance (gas or vapor) in the air capable of
Values (TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. continuing an explosion.
Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) are established mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air.
by the EPA. They describe the risk to humans resulting from It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume).
once-in-a lifetime, or rare, exposure to airborne chemicals.
A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation
Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance can is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations
change its physical state from a liquid to a gas. can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
The CAS number is unique, identifying number, assigned by
the Chemical Abstracts Service, to a specific chemical. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves
CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which are the respirators, conducts studies of workplace hazards, and
regulations of the United States government. proposes standards to OSHA.
A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn. NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals
and reviews evidence for cancer.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers. OSHA is the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental standards.
Protection.
PEOSHA is the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency Safety and Health Act, which adopts and enforces health and
that regulates the transportation of chemicals. safety standards in public workplaces.
EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal Permeated is the movement of chemicals through protective
agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. materials.
ERG is the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is a guide for PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison
emergency responders for transportation emergencies Inhalation Hazards.
involving hazardous substances.
ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) values measure of concentration by volume in air.
are intended to provide estimates of concentration ranges
where one reasonably might anticipate observing adverse A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases
effects. energy under certain conditions.
A fetus is an unborn human or animal. STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15-
minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will during a work day.
ignite easily and burn rapidly.
A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid damaging the fetus.
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air.
UEL or Upper Explosive Limit is the highest concentration in
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a air above which there is too much fuel (gas or vapor) to begin a
scientific group. reaction or explosion.
Ionization Potential is the amount of energy needed to Vapor Density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of
remove an electron from an atom or molecule. It is measured one gas to the weight of another (usually Hydrogen), at the
in electron volts. same temperature and pressure.
IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a
maintained by federal EPA. The database contains solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure
information on human health effects that may result from indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and
exposure to various chemicals in the environment. therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.
INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS Page 6 of 6
Common Name: CACODYLIC ACID
Synonyms: Hydroxydimethylarsine Oxide
CAS No: 75-60-5
Molecular Formula: C2H7AsO2
RTK Substance No: 0304
Description: Colorless to white, odorless, crystalline solid
HAZARD DATA
Hazard Rating Firefighting Reactivity
Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of
4 - Health Cacodylic Acid is not compatible with OXIDIZING
surrounding fire. Cacodylic Acid itself does not AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES,
0 - Fire burn. PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES,
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE,
0 - Reactivity CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); REDUCING
including Arsenic Oxides. AGENTS (such as LITHIUM, SODIUM, ALUMINUM and
DOT#: UN 1572 Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers their HYDRIDES); STRONG ACIDS (such as
cool. HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC);
ERG Guide #: 151
CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM,
Hazard Class: 6.1 MAGNESIUM and ZINC); and SODIUM
(Poison) BOROHYDRIDE.
SPILL/LEAKS PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Odor Threshold: Odorless
Isolation Distance:
Flash Point: Nonflammable
Spill: 25 meters (75 feet)
Specific Gravity: >1.2 (water = 1)
Fire: 800 meters (1/2 mile)
Water Solubility: Soluble
Moisten spilled material first or use a HEPA-filter 392oF (200oC)
Boiling Point:
vacuum for clean-up and deposit in sealed containers.
383o to 392oF (195o to 200oC)
Melting Point:
DO NOT wash into sewer.
Molecular Weight: 138
Harmful to aquatic life.
pH: Acidic
EXPOSURE LIMITS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
3 Gloves: Nitrile and Natural Rubber
OSHA: 0.5 mg/m , 8-hr TWA (as Arsenic)
Coveralls: DuPont Tyvek?br>
NIOSH: None
<0.5 mg/m3 - Full facepiece APR with High efficiency filter
Respirator:
ACGIH: None
>0.5 mg/m3 - Supplied air
IDLH: None
HEALTH EFFECTS FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION
Eyes: Remove the person from exposure.
Irritation, burns, red and watery eyes
Skin: Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove
Irritation, burns, itching, rash and loss of
contact lenses if worn. Seek medical attention.
pigment
Quickly remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin with
Inhalation: Nose and throat irritation with coughing,
large amounts of water.
wheezing, and hoarseness
Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if necessary.
Weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache
Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
and muscle cramps
Chronic: Arsenic and Arsenic compounds cause
bladder, lung, and skin cancer in
humans.
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