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Arsenic

CAS: 7440-38-2

How can this chemical affect my health?

Acute (Short Term) EffectsData sources

Toxic To Humans & Animals, priority yellow
Toxic to Humans & Animals – Can be fatal on contact, ingestion or inhalation for humans and other mammals.
Irritates The Eyes, priority yellow
Irritates the Eyes – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the eye.

Chronic (Long Term) EffectsData sources

Birth Defects, priority orange
Birth Defects – Can cause harm to the developing child including birth defects, low birth weight and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Cancer, priority red
Cancer – Can cause or increase the risk of cancer.
Pbt (persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicant), priority red
PBT (Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicant) – Does not break down readily from natural processes, accumulates in organisms concentrating as it moves up the food chain, and is harmful in small quantities.
Endocrine Disruption, priority orange
Endocrine Disruption – Can interfere with hormone communication between cells which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior (the endocrine system).
Gene Damage, priority orange
Gene Damage – Can cause or increase the rate of mutations, which are changes in genetic material in cells.
Reproductive Harm, priority orange
Reproductive Harm – Can disrupt the male or female reproductive systems, changing sexual development, behavior or functions, decreasing fertility, or resulting in loss of the fetus during pregnancy.
Other Health Effects, priority orange
Other Health Effects – Can cause serious damage on contact or ingestion.
Brain/nervous System Harm, priority orange
Brain/Nervous System Harm – Can cause damage to the nervous system including the brain.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Birth Defects

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Developmental Neurotoxicant
    G&L - Neurotoxic Chemicals
    Lancet: authors Philippe Grandjean & Phil Landrigan

Direct Hazard » Cancer

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • (1986) Group A - Human Carcinogen
    US EPA - IRIS Carcinogens
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Group 1 - Agent is Carcinogenic to humans
    IARC
    International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization (IARC)
  • Carcinogen
    CA EPA - Prop 65
    California Environmental Protection Agency (CA EPA)
  • Occupational Carcinogen
    US CDC - Occupational Carcinogens
    US Centers for Disease Control (US CDC)
  • Known to be a human Carcinogen
    US NIH - Report on Carcinogens
    US Department of Health & Human Services - National Institutes of Health (US NIH)
  • Carcinogen Group 1 - Substances that cause cancer in man
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
  • H350 - May cause cancer [Carcinogenicity - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • Carcinogenicity category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)
  • H350 - May cause cancer [Carcinogenicity - Category 1A]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H350 - May cause cancer [Carcinogenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia

Direct Hazard » PBT (Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicant)

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Priority Persistent Pollutant - Tier 1
    OR DEQ - Priority Persistent Pollutants
    Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ORDEQ)

Direct Hazard » Endocrine Disruption

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Potential Endocrine Disruptor
    TEDX - Potential Endocrine Disruptors
    The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX)

Direct Hazard » Gene Damage

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Germ cell mutagenicity category 2
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)
  • Germ Cell Mutagen 3a
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
  • H341 - Suspected of causing genetic defects [Germ cell mutagenicity - Category 2]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia

Direct Hazard » Reproductive Harm

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H361 - Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Toxic to reproduction - Category 2]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan

Direct Hazard » Other Health Effects

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following repeated exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H370 - Causes damage to organs [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following single exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H373 - May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 2]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)

Arsenic Compounds » Other Health Effects

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • Chronic cardiovascular, renal and musculoskeletal effects - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)

Arsenic Compounds » Cancer

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • Known human carcinogen - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)

Arsenic Compounds » Brain/Nervous System Harm

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • Neurotoxicity - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
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Inherent HazardsData sources

Restricted List, priority gray
Restricted List – This chemical is on a list from an authoritative body recommending that its use be avoided.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Restricted List

