tellurium

H360Df: May damage the unborn child; Suspected of damaging fertility [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]

P203, P260, P263, P264, P270, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.8% (4 of 527) of reports.

H301 (18.6%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H317 (45.7%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H319 (37.6%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H332 (61.3%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (37.4%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H360 (22.6%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H360Df (39.5%): May damage the unborn child; Suspected of damaging fertility [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H362 (43.8%): May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]

H413 (45.5%): May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P260, P261, P263, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 527 reports by companies from 26 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 4 of 527 reports by companies.

There are 25 notifications provided by 523 of 527 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

P203, P260, P261, P263, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P318, P319, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention .

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Tellurium Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to tellurium may include drowsiness, malaise, lassitude, weakness, and dizziness. Gastrointestinal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and constipation. A metallic taste, garlicky breath, and profuse sweating may be noted. Kidney damage, liver injury, and pulmonary effects may also occur. Dermal exposure may result in dermatitis (red, inflamed skin).

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to tellurium may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to tellurium.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to tellurium.

3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.

6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of tellurium is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step

4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step

4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.

4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.

5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.

6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. (ERG, 2024)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Straight water streams will scatter molten tellurium oxide. Wear goggles, rubber gloves, and proper respirator with filter.

Use water spray. Tellurium will burn only slowly in air. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

1. VENTILATE AREA OF SPILL OR LEAK. 2. COLLECT SPILLED MATERIAL IN THE MOST CONVENIENT & SAFE MANNER & DEPOSIT IN SEALED CONTAINERS FOR RECLAMATION OR FOR DISPOSAL IN A SECURED SANITARY LANDFILL. LIQUIDS CONTAINING TELLURIUM & CMPD SHOULD BE ABSORBED IN VERMICULITE, DRY SAND, EARTH, OR A SIMILAR MATERIAL.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

Caution : When heated to decomposition, toxic fumes of tellurium oxide will be emitted. Avoid sources of extreme heat.

Ventilate area of spill or leak; collect spilled material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers for reclamation or for disposal in a secured sanitary landfill. Liquids containing tellurium should be absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. For solids, prevent dust cloud and avoid inhalation of dust. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from halogens and interhalogens.

0.3 [mg/m3]

20 [mg/m3]

50 [mg/m3]

0.1 mg/m³

TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [*Note: The REL also applies to other tellurium compounds (as Te) except Tellurium hexafluoride and Bismuth telluride.]

0.1 [mg/m3], as Te

TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [*Note: The PEL also applies to other tellurium compounds (as Te) except Tellurium hexafluoride and Bismuth telluride.]

25 mg Te/m3 (NIOSH, 2024)

25.0 [mg/m3], as Te

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Basis for revised IDLH: No inhalation toxicity data are available on which to base an IDLH for tellurium compounds. Therefore, the revised IDLH for tellurium compounds is 25 mg Te/m3 based on acute oral toxicity data in animals [Izmerov et al. 1982; Muehlberger and Schrenk 1928].

25 mg/cu m (as Te)

25 mg/m³

25 mg/m3 (as Te)

See: 13494809

0.1 [mg/m3], as Te (except hydrogen telluride)

8 Hr Time-Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.1 mg/cu m. /Tellurium & cmpd (NOS), as Te, excluding hydrogen telluride/

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Tellurium & cmpd (NOS), as Te, excluding hydrogen telluride/

0.1 mg/m

0.1 mg/m³ [1992]

EPA listed tellurium metal /as an Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS)/ based on a study that reported an oral LD50 of 20 mg/kg. Review of this study indicted that sodium tellurate, which is listed as an EHS, was used in the study rather than tellurium metal. The Selenium Tellurium Development Association also submitted a study that reported an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg for tellurium metal. Based on this information, EPA is deleting tellurium from the list of EHSs.

USSR: 0.01 mg/cu (1967). /Tellurium & cmpd/

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

The aerosol is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the liver and central nervous system. Exposure could cause garlic-like breath. Medical observation is indicated.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Tellurium:

Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body.

Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection.

Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).

Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

SCRUPULOUS HYGIENE SHOULD BE OBSERVED ... WORKERS SHOULD WEAR WHITE COATS, HAND PROTECTION & SIMPLE GAUZE MASK RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IF HANDLING THE POWDER. HAND GRINDING SHOULD BE DISCOURAGED & WELL VENTILATED MECHANICAL GRINDING INSTITUTED WHERE POSSIBLE.

Respirator Recommendations: Up to 0.5 mg/cu m: (APF = 5) Any dust and mist respirator. If not present as a fume.

Respirator Recommendations: Up to 1 mg/m3: (APF = 10) Any dust and mist respirator except single-use and quarter-mask respirators. If not present as a fume/(APF = 10) Any dust, mist, and fume respirator/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator.

Respirator Recommendations: Up to 2.5 mg/cu m: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a dust and mist filter. If not present as a fume.

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 0.5 mg/m3 :

(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.

Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.

Grayish-white, lustrous, brittle, crystalline solid; dark-gray to brown, amorphous powder with metallic characteristics. Used as a coloring agent in chinaware, porcelains, enamels, glass; producing black finish on silverware; semiconductor devices and research; manufacturing special alloys of marked electrical resistance. Improves mechanical properties of lead; powerful carbide stabilizer in cast iron, tellurium vapor in "daylight" lamps, vulcanization of rubber. Blasting caps. Semiconductor research. (EPA, 1998)

Toxic by inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion. May be solid or liquid.

Odorless, dark-gray to brown, amorphous powder or grayish-white, brittle solid; [NIOSH]

DARK GREY-TO-BROWN AMORPHOUS POWDER, WITH METAL CHARACTERISTICS OR SILVERY-WHITE, LUSTROUS CRYSTALLINE SOLID.

Odorless, dark-gray to brown, amorphous powder or grayish-white, brittle solid.

Grayish-white, lustