Arsenic Trisulfide Toxicity - Symptoms, Protection, and Management

Introduction

Arsenic trisulfide is an odorless, yellow or orange crystalline powder. It is used as a pigment in tanning, insecticides, producing glass, oilcloth, linoleum, electrical semiconductors, photoconductors, and explosives.

What Are the Adverse Health Effects of Arsenic Trisulfide Toxicity?

The following are the adverse health effects of arsenic trisulfide:

Acute Health Effects:

• Contact with the skin might result in rashes, burns, itching, irritation, and pigment loss.

• Eye contact can result in stings, burns, and watery, red eyes.

• Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath can result from inhaling arsenic trisulfide, which irritates the nose and throat.

• Weakness, a lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle cramps, and even death can result from exposure to arsenic trisulfide.

Chronic Health Effects:

Following exposure to arsenic trisulfide, the following chronic (long-term) health problems may develop and last for months or years:

Cancer Hazard:

• In humans, arsenic trisulfide causes cancer. Some studies say arsenic chemicals may contribute to human skin, liver, and lung cancer.

• According to many scientists, there is no safe degree of exposure to a carcinogen.

Reproductive Hazard:

Although arsenic trisulfide has not been proven to be a teratogen (causing harm to the fetus) or a threat to the reproductive system, arsenic itself and several of its compounds are teratogens that can harm the reproductive system by impairing menstrual periods and reducing fertility. Therefore, extreme caution should be used when handling arsenic trisulfide.

Other Effects:

• Repeated skin-to-skin contact can result in thicker skin, uneven areas of darkening, and pigment loss. White lines on the nails can appear in some people.

• Long-term exposure may result in hoarseness, irritated eyes, and an ulcer or hole in the "bone" (septum) dividing the inner nose.

• The neurological system may be harmed by arsenic trisulfide, resulting in numbness, "pins and needles," and weakness in the hands and feet.

• The liver could become harmed by arsenic trisulfide.

Which Workplace Controls and Practices Are to Be Followed by the Workers With Arsenic Trisulfide?

If a less hazardous chemical cannot be substituted, highly toxic compounds, reproductive risks, or sensitizers require specialist advice on management strategies. Among the control measures are:

• Including chemical techniques for highly corrosive and unpleasant compounds

And using local exhaust ventilation for substances that could be dangerous with just one exposure.

• Employing general ventilation to limit exposure to substances that irritate the skin and eyes.

The following work practices are recommended:

• Label process containers.

• Provide training on hazards and information to staff.

• Keep an eye on chemical concentrations in the air.

• If concentrations are higher than advised exposure levels, use engineered controls.

• Offer emergency showers and eyewash stations.

• If skin comes into contact with a dangerous substance, wash or shower the affected part.

• Always rinse after the workday.

• If clothing becomes polluted, change into clean garments.

• Take no contaminated clothes home.

• Take particular instructions on how to clean filthy garments.

• Never consume food, beverages, or tobacco in locations where chemicals are handled, processed, or stored.

• Before consuming anything, smoking, drinking, applying cosmetics, or using the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly.

In addition, the following steps are also required:

• When cleaning up, use a vacuum or a moist approach to reduce dust. Never dry sweep.

• When vacuuming, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Use only a specialty shop vacuum.

Which Personal Protective Equipment Should Workers Use While Working With Arsenic Sulfide?

The following guidelines should be followed:

Gloves and Clothing:

• Avoid getting arsenic trisulfide on the skin. Remember to protect the individuals from exposure by using personal protective equipment made of materials that will not be harmed or compromised by this substance. Safety equipment suppliers and manufacturers might suggest the best glove and apparel materials for the work.

• Manufacturers of safety equipment advise using gloves made of nitrile and rubber.

• Before starting work, all protective gear (suits, gloves, shoes, and helmet) should be available and cleaned.

Eye Protection:

• Put on goggles or side shields for eye protection.

• Wear face protection and goggles when working with hazardous, highly irritating, or corrosive substances.

Respiratory Protection:

Rigid use of respirators is risky. Only if the employer has created a documented program that considers workplace circumstances, worker training requirements, respirator fit testing, and medical examinations could respirators be utilized.

• Use a half-mask air purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters if there is a chance of exposure not exceeding 0.1 mg/m3 (as arsenic).

• Use a full facepiece and air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters if there is a chance of exposure not exceeding 0.5 mg/m3 (as arsenic).

• Use any powered air purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters, or a half-mask supplied air respirator operated in a positive pressure mode if there is a possibility of exposure not exceeding 5 mg/m3 (as arsenic).

• If the worker can smell, taste, or otherwise detect arsenic while wearing a filter or cartridge respirator, if wearing particulate filters causes abnormal breathing, or if wearing a complete facepiece respirator causes eye irritation, leave the area right away. Make sure that the face-to-respirator seal is still effective.

• Replace the filter or cartridge as necessary. For example, the worker could require a new respirator if the seal is no longer effective.

• In the workplace, take into account all possible exposure sources. For example, to defend against various chemical forms (such as vapor and mist) or a combination of chemicals, workers could need a combination of filters, prefilters, or cartridges.

What Are the Steps to Be Followed if There Is a Spill and Emergency of Arsenic Trisulfide?

If arsenic trisulfide is spilled, take the following steps:

• First, secure and regulate entry to the area, and evacuate the personnel.

• Remove all potential sources of ignition.

• To clean up spilled material, moisten it first, then place it in sealed containers or use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

• Please clean up the area, then ventilate and wash it.

• Do not wash down the drain.

• Arsenic trisulfide may need to be contained and disposed of as hazardous waste. Contact your area's regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office for specific advice or your state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

How to Provide an Immediate First-Aid in Case of Arsenic Trisulfide Poisoning?

The following steps should be followed:

Eye Contact:

• Lift upper and lower lids and immediately flush with a lot of water for at least 15 minutes.

• If you wear contact lenses, take them out before flushing. Look for medical help.

Skin Contact:

• Take off any contaminated garments right away.

• Wash any affected skin right away with soap and water.

Inhalation:

• Remove the person from exposure if they inhale.

• If breathing has ceased, start CPR; if a heartbeat has stopped, begin rescue breathing (while taking general safety precautions). Then, quickly transfer to a medical facility.

Conclusion

Strong acids (including hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric) and acid fumes react with arsenic trisulfide to produce hazardous gases and fumes like hydrogen sulfide, arsine, and arsenic.