Arsenic and its

compounds

Arsenic

Main Industries and Occupations at Risk Inorganic Arsenic

  • Manufacture and use of pesticides (wood preservatives): – tanning, wood preservation;
  • Manufacture of semiconductors: –
    • gallium arsenide substrate production and wafer processing;
    • cleaning and maintenance of ion implant machines.
  • Manufacture of alloy (with copper or lead);
  • Smelting of arsenical (especially non-ferrous) ores:
    • dust generated during grinding, screening, transfer and maintenance work on furnaces, flues and filters.
  • Pigment manufacture and use;
  • Manufacture and use of anti-fouling paints;
  • Sawing, sanding and burning wood treated with arsenical preservatives;
  • Use as herbicide, pesticide and defoliant;
  • Additives for animal and poultry feed.

Medical Examinations

Indications

  • Any occupational exposure to inorganic arsenic and its compounds. Not required for arsine gas exposure as effects are acute.

Types of Tests and Frequency of Examinations

  • Pre-placement medical examinations: within three months of exposure
    • Clinical examination shall include detailed medical and work history with emphasis on:
      • i. Past, present and anticipated future exposure to arsenic;
      • ii. nervous system, respiratory, liver, skin, nasal septum and lymph nodes.
    • Tests:
      • i. Analysis of urinary total arsenic (U-As) content in an early morning urine specimen (corrected to SG of 1.016); ensure that worker avoids seafood and seaweed for three days prior to urine collection.
      • ii. Liver function tests (serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase estimations.)
      • iii. Full-sized chest x-ray examination.  –
    • Unfit for exposure to arsenic:
      • i. Persons with abnormal liver function test results;
      • ii. Pregnant women and nursing mothers.
  • Periodic medical examinations: every 12 months
    • Clinical examination shall include detailed medical and work history with emphasis on nervous system, respiratory, liver, skin, nasal septum and lymph nodes.
    • Tests:
      • i. Analysis of urinary total arsenic (U-As) content in an early morning urine specimen (corrected to SG of 1.016); ensure that worker avoids seafood and seaweed for three days prior to urine collection.
      • ii. Liver function tests (serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase estimations.)  if U-As > BTLV (300 mcg/L)