Chemical Properties
Lead arsenate is an odorless, white, heavy powder. It is not combustible and emits irritating
or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fi re. Lead arsenate enters the body by inhalation, or from
contaminated food and beverages. It is used to make insecticides.
Uses
As constituent of various insecticides for larvae of gypsy moth, boll weevil, etc.
Health Hazard
Exposures to lead arsenate occur in work areas and it is absorbed into the body by inhalation
of its dust and by ingestion. It is irritating to the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory
tract, and causes adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, kidneys,
liver, and blood. Accidental ingestion of lead arsenate in the workplace causes cough,
sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscular
cramp, constipation, excitation, and disorientation in the worker.
Potential Exposure
Used as an insecticide, herbicide, and
in manufacture of drugs; veterinary tapeworm medicine.
Incompatibilities: Violent reactions occur from contact
with oxidizers, chemically active metals; strong acids.
Acids and acid mists cause the release of arsine, a deadly
gas. Decomposes above 270C forming toxic fumes including arsenic and lead compounds
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit
Shipping
UN1617 Lead arsenates, Hazard Class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials
Incompatibilities
Used as an insecticide, herbicide, and
in manufacture of drugs; veterinary tapeworm medicine.
Incompatibilities: Violent reactions occur from contact
with oxidizers, chemically active metals; strong acids.
Acids and acid mists cause the release of arsine, a deadly
gas. Decomposes above 270C forming toxic fumes including arsenic and lead compounds
Waste Disposal
Long- term storage in large,
weatherproof, and sift-proof storage bins or silos; may be
disposed of by conversion to soluble salt, such as chloride,
precipitation as sulfide and return to supplier
Definition
ChEBI: Lead arsenate is an inorganic lead salt composed from lead(2+) and arsenate dianion. It was widely used in the United States in the 1950's as an insecticide to control pests in fruit orchards, specifically apples and cherries. It has a role as an insecticide, a plant growth regulator and a rodenticide. It contains a lead(2+) and an arsenate(2-).
