[NHCOLL-L:1112] Re: Arsenic MSDS sheets

[Kathryn Makos]

The fire department asked for MSDSs specifically because that's what they're typically looking for.  However, MSDSs, as you've found out, are mandated to be manufacturer-specific.  Therefore, unless you know exactly what brand might have been applied, it's not the route to travel.  (indeed, it's risky to substitute MSDSs since many compounds have different additives as manufactured.....ex: there are many types of "mineral spirits" and "lacquer thinners" out there.   More generic hazard warning information on arsenic, that should suffice for both fire department and staff/visitors, might be found on such websites as the New Jersey's Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets (which detail a number of different arsenic forms):
http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/rtkhsfs.htm 

or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's ToxFaqs:http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/atsdrhome.html 

Remember, though, that the fire department is interested in the exact substance type for fire fighting and personal protective purposes (in addition to community right to know), so if you suspect that some other arsenic salt (other than arsenic trioxide) might have been used, discuss that with them as well.  I think that if you explained this all to the fire dept. rep they would understand and clarify their needs.

Kathryn A. Makos, MPH, CIH
Industrial Hygienist
Smithsonian Institution
Office of Safety and Environmental Management 
750 Ninth St., N.W.
Suite 9100
Washington, DC 20560-0932
(for other-than-USPS deliveries, use zip code of 20001)
(202) 275-0705
(202) 275-0746-fax