International Chemical Safety Cards

SELENIUM DIOXIDE ICSC: 0946

SELENIUM DIOXIDE
Selenious anhydride
Selenium oxide
SeO2
Molecular mass: 110.9
CAS # 7446-08-4
RTECS # VS8575000
ICSC # 0946
UN # 2811
EC # 034-002-00-8

TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS
PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


 
EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Sore throat.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns. Puffy eyelids.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Confusion. Nausea. Sore throat. Weakness. Low blood pressure.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Sweep spilled substance into closed containers, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
Separated from strong acids, organic materials, ammonia, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Airtight. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
T symbol
R: 23/25-33
S: 20/21-28-44
Note: A
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0946 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

SELENIUM DIOXIDE ICSC: 0946

I
M
P
O
R
T
A
N
T

D
A
T
A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
LUSTROUS WHITE HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS OR POWDER. ITS YELLOWISH GREEN VAPOUR HAS A PUNGENT SOUR SMELL.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic fumes of selenium. The solution in water is a medium strong acid (selenious acid). Reacts with many substances giving off toxic vapours (selenium). Attacks many metals in presence of water.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as Se): ppm; 0.2 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1990-1991).
PDK (as Se): 0.1 mg/m3 (USSR 1977).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly by dispersing.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the substance may cause chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the eyes , resulting in allergic-type reaction of the eyelids (rose eye). Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the many organ systems (see Notes). Nasopharyngeal irritation, gastrointestinal distress and persistent garlic odour may occur.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Sublimation point: 340-350°C
Relative density (water = 1): 3.95 at 15°C
Solubility in water: good (38.4 g/100 ml at 14°C)
Vapour pressure, kPa at 70°C: 1.65
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

NOTES
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Do NOT take working clothes home. The following symptoms in long-term exposure may occur: paleness, coated tongue, stomach disorders, nervousness, metallic taste and garlic odour of the breath.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G09
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0946 SELENIUM DIOXIDE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.