Emergency Medical Services
ARSINE

Agent Information:	Used in semiconductor production and as a chemical warfare agent; 
			AsH3.  Synonyms include arsenic hydride, arsenic trihydride, 
			arseniuretted hydrogen, arsenious hydride, and hydrogen arsenide.  
			Arsine is a flammable and highly toxic gas with a garlic-like or fishy 
			odor that does not provide adequate warning of hazardous levels.  
			Even if arsine’s odor was not detected at the scene, those present 
			could have been seriously exposed. All exposure victims should be 
			evaluated and observed. Arsine is a simple asphyxiant and a severe 
			systemic toxicant.

Signs and Symptoms:	Arsine is a highly toxic gas and may be fatal if inhaled in sufficient 
			quantities. Its primary toxic effect is due to hemolysis resulting in 
			renal failure.  Initially some patients may look relatively well. 
			Common initial symptoms of exposure include malaise, headache, 
			thirst, shivering, abdominal pain and dyspnea. These symptoms 
			usually occur within 30 to 60 minutes with heavy exposure, but can 
			be delayed for 2 to 24 hours.  Hemoglobinuria usually occurs within 
			hours, jaundice within 1 or 2 days.  Arsine poisoning causes acute 
			intravascular hemolysis, which may lead to renal failure. Arsine gas 
			does not produce arsenic intoxication.

Route of Exposure:	Inhalation is the major route of arsine exposure. There is little 
			information about absorption through the skin or toxic effects on the 
			skin or eyes. However, contact with liquid arsine may result in 
			frostbite injury.

Protective Measures:	Utilize appropriate Level PPE as identified by the Environmental 
			Protection Agency and Hazmat protocols.

       			Persons exposed to arsine pose no serious risks of secondary 
			contamination to personnel outside the Hot Zone; small amounts of 
			arsine gas can be trapped in the victim’s clothing or hair after a large 
			exposure, but are not likely to create a hazard for personnel outside 
			the Hot Zone. 

Prophylaxis:		N/A

Treatment:		There is no specific antidote for arsine. Treatment is symptomatic 
			and consists of measures to support respiratory, vascular, and renal 
			function.  Do not administer arsenic chelating drugs. Although BAL 
			(British Anti-Lewisite, dimercaprol) and other chelating agents are 
			acceptable for arsenic poisoning, they are not effective antidotes for 
			arsine poisoning and are not recommended.
	
Reporting:		Suspect cases should be reported immediately to the Division of 
			Public Health, Epidemiology Branch: 1-888-295-5156 (24/7 
			coverage). For additional information, view the CDC website for 
			Emergency Preparedness and Response at: www.bt.cdc.gov.

 
 
 
24/7 Emergency Contact Number:  1-888-295-5156
Revised: 05/2007     Doc. # 35-05-20/07/05/93