Arsine 

Arsine MSDS, NOISH Info

What is Arsine?

Arsine is an inorganic compound that is a colorless, denser-than-air gas. It is slightly soluble in water (20% at 20°C) and many other organic solvents. Arsine itself is odorless, it is possible to smell a slight garlic-like or fish-like scent at high concentrations. Arsine is relatively stable chemically, but is extremely flammable and highly toxic. Arsine is present in the synthesis of semiconducting materials related to microelectronics and solid-state lasers. Arsine is also capable of being used as a chemical warfare weapon as the gas is colorless, almost odorless, and denser than air. It is lethal in concentrations far lower than what is required to be able to detect an odor. Arsine is well-known in forensic science because it is a chemical intermediate in the detection of arsenic poisoning.

Arsine Exposures and Health Risks

Arsine is extremely toxic and is lethal at low concentrations. The primary route of exposure is inhalation, but poisoning due to skin contact is possible. Arsine attacks hemoglobin causing symptoms of headaches, vertigo, and nausea. Symptoms can take several hours to become apparent. Symptoms lead to hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria, and nephropathy. In extreme cases, severe kidney damage can occur and persist. Exposure to arsine concentrations of 250 ppm is rapidly fatal. Concentrations of 25-30 ppm are fatal after 30 minute exposure time, and concentrations of 10 ppm can be fatal at longer exposure times. Symptoms of poisoning will occur after exposure to concentrations of 0.5 ppm. Skin contact with arsine will cause burns but is not usually toxic unless at high concentration or extended exposure time.

Regulations

The table below summarizes the most-recent exposure limits.

Sources: NIOSH, EPA, OSHA

Measuring Arsine

Arsine is measured in air by parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb). We carry portable and fixed arsine monitors, and all of our arsine monitors can be viewed HERE.

D16	The D16 is a versatile tool designed for gas leak detection, personal safety, spot checking, confined entry, and data logging, and more. It can be used as a portable monitor or as a stationary one that can be set to log data over long periods of time. This customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and is sold with every accessory you may need for fast and accurate portable gas detection.	0-10ppm 0-1000ppb
F12	The Series F12 Gas Transmitter is an Intrinsically Safe monitor designed for the detection of toxic gases in hazardous areas. It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications.	0-10ppm 0-1000ppb
F12D	The Series F12D Gas Transmitter is designed for detection of toxic gases in hazardous areas. It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications.	0-10ppm 0-1000ppb
B12	The B12 transmitter is a two-wire, 4-29 mA transmitter that is loop-powered to signal linearly proportional to gas concentration. Their electrochemical sensors are designed for use in ambient air or in ventilation ducts. This highly customizable application can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories.	0-1000ppb

 Contact us for help choosing the right Arsine Sensor for your application