UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Lead Arsenate
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Lead arsenate is a carcinogen. This SOP provides information about its hazards and how to mitigate them
through proper controls, handling, and storage. It was used as an insecticide because of its adherence to the
plants surface, and prolonging the insecticidal effects. But due to the strong adherence, residue still remained
despite washing the surface. Lead arsenate was eventually banned in the US as an insecticide in 1988.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 7784-40-9
Class: Carcinogen
Molecular Formula: Pb3As2O8
Form (physical state): Powder
Color: White
Melting point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Lead Arsenate
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Oral LD50 [Rat]: 825 mg/kg
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Inhalation: Lead arsenate can be absorbed through the respiratory system. Local irritation of
bronchia and lungs can occur and, in cases of acute exposure, symptoms such as metallic taste, chest
and abdominal pain, and increased lead blood levels may follow.
Ingestion: POISON! The symptoms of lead poisoning include abdominal pain and spasms, nausea,
vomiting, headache. Acute poisoning can lead to muscle weakness, "lead line" on the gums, metallic
taste, loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, high lead levels in blood and urine with shock, coma and
death in extreme cases.
Skin Contact: Lead and lead compounds may be absorbed through the skin on prolonged exposure;
the symptoms of lead poisoning described for ingestion exposure may occur. Contact over short
periods may cause local irritation, redness and pain.
Eye Contact: Absorption can occur through eye tissues but the more common hazards are local
irritation or abrasion.
Chronic Exposure: Lead is a cumulative poison and exposure even to small amounts can raise the
body's content to toxic levels. The symptoms of chronic exposure are like those of ingestion
poisoning; restlessness, irritability, visual disturbances, hypertension and gray facial color may also
be noted.
Engineering Controls
Work with this chemical in a certified ducted fume hood. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be
equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand Protection
Nitrile, chloroprene, or rubber gloves are recommended. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper
glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with lead arsenate.
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
ANSI approved safety glasses or goggles.
Skin and Body Protection
Lead Arsenate
2
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Lab coats should be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and be
buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of a sufficient length to prevent skin exposure
while wearing gloves.
Hygiene Measures
Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before
reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention.
In case of skin contact
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing
and shoes. Get medical attention immediately. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before
reuse. Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the
hazards of exposure to this substance.
In case of eye contact
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids
occasionally. Get medical attention immediately
If swallowed
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
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All work with lead arsenate is to be done in a “designated area” in order to keep contamination to a
minimum.
All chemicals containing lead must be secondarily contained with proper signage. Containers of lead
arsenate and designated areas, including storage cabinets, must be labeled with a “CANCER HAZARD”
warning. Any persons in this area are required to wear personal protective equipment. Safety shower
and eye wash stations should be easily accessible where lead arsenate is used.
All laboratory equipment (such as beakers, pipettes, etc.) used in the designated area are to be
labeled and are not to be removed from the area without first being decontaminated.
Store away from incompatible chemicals including the following: active metals such as iron,
aluminum, and zinc, hydrogen gas, strong acids, and strong oxidizers.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Lead Arsenate
3
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the
affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane
exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Lead Arsenate
4
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
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Procedure:
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NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Lead Arsenate
5
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)