LEWISITE
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number |
|---|---|
|
|
| DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|
none |
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
| none | none |
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
When pure, a colorless oily liquid solidifying at -13°C. Impurities cause colors ranging from brown to violet. Faint odor of geranium. Irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes at concentrations below the threshold of odor. Very toxic; used as a war gas. Produces severe vesication (blistering) even through rubber (Merck); absorbed through the skin to produce seven systemic effects. Antidote: dimercaprol (British Anti-Lewisite). Prolonged exposure of container to fire or intense heat may result in violent rupturing and rocketing of container.
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Slowly decomposed by water.
Fire Hazard
(Non-Specific -- Arsenic Compound, Liquid, n.o.s.) Container may explode in heat of fire. Fire may produce irritating and poisonous gases. Hydrolyzed by alkalies; neutralized by sodium hypochlorite. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Highly toxic by all routes of exposure. Lethal dose in humans is 6 ppm (inhalation), 20 mg/kg (skin). Eye injury below 300 mg-min./m3. It is a blister agent, cell irritant, and systemic poison. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
LEWISITE is hydrolyzed by alkalis. It is neutralized or inactivated as a vesicant by sodium hypochlorite [EPA, 1998].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: If this material is being used as a weapon, see ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2810 datasheet. Otherwise increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)
As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: If this material is being used as a weapon, see ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2810 datasheet. Otherwise increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)
Firefighting
(Non-Specific -- Arsenic Compound, Liquid, n.o.s.) Wear special protective clothing and positive pressure breathing apparatus.
(Non-Specific -- Arsenic Compound, Liquid, n.o.s.) Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. Use water spray, fog, or foam for large fires. (EPA, 1998)
(Non-Specific -- Arsenic Compound, Liquid, n.o.s.) Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. Use water spray, fog, or foam for large fires. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)
Protective Clothing
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
| QS = Tychem 2000 SFR |
| QC = Tychem 2000 |
| SL = Tychem 4000 |
| C3 = Tychem 5000 |
| TF = Tychem 6000 |
| TP = Tychem 6000 FR |
| BR = Tychem 9000 |
| RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM |
| TK = Tychem 10000 |
| RF = Tychem 10000 FR |
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by independent
testing laboratories using ASTM F739, EN369, EN 374-3, EN ISO 6529
(method A and B) or ASTM D6978 test methods.
Normalized breakthrough times
(the time at which the permeation rate is equal to 0.1 µg/cm2/min)
reported in minutes.
All liquid chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and
27°C unless otherwise stated.
A different temperature may have significant influence on the
breakthrough time; permeation rates typically increase with
temperature.
All chemicals have
been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise
stated.
Unless otherwise stated, permeation was measured for single chemicals.
The permeation characteristics of mixtures can deviate considerably
from the permeation behavior of the individual chemicals.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur
Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50%
relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282.
| Chemical | CAS Number | State | QS | QC | SL | C3 | TF | TP | BR | RC | TK | RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewisite (>95%, 10 g/m² coverage) | 541-25-3 | Liquid | >360 | 120 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | ||||
| Lewisite (>95%, 100 g/m² coverage) | 541-25-3 | Liquid | 360 | 360 | 120 | 120 | >480 | 120 |
> indicates greater than.
A blank cell indicates the fabric has not been tested. The fabric may or may not offer barrier.
A blank cell indicates the fabric has not been tested. The fabric may or may not offer barrier.
Special Warnings from DuPont
- Serged and bound seams are degraded by some hazardous liquid chemicals, such as strong acids, and should not be worn when these chemicals are present.
-
CAUTION: This information is based upon technical data that
DuPont believes to be reliable. It is subject to revision as
additional knowledge and experience are gained. DuPont makes no
guarantee of results and assumes no obligation or liability...
