Zinc arsenite

Synonyms

Zinc arsenoate (2:3); Arsenous acid, zinc salt (2:3); [ChemIDplus] UN1712

Category

Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic

Description

Colorless solid soluble in acids, but insoluble in water; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used as a timber preservative and an insecticide; [Hawley] No active pesticide product registrations in the US; [NPRIS]

Comments

Causes somnolence, dyspnea, and diarrhea in lethal-dose studies of rats and mice (dermal, intraperitoneal, and oral administration); Causes CNS effects, ulceration of stomach, and diffuse hepatitis in 20-day intermittent oral study of rats; [RTECS] See "Arsenic" and the linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

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

0.01 mg/m3, as As

0.01 mg/m3, as As

0.1 mg/m3 (respirable fraction), 2 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction) for Zn inorg. compds

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:

• Applying Wood Preservatives