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Cancer causing substances subject to workplace management or avoidance
    US OSHA - Carcinogens
    US Department of Labor
  • Red List substance to avoid in Living Building Challenge V2.1 projects
    Living Building Challenge 2.1 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • Precautionary list of substances recommended for avoidance
    P&W - Precautionary List
    Perkins+Will (P+W)
  • Chemicals of high concern
    SCHF - Hazardous 100
    Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SCHF)
  • Candidate Chemical List
    CA SCP - Candidate Chemicals
    California Department of Toxic Substance Control (CA DTSC)
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V3 projects
    Living Building Challenge 3.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • V3 2014 Substance of Concern List
    BIFMA - e3/level Annex B list of chemicals
    Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)
  • Certain Metals
    GSPI - Six Classes of Problematic Chemicals
    Green Science Policy Institute (GSPI)
  • Substances restricted under REACH
    EU - REACH Annex XVII non-CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Ingredients that are Prohibited for Use in Cosmetic Products
    Health Canada - Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
    Health Canada
  • Chemicals of High Concern
    MDH - Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals
    Minnesota Department of Public Health
  • Annex II - Prohibited Substances
    EU - Cosmetics Regulation
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • CoHC List (non SVHC)
    CPA - Chemical Footprint
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • ZDHC - MRSL v1.1 for Textiles and Synthetic Leather Processing
    ZDHC - MRSL v1.1
    Zero Discharge of Hazardous Waste Chemicals Programme
  • ZDHC - MRSL v1.1 for Natural Leather Processing
    ZDHC - MRSL v1.1
    Zero Discharge of Hazardous Waste Chemicals Programme
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V3.1 projects
    Living Building Challenge 3.1 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V4.0 projects
    Living Building Challenge 4.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals - Effective April 1, 2022
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • 2019 Substance of Concern List
    BIFMA - e3/level Annex B list of chemicals
    Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)
  • Chemicals of Concern
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Red List of Chemicals of Concern
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
  • Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Vermont Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Vermont Environmental Health Division
  • Reportable Chemicals
    MA Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) listed substances
    Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
  • Food Contact Chemicals Database Version 5.0
    Food Contact Chemicals Database (FCCdb)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Contact Chemicals of Concern List (FCCoCL)
    Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoCL)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Contact Chemicals of Concern List (FCCoCL) - TIER 1
    Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoCL)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Substances of Very High Concern (RIVM ZZS)
    Substances of Very High Concern (RIVM ZZS)
    The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
  • Metals
    American Apparel and Footwear Association Restricted Substance List (AAFA RSL)
    American Apparel and Footwear Association
  • ZDHC - MRSL v2.0
    ZDHC - MRSL v2.0
    Zero Discharge of Hazardous Waste Chemicals Programme
  • EDF Key chemicals of concern in food packaging and food handling equipment
    EDF Key chemicals of concern in food packaging and food handling equipment
    Environmental Defense Fund
  • FSAP Food Packaging Product Stewardship Considerations
    FSAP Food Packaging Product Stewardship Considerations
    Food Safety Alliance for Packaging (FSAP)
  • FPF Priority Substance List from FCCdb
    FPF Priority Substance List from FCCdb
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Packaging Forum Priority Substances List
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Food Service Ware RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory - Active
    TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (Active-Inactive)
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Version 2.0
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Version 2.0
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Firefighting Foam RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Version 2.0
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Textile Chemicals RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Version 2.0
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • GreenScreen List Translator LT-1
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)

Arsenic Compounds » Restricted List

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • HAPs subject to the Clean Air Act
    US EPA - Hazardous Air Pollutants
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Biological Nutrients
    C2C Certified v3 Banned List (out of date)
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Technical Nutrients
    C2C Certified v3 Banned List (out of date)
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Priority Chemicals
    ME DEP - Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals
    Maine Department of Environmental Protection
  • Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    WA DoE - Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Washington State Department of Ecology (WA DOE)
  • Prospective Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge projects
    Living Building Challenge 3.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • Core Restrictions
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Biological and Environmentally Released Materials
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Children's Products
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Prohibited Chemicals
    Credo Beauty's Restricted Substance List
    Credo
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)

[39277-51-5] Arsenic (primary Casrn Is 7440-38-2) » Restricted List

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • Watch List Substances Considered for Inclusion in the Living Building Challenge Red List
    Living Building Challenge 4.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals - Effective April 1, 2022
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
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How does this chemical impact the environment?Data sources

Persistent, priority red
Persistent – Does not break down readily from natural processes.
Immediate Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – A single exposure may result in severe biological harm or death to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Long-term Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Long-Term Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Long term exposure may result in irreversible harm to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Bioaccumulative , priority gray
Bioaccumulative – Accumulates in organisms, concentrating as it moves up the food chain.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Persistent

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Persistent
    EC - CEPA DSL
    Environment Canada & Health Canada (EC)

Direct Hazard » Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 1]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 1]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment - acute category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)

Direct Hazard » Long-Term Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • H413 - May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 4]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 1]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)

Arsenic Compounds » Bioaccumulative

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • High bioaccumulation potential - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Low bioaccumulation potential - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)

Arsenic Compounds » Persistent

These sources refer to a group of compounds containing this chemical:

  • High environmental persistence - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
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What safer alternatives are available for this chemical?

Find case studies related to substitutions for this chemical in SubsPORT, the substitution support portal.

How am I likely to be exposed to this chemical?

Toxic if swallowed
Ingestion
Toxic if inhaled
Inhalation

How can I protect myself from exposure to this chemical in the workplace?

respirator
Respirator