ArsenicRuth Nicola CarrCEOHS – Applied Occupational HygieneWin 2014 - Bruce Tester

Did You Know?

In 2000, the FDA approved Arsenic as a treatment for

some forms of leukemia

Arsenic – What is it?Gray metal expelling an odor like garlic when heatedWell established carcinogenicNaturally occurs in our environmentArsenic combines with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to

form inorganic compoundsCan affect several organ systems; Dermal (Skin),

Gastrointestinal (Digestive), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

OELs specifics for ArsenicAccording to the Alberta OH&S Act, Regulation and Code, the following requirements are specified for determining the Occupational Exposure Limits for Arsenic

Unit 8 Hour OEL 15 Min (Ceiling)

LimitPPM - -

Mg/m3 0.01 -

f/cc - N/A

NIOSH Method Requirements(NIOSH 7900)

SAMPLING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Use a cellulose ester filter; 0.8-µm pore size, 37-mm diameter and

contained in a cassette filter holder Personal sampling pump; 1 - 3 L/min, with flexible connecting tubing Atomic absorption spectrophotometer Hydrogen burner head or quartz tube furnace Arsenic hollow cathode lamp or EDL and arsine generation system. Two-stage regulators for air, hydrogen and argon Beakers; Phillips, 125-mL Phillips, or a 50-mL Griffin and ensure beaker

has a watchglass covers Volumetric flasks; 25- and 100-mL Volumetric Pipets (as needed). Hotplate with a surface temperature reading of 140 °C.

SAMPLING EQUIPMENT

NIOSH Method RequirementsFlow Rate & Volume of Arsenic: Flow Rate: 1 to 3 L/min Vol-Min: 30 L @ 0.002 mg/m3 Vol-Max: 1000 LSpecial Handling (may include): Clean all glassware with conc. nitric acid before

use Rinse thoroughly with distilled or deionized water Arsenic is a recognized carcinogen. Handle

appropriately Experiment all perchloric acid digestions in a perchloric

acid fume hood

Direct Reading Instrument Monitoring Manufacturer The beakers utilized for measuring samples taken are made by Phillips and

Griffin Range The working range is 0.00025 to 0.01 mg/m 3 for a 200-L air sample 0.002 to 0.07 mg/m 3 for a 30-L air sample 0.05 to 2.0 μg per sample Interferences

Background absorption can be resolved by the use of D 2 or H2 continuum

Limitations Sample at an accurately known flow rate between 1 and 3 L/min for a

total sample size of 30 to 1000 L Do not exceed ca. 2 mg total dust loading on the filter

Toolbox Talk – Arsenic leaked into South End Tailings Pond

An Industrial Occupational Hygienist has been called in to investigate reports that Arsenic has been leaked into the local community river possibly contaminating fish and bird life aswell as starting to erode the edges of the river banks. Community residents have expressed concerns and want the issue addressed. The procedure for sampling would be the Personal and Sample Train

Sampling method A sample will be collected from a worker carrying the sampling train

for a designated amount of time, for example the duration of an 8-hour shift

Firstly, calibrate each personal sampling pump with a representative sampler in line.

Sample at an accurately known flow rate between 1 and 3 L/min for a total sample size of 30 to 1000 L. Do not exceed ca. 2 mg total dust loading on the filter.

Toolbox Talk – Arsenic leaked into South End Tailings Pond (cont.)

SAMPLE PREPARATION & PLAN (including samples taken): Open cassette filter holders and transfer the samples and blanks to

clean beakers. Add 5 mL ashing acid and cover with a watchglass. Heat on hotplate (140 °C) until the solution is colorless. Add 1 mL conc. HNO 3 and/or 70% HClO 4 drop by drop as needed to

complete the ashing. Remove the watchglass. Heat on 140 °C hotplate until dense SO 3 fumes appear. Allow the mixture to cool. Transfer the solution quantitatively to a 25-mL volumetric flask. Dilute to volume with distilled or deionized water.

Toolbox Talk – Arsenic leaked into South End Tailings Pond (cont.)

Potential Hazards/Risks associated with handling Arsenic samples: Acute exposures by ingestion may result in burning lips, throat constriction,

abdominal pain, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, and death.

Irritation of the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes may result from inhalation exposures.

Chronic exposure to organic arsenic compounds could result in dermatitis, anemia, leukocytopenia, or symptoms linked with forms of cancer

Controls– Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Eyes: Wear goggles• Skin: Wear Tyvek suit to avoid absolute exposure on the skin. Wear either neoprene, butyl,

PVC, nitrile or Viton gloves over the tyvek suit. Wear over long pants and closed toed shoes.• Respirators: Use a full-face Air Purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges (black) with

a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter,which complies with NIOSH 7900, OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements

Engineering Controls• Arsenic should be handled in a fume hood or glove box

Arsenic Poses Concerns in Rice

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/arsenic-rice-poses-potential-health-concern-20187531

Referenceshttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/pdfs/7900.pdf

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp?toxid=3

http://www.softschools.com/facts/periodic_table/arsenic_facts/209/

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/81-123/pdfs/0038.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/semiconductors/solutions/arsenic.html

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/nengapdxe.html