Potassium arsenite

Agent Name
Potassium arsenite
CAS Number
10124-50-2
Formula
As-H3-O3.x-K
Major Category
Metals
Potassium arsenite formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Arsenenous acid, potassium salt; Arsenious acid (H3AsO3), potassium salt; Arsenious acid, potassium salt; Arsenite de potassium [French]; Arsonic acid, potassium salt; Kaliumarsenit [German]; Potassium metaarsenite; Potassium metaarsenite, acid; [ChemIDplus] UN1678
Category
Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic
Description
White hygroscopic solid; Exact composition varies in commercial product; [Merck Index]
Sources/Uses
Used in mirror manufacture to reduce the silver salt to metallic silver; formerly in insecticides, weed killers, fungicides, and wood preservatives; as laboratory chemical; for various medical and veterinary applications (especially in solution); [HSDB]
Comments
A strong irritant; [Hawley] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Can cause arsenic poisoning; [ICSC] A skin irritant; [CAMEO] See "Arsenic " and the linked occupational diseases.
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

BEI
Inorganic arsenic plus methylated metabolites in urine = 35 ug As/L; end of workweek;
TLV (ACGIH)
0.01 mg/m3, as As
PEL (OSHA)
0.01 mg/m3, as As
IDLH (NIOSH)
5 mg/m3, as As

Adverse Effects

Anemia
Aplastic anemia
Neurotoxin
Sensorimotor
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
IARC Carcinogen
Established
NTP Carcinogen
Human carcinogen
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Human

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: