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Material Safety Data Sheet: Lewisite (Blister Agent)
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SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION
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DATE: 16 April 1988
REVISED: 27 March 1996
MANUFACTURER'S ADDRESS:
U.S. ARMY CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE COMMAND
EDGEWOOD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT,
AND ENGINEERING CENTER (ERDEC)
ATTN: SCBRD-ODR-S
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD 20101-5423
Emergency telephone #' s: 0700-1630 EST: 410-671-4411/4
After: 1630 EST: 410- 278-5201, Ask for Staff Duty Officer
CAS REGISTRY NUMBER: 541-25-3
CHEMICAL NAME:
Dichloro-(2-chlorovinyl) arsine
TRADE NAME AND SYNONYMS:
Arsine, (2-chlorovinyl) dichloro-
Arsonous dichloride, (2-chloroethenyl)
Chlorovinylarsine dichloride
2-Chlorovinyldichloroarsine
Beta-Chlorovinyldichloroarsine
Lewisite
L
EA 1034
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Arsenical (vesicant)
FORMULA/CHEMICAL STRUCTURE: C2H2AsC13
NFPA 704 HAZARD SIGNAL:
Health - 4
Flammability - 1
Reactivity - 1
Special - 0
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SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
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INGREDIENTS NAME FORMULA PERCENTAGE BY WEIGHT
AIRBORNE EXPOSURE LIMIT (AEL)LewisiteC2H2AsCl3100* 0.003 mg/m3*
This is a ceiling value
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SECTION III - PHYSICAL DATA
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BOILING POINT: 374 F 190 C
VAPOR PRESSURE (mm Hg):
0.35 @ 25 C
0.394 @ 20 C
VAPOR DENSITY (AIR=1): 7.1
SOLUBILITY: Insoluble in water and dilute mineral acids.
Soluble in organic solvents, oils. and alcohol.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (H2O=1): 1.88 @ 25 C
FREEZING POINT: 18 C to 0.1 C depending on purity
VOLATILITY: 4,480 mg/m3 @ 20 C
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 207.32
LIQUID DENSITY: 1.89 at 20 C (Much heavier than Mustard)
APPEARANCE AND ODOR: Pure L is a colorless oily liquid. "War gas" is an amber to
dark brown liquid. A characteristic odor is usually geranium-like;
very little odor when pure.
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SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
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FLASHPOINT (Method Used): Does not flash
FLAMMABILITY LIMITS: N/A.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Water, fog, foam, CO2. Avoid use of
extinguishing methods that will cause splashing or spreading of L.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: All
persons not engaged in extinguishing the fire should be evacuated
immediately. Fires involving L should be contained to prevent
contamination of uncontrolled areas. When responding to a fire
alarm in buildings or areas containing agents, firefighting personnel
should wear full firefighter protective clothing (Without Tap
Clothing) during chemical agent firefighting and fire rescue
operations. Respiratory protection is required. Positive pressure,
full face piece, NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) will be worn where there is danger of oxygen deficiency
and when directed by the fire chief or chemical accident/incident
(CAI)operations officer. In cases where firefighters are responding
to a chemical accident/incident for rescue/reconnaissance purposes,
they will wear appropriate levels of protective clothing (See Section
VIII).
Do not breathe fumes. Skin contact with agents must be avoided
always. Although the fire may destroy most of the agent, care must
still be taken to assure the agent or contaminated liquids do not
further contaminate other areas or sewers. Contact with the agent
liquid or vapor can be fatal.
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SECTION V - HEALTH HAZARD DATA
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AIRBORNE EXPOSURE LIMITS (AEL): The permissible
airborne exposure concentration of L for an 8-hour workday or a
40-hour work week is an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of
0.003 mg/m3 as a ceiling value. A ceiling value may not be
exceeded anytime. The ceiling value for Lewisite is based upon the
present technologically feasible detection limits of 0.003 mg/m3.
This value can be found in "DA Pam 40-173, Occupational Health
Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Occupational
Exposure to Mustard H, HD, HT, and L." To date, however, the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not
promulgated permissible exposure concentration for L.
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: L is a vesicant (blister agent),
also, it acts as a systemic poison, causing pulmonary edema,
diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, subnormal temperature, and low
blood pressure. In order of severity and appearance of symptoms, it
is: a blister agent, a toxic lung irritant, absorbed in tissues, and a
systemic poison. When inhaled in high concentrations, may be fatal
in as short a time as 10 minutes. L is not detoxified by the body.
Common routes of entry into the body include ocular,
percutaneous, and inhalation.
TOXICOLOGICAL DATA:
Man:
LCt50 (inhalation, man) = 1200 - 1500 mg min/m3
LCt50 (skin vapor exposure, man) = 100,000 mg min/m3 LDLO
(skin, human) = 20 mg/kg
LCt50 (skin, man): >1500 mg/min3. L irritates eyes and skin and
gives
warning of its presence. Minimum effective dose (ED min) = 200
mg/m3 (30 min).
ICt50 (eyes, man): < 300 mg min/m3.
Animal:
LD50 (oral, rat) = 50 mg/kg
LD50 (subcutaneous, rat) = 1 mg/kg
LCtLO (inhalation, mouse) = 150 mg/m3 10m
LD50 (skin, dog = 15 mg/kg RTECS) or 38 mg/kg (ERDEC
chemical agent data sheets)
LD50 (skin, rabbit) = 6 mg/kg
LD50 (subcutaneous, rabbit) = 2 mg/kg
LD50 (intravenous, rabbit) = 500 mg/kg
LD50 (skin, guineapig) = 12 mg/kg
LD50 (subcutaneous, guinea pig) = 1 mg/kg
LD50 (skin, domestic farm animals) = 15 mg/kg
LCt50 (inhalation, rat) = 1500 mg min/m3 (9 min)
LCt50 (vapor skin, rat) = 20,000 mg min m 25 min)
LCD50 (skin, rat) = 15 - 24 mg/kg
LD50 (ip, dog) = 2 mg/kg
EDmin (skin, dog) = 50 mg/m3 (30 min)
EDmin (eye, dog) = 20 mg/m3 (30 min)
EDmin (skin, rabbit) = 25 mg/m3 (30 min)
EDmin (eye, rabbit) = 1 mg/m3 (30 min)
ACUTE EXPOSURE:
EYES: Severe damage. Instant pain, conjunctivitis and
blepharospasm leading to closure of eyelids, followed by corneal
scarring and iritis. Mild exposure produces reversible eye damage if
decontaminated instantly. More permanent injury or blindness is
possible within one minute of exposure.
SKIN: Immediate stinging pain increasing in severity with time.
Erythema (skin reddening) appears within 30 minutes after
exposure accompanied by pain with itching and irritation for 24
hours. Blisters appear within 12 hours after exposure with more
pain that diminished after 2-3 days. Skin burns are much deeper
than with HD. Tender skin, mucous membrane, and perspiration
covered skin are more sensitive to the effects of lewisite. This,
however, is counteracted by L's hydrolysis by moisture, producing
less vesicant, higher vapor pressure product.
RESPIRATORY TRACT: Irritating to nasal passages and produces
a burning sensation followed by profuse nasal secretion and violent
sneezing. Prolonged exposure causes coughing and production of
large quantities of froth mucus. In experimental animals, injury to
respiratory tracts, due to vapor exposure is similar to mustard's;
however, edema of the lung is more marked and frequently
accompanied by pleural fluid.
SYSTEMIC EFFECTS: L on the skin, and inhaled vapor may
cause systemic poisoning. A manifestation of this is a change in
capillary permeability, which permit's loss of sufficient fluid from
the bloodstream to cause hemoconcentration, shock and death. In
nonfatal cases, hemolysis of erythrocytes has occurred with a
resultant hemolytic anemia. The excretion of oxidized products into
the bile by the liver produces focal necrosis of that organ, necrosis
of the mucosa of the biliary passages with periobiliary
hemorrhages, and some injury to the intestinal mucosa. Acute
systematic poisoning from large skin burns cause's pulmonary
edema, diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, subnormal temperature,
and low blood pressure in animals.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE: Lewisite can cause sensitization and
chronic lung impairment. Also, by comparison to agent mustard and
arsenical compounds, it can be considered as a suspected human
carcinogen.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Hold breath until respiratory protective mask is
donned. Remove from the source IMMEDIATELY. If breathing has
stopped give artificial respiration. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
should be used when approved maskbag or oxygen system are not
available. Do not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when facial
contamination exists. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
EYE CONTACT: Speed in decontaminating the eyes is essential.
Remove the person from the liquid source, flush the eyes
immediately with water for at least 15 minutes tilting the head to
the side, pulling eyelids apart with fingers and pouring water
slowly into the eyes. Do not cover eyes with bandages, if necessary,
protect eyes by means of dark or opaque goggles. Seek medical
attention IMMEDIATELY.
SKIN CONTACT: Remove the victim from the source immediately
and remove contaminated clothing. Immediately decon affected
areas by flushing with 10% sodium carbonate solution or liquid
household bleach within one minute. After 3-4 minutes, wash off
with soap and water to protect against erythema. Seek medical
attention IMMEDIATELY.
INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. Give victim milk to drink.
Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
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SECTION VI - REACTIVITY DATA
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STABILITY: Stable in steel or glass containers.
INCOMPATIBILITY: Corrosive to steel at a rate of 1 x 10 -5 to 5 x
10-5 in/month at 65 C.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Reasonably
stable; however, in presence of moisture, it hydrolyses rapidly,
losing its vesicant property. It also hydrolyses in acidic medium to
form HC1 and non-volatile (solid) chlorovinylarsenious oxide,
which is less vesicant than Lewisite. Hydrolysis in alkaline
medium, as in decontamination with alcoholic caustic or carbonate
solution or Decontaminating Agent, DS(DS2), produces acetylene
and trisodium arsenate (Na3AS04). Therefore, decontaminated
solution would contain toxic arsenic.
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SECTION VII - SPILL, LEAK, AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
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STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR
SPILLED: Only personnel in full protective clothing (See Section
VIII) will be allowed in area where L is spilled. See Section V for
emergency and first aid procedures.
RECOMMENDED FIELD PROCEDURES: The L should be
contained using vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, clay, or fine sand
and neutralized as soon as possible using copious amounts of
alcoholic caustic, carbonate, or DS2. Caution must be exercised
when using these decontaminates since acetylene will be given off.
Household bleach can also be used if accompanied by stirring to
allow contact. Scoop up all contaminated material and clothing and
place in approved DOT containers. Cover with additional
decontaminant. Decontaminate the outside of the container and
label according to DOT and EPA requirements. All leaking
containers will be over packed with vermiculite placed between
interior and exterior containers. Decontaminate and lable according
to EPA and DOT regulations. Dispose of as specified below.
Dispose of decontaminate according to Federal, State, and local
regulations. Conduct general area monitoring with an approved
monitor to confirm that the atmospheric concentrations do not
exceed the airborne exposure limit (See Sections II and VIII).
RECOMMENDED LABORATORY PROCEDURES: A 10 wt. %
alcoholic sodium hydroxide solution is prepared by adding 100
grams of denatured ethanol to 900 grams of 10 wt.% NaOH in
water. A minimum of 200 grams of decon is required for each gram
of L. The decon/agent solution is agitated for a minimum of one
hour. At the end of one hour the resulting pH should be checked
and adjusted to above 11.5 using additional NaOH, if required. It is
permitted to substitute 10 wt.% alcoholic sodium carbonate made
and used in the same ratio as the NaOH listed above. Reaction time
should be increased to 3-hours with agitation for the first hour.
Final pH should be adjusted to above 10. It is permitted to
substitute 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for the 10% alcoholic
sodium hydroxide solution above. Allow one hour with agitation
for the reaction. Adjustment of the pH is not required. Scoop up all
contaminated material and place in an approved DOT container.
Cover with additional decontaminant. Decontaminate the outside of
the container and label according to DOT and EPA requirements.
All leaking containers will be over packed with vermiculite placed
between the interior and exterior containers. Decontaminate and
label according to EPA and DOT regulations. Dispose of as
specified below. Dispose of the decontaminate according to
Federal, state, and local regulations. Conduct general area
monitoring to confirm that the atmospheric concentrations do not
exceed the airborne exposure limit (See Section VIII).
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: All neutralized material should be
collected and contained for disposal according to land ban RCRA
regulations or thermally decomposed in an EPA permitted
incinerator equipped with a scrubber that will scrub out the
chlorides and equipped with an electrostatic precipitator or other
filter device to remove arsenic. Collect all the arsenic dust from the
electrostatic precipitator or other filter device and containerize and
label according to DOT and EPA regulations. The arsenic will be
disposed of according to land ban RCRA regulations. Any
contaminated materials or protective clothing should be
decontaminated using alcoholic caustic, carbonates, or bleach
analyzed to assure it is free of detectable contamination (3X) level.
The clothing should then be sealed in plastic bags inside properly
labeled drums and held for shipment back to the DA issue point.
NOTE: Some states define decontaminated surety material as an
RCRA hazardous waste.
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SECTION VIII - SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
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RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
CONCENTRATIONRESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT.< 0.003 mg/m3A full face piece, chemical canister,
air purifying
protective mask will be on hand for escape.
(The M9-, M17-, or M40-series masks are
acceptable for this purpose. Other masks
certified as equivalent may be used)> 0.003 mg/m3 or unknownA
NIOSH/MSHA approved, full face piece SCBA
suitable for use in high agent concentrations with
a protective ensemble. (See DA Pam 385-61)VENTILATION
Local exhaust: Mandatory. Must be filtered or scrubbed to limit
exit concentration to non-detectable level. Air emissions will meet
local, state and federal regulations.
Special: Chemical laboratory hoods will have an average inward
face velocity of 100 linear feet per minute (1fpm) +/- 10% with the
velocity at any point not deviating from the average face velocity by
more than 20%. Existing laboratory hoods will have an inward face
velocity of 150 lfpm +/- 20%. Laboratory hoods will be located
such that cross drafts do not exceed 20% of the inward face
velocity. A visual performance test utilizing smoke producing
devices will be performed in the assessment of the inclosure's
ability to contain Lewisite.
Other: Recirculation of exhaust air from agent areas is prohibited.
No connection between agent area and other areas through the
ventilation system is permitted. Emergency backup power is
necessary. Hoods should be tested semiannually or after
modification or maintenance operations. Operations should be
performed 20 centimeters inside hoods. Procedures should be
developed for disposal of contaminated filters.
PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Norton, Chemical Protective Glove Set,
Butyl Rubber Gloves M3 and M4
EYE PROTECTION: As a minimum, chemical goggles will be
worn. For splash hazard use goggles and face-shield.
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: For laboratory operations,
wear lab coats, gloves and have a mask readily accessible. In
addition, daily clean smocks, foot covers, and head covers will be
required when handling contaminated lab animals.
MONITORING: Available monitoring equipment for agent L is the
M18A2 (yellow band), bubblers (arsenic and GC method), and
M256 & A1 Kits.
Real-time, low-level monitors (with alarm) are required for L
operations. In their absence, an Immediately Dangerous to Life and
Health (IDLH) atmosphere must be presumed. Laboratory
operations conducted in appropriately maintained and alarmed
engineering controls require only periodic low-level monitoring.
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SECTION IX - SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
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PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND
STORING: When handling agents, the buddy system will be
incorporated. No smoking, eating, or drinking in areas containing
agents is permitted. Containers should be periodically inspected for
leaks, either visually or using a detector kit. Stringent control over
all personnel handling L must be exercised. Decontaminating
equipment will be conveniently placed. Exits must be designed to
permit rapid evacuation. Chemical showers, eye wash stations, and
personal cleanliness facilities must be provided. Wash hands before
meals and shower thoroughly with special attention given to hair,
face, neck, and hands, using plenty of soap before leaving at the
end of the workday.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: L should be stored in containers made
of glass for Research, DevelopmentTest and Evaluation (RDTE)
quantities or one-ton steel containers for large quantities. Agent
will be double contained in liquid and vapor tight containers when
in storage or during transportation.
For additional information see "AR 385-61, The Army Toxic
Chemical Agent Safety Program," "DA Pam 385-61, Toxic
Chemical Agent Safety Standards," and "DA Pam 40-173,
Occupational Health Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of
Occupational Exposure to Mustard H, HD, HT, and L."
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SECTION X - TRANSPORTATION DATA
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PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Poisonous liquids, n.o.s.
DOT HAZARDS CLASSIFICATION: 6.1, Packing Group I
DOT LABEL: Poison
DOT MARKING: Poisonous liquids, n.o.s. Dichloro-(2-
chlorovinyl)arsine UN 2810
DOT PLACARD: POISON
EMERGENCY ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS & PROCEDURES:
See Sections IV, VII and VIII.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN TRANSPORTATION: Motor
vehicles will be placarded regardless of quantity. Drivers will be
given full information regarding shipment and conditions in case of
an emergency. AR 50-6 deals specifically with the shipment of
chemical agents. Shipment of agents will be escorted according to
AR 740-32.
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While the Edgewood Research Development, and Engineering
Center, Department of the Army believes that the data contained
herein are factual and the opinions expressed are those of the
experts regarding the results of the tests conducted, the data are not
to be taken as a warranty or representation for which the
Department of the Army or Edgewood Research Development, and
Engineering Center assumes legal responsibility. They are offered
solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. Any
use of these data and information must be determined by the user to
be according to applicable Federal, State, and local laws and
regulations.