Arsenic vesicants combustion

Heat from a fire will increase the amount of agent vapor in the area. A significant amount of the agent could be volatilized and escape into the surrounding environment before it is consumed by the fire. Actions taken to extinguish the fire can also spread the agent. Combustion or hydrolysis of arsenic vesicants will produce volatile, toxic decomposition products (see Section 4.4.5). 

Standard burials are acceptable when contamination levels are low enough to allow bodies to be handled without wearing additional protective equipment. Cremation may be required if remains cannot be completely decontaminated. Although arsenic vesicant agents are destroyed at the operating temperature of a commercial crematorium (i.e., above 1000°F), the initial heating phase may volatilize some of the agents and allow vapors to escape. Additionally, combustion will produce toxic and potentially volatile arsenic oxides. 

Vesicants may be volatilized during a fire or be spread by efforts to extinguish the fire. Combustion of Arsenical Vesicants will produce volatile, toxic arsenic decomposition products. In addition. Arsenical Vesicants may react with steam or water during a fire to produce toxic, corrosive and/or flammable vapors. Hydrogen produced by the action of the corrosive vapors on metals or other corrodible materials may be present. 

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