International Chemical Safety Cards

SELENIUM

ICSC: 0072

SELENIUM
(powder)
Se
Atomic mass: 79.0
CAS # 7782-49-2
RTECS # VS7700000
ICSC # 0072
UN # 2658 (powder)
EC # 034-001-00-2

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames. NO contact with oxidants.	Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion with oxidants.		Use extinguishing media appropriate to surrounding fire conditions. NO contact with water.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!
INHALATION	Irritation of nose. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Sore throat. Vomiting. Weakness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Discolouration.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention. Remove and isolate contaminated clothes.
EYES	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.	Safety spectacles 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	Metallic taste. Diarrhoea. Chills. Fever (further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids, food and feedstuffs. Dry.

Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
T symbol
R: 23/25-33
S: (1/2-)20/21-28-45
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: III

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0072

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

ICSC: 0072

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS. DARK RED-BROWN TO BLUISH-BLACK AMORPHOUS SOLID OR RED TRANSPARENT CRYSTALS OR METALLIC GREY TO BLACK CRYSTALS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts violently with oxidants and strong acids. Reacts with water at 50°C forming flammable hydrogen (see ICSC # 0001) and selenious acids. Reacts with incandescence on gentle heating with phosphorous and metals such as nickel, zinc, sodium, potassium, platinum.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: ppm; 0.2 mg/m³ as TWA (ACGIH 1991-1992).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, 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 dispersion.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of dust may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Inhalation of fume may cause symptoms of asphyxiation, chills and fever and bronchitis. The effects may be delayed.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and skin , resulting in nausea, vomiting, cough, yellowish skin discolouration, loss of nails, garlic breath and bad teeth.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 685°C
Melting point: 170-217°C
Relative density (water = 1): 4.8

Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.1

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.