Sodium arsenite

Synonyms

Arsenenous acid, sodium salt; Arsenious acid, monosodium salt; Arsenious acid, sodium salt; Arsenite de sodium [French]; Atlas "A"; Chem Pels C; Chem-Sen 56; Kill-All; Penite; Prodalumnol; Prodalumnol double; Rat Death Liquid; Sodanit; Sodium arsenite; Sodium metaarsenite; Sodium dioxoarsenate; [ChemIDplus] UN2027; UN1686 (aqueous solution)

Category

Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic

Description

White or gray-white solid, soluble in water and absorbs CO2; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used as a pesticide (termites and vineyard scale diseases), corrosion inhibitor, hide preserver, antiseptic, veterinary medicine (topical acaricide, cattle dip, and anthelmintic); Also used in soaps for taxidermists and to make dyes; [HSDB]

Comments

Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact; [CAMEO] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; "The substance may have effects on the peripheral nervous system, cardiovascular system, bone marrow, kidneys, liver and mucous membranes, resulting in neuropathy, cardiovascular disorders, lesions of blood cells, kidney impairment, cirrhosis and perforation of nasal septum. This substance is carcinogenic to humans." [ICSC] See "Arsenic" and the linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

Inorganic arsenic plus methylated metabolites in urine = 35 ug As/L; end of workweek;

Insufficient data

0.01 mg/m3, as As

0.01 mg/m3, as As

5 mg/m3, as As

Aplastic anemia

Sensorimotor

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Established

Human carcinogen

Confirmed Human

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Arsenic, chronic toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)
• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Preparing and mounting animal skins (taxidermy)