Copper(II) arsenite

Synonyms

Acid copper arsenite; Air-flo Green; Arsenious acid, copper(II) salt (1:1); Arsenious acid (H3AsO3), copper(2+) salt (1:1); Arsonic acid, copper(2+) salt (1:1); Copper arsenite; Copper orthoarsenite; Cupric Green; Cupric arsenite; Scheele's mineral; Scheeles Green; Swedish Green; [ChemIDplus] UN1586

Category

Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic

Description

Yellowish-green solid; Variable composition; [Merck Index]

Sources/Uses

Used as a pigment, wood preservative, insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide; Some uses are diminished in recent years because dimethyl arsine may be liberated by action of molds; [HSDB]

Comments

Toxic by ingestion: Can cause severe gastroenteritis, loss of fluids and electrolytes, cardiac disorders, shock, and death; Other effects of arsenic poisoning are neuropathy, skin pigmentation, and injury to the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow; [ICSC] Acute copper poisoning after ingestion can cause liver injury, methemoglobinemia, and hemolytic anemia. Acute renal failure may result, secondary to massive hemoglobinuria. [Goldfrank, p. 1259] See "Copper." See "Arsenic" and the linked occupational diseases.

Not found in any pesticide products registered in the US; [NPIRS]

Biomedical References

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

Yes

0.01 mg/m3, as As

0.01 mg/m3, as As

0.01 mg/m3, respirable fraction (Cu, inorganic cmpnds.)

5 mg/m3, as As

Hemolytic anemia

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

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:

• Applying Wood Preservatives
• Farming (Pesticides)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives