Toxic hazards commonly encountered in industry, such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, can be tracked using a wide choice of portable and fixed detector products. However, certain, more rare, substances require specialized detection equipment. Some gases may be so toxic that exposure is permissible only at tiny concentrations. Such hazards require extremely sensitive detectors if personnel are to be adequately protected. In other cases, chemical instability may create particular problems for the sensor manufacturer to solve.
Arsine poisoning has an insidious, delayed effect on the body that can lead to complete urinary stoppage and, potentially, death from asphyxiation. NIOSH lists arsine as a potential carcinogen, although research in this area has proved inconclusive.