... in connection with this information. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. The information set forth herein reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. Please contact DuPont for specific data. If fabric becomes torn, abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, we make no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
(DuPont, 2018)
First Aid
Warning: Lewisite vapors are extremely toxic. Inhalation of high concentrations may be fatal in as little as 10 minutes. Serious poisoning may produce symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes, but may also be delayed for a few hours. Lewisite produces an immediate searing sensation in the eye leading to permanent blindness if not decontaminated within one minute following exposure.
Signs and Symptoms of Lewisite Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to lewisite may include headache, red staining of the conjunctiva, a garlicky odor of the breath, and pulmonary edema. Lewisite has produced an immediate and strong stinging sensation to the skin, followed by reddening within 30 minutes and blistering after 13 hours. Subnormal body temperature, restlessness, hypotension, and T-wave elevations are occasionally seen. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and abdominal pain. Generalized weakness, muscle cramping, red or green colored urine, and jaundice have also been reported.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to lewisite may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to lewisite.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to lewisite.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Speed in removing material from the eyes is of extreme importance.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water. Speed in removing material from skin is of extreme importance.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Activated charcoal is of no use.
5. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Signs and Symptoms of Lewisite Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to lewisite may include headache, red staining of the conjunctiva, a garlicky odor of the breath, and pulmonary edema. Lewisite has produced an immediate and strong stinging sensation to the skin, followed by reddening within 30 minutes and blistering after 13 hours. Subnormal body temperature, restlessness, hypotension, and T-wave elevations are occasionally seen. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and abdominal pain. Generalized weakness, muscle cramping, red or green colored urine, and jaundice have also been reported.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to lewisite may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to lewisite.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to lewisite.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Speed in removing material from the eyes is of extreme importance.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water. Speed in removing material from skin is of extreme importance.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Activated charcoal is of no use.
5. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point:
None
(EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
32 ° F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure:
0.395 mm Hg
at 68 ° F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
7.1
(EPA, 1998)
Specific Gravity:
1.888
at 68 ° F
(EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point:
374 ° F
at 760 mm Hg
decomposes
(EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight:
207.31
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
| Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | NR | 1.3 mg/m3 | 3.9 mg/m3 |
| 30 minutes | NR | 0.47 mg/m3 | 1.4 mg/m3 |
| 60 minutes | NR | 0.25 mg/m3 | 0.74 mg/m3 |
| 4 hours | NR | 0.07 mg/m3 | 0.21 mg/m3 |
| 8 hours | NR | 0.037 mg/m3 | 0.11 mg/m3 |
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data
(NAC/NRC, 2017)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewisite 1; (Chlorovinylarsine dichloride) (541-25-3) | 0.023 mg/m3 | 0.25 mg/m3 | 0.74 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2016)
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic Compounds | N020 | & | 313 | ||||
| Lewisite | 541-25-3 | 10 pounds | 10 pounds |
- & indicates that no RQ is assigned to this generic or broad class, although the class is a CERCLA hazardous substance. See 50 Federal Register 13456 (April 4, 1985).
(EPA List of Lists, 2015)
DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
| RELEASE | THEFT | SABOTAGE | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical of Interest | CAS Number | Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
| Lewisite 1; [2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine] | 541-25-3 | CUM 100 grams | CW/CWP | |||||||
- CW/CWP = chemical weapons/chemical weapons precursors.
- CUM = cumulative.
(DHS, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- ARSINE, DICHLORO(2-CHLOROVINYL)-
- ARSINE,(2-CHLOROVINYL) DICHLORO-
- ARSONOUS DICHLORIDE,(2-CHLOROETHENYL)-(90)
- BETA-CHLOROVINYLBICHLOROARSINE
- CHLOROVINYLARSINE DICHLORIDE
- 2-CHLOROVINYLDICHLOROARSINE
- DICHLORO(2-CHLOROVINYL)ARSINE
- LEWISITE
- LEWISITE (ARSENIC COMPOUND)
Version 2.7.1 rev 3