Arsine exposure routes

Caution Arsine is a flammable and highly toxic gas that does not provide adequate warning of hazardous levels. Inhalation is the major route of arsine exposure, although there is little information about absorption through the skin or toxic effects on the skin or eyes. Contact with liquid arsine may result in frostbite. 

Levvy (1947) reported that an average of 64% of inhaled arsine was absorbed in mice exposed by inhalation route at concentrations of 25-2500 mg/m for periods ranging from 0.40 min to 24 h. Blair et al (1990b) measured the arsenic content in liver after exposure of rats to variable arsine concentrations (0.08, 1.6, and 8.1 mg/m for 6 h/day for 90 days). Arsenic concentration in liver increased with airborne arsine concentration and was higher in females than in males. The arsenic level in 3-4 days after a 90 day exposure at a concentration of 8.1 mgW was 6-8 pg/g (compared with approximately 1.5 pg/g in controls). 

Inhalation (breathing in the gas) is the most likely route of exposure after arsine is released into the air. 

Exposure to a large dose of arsine by any route may result in these additional health effects ... 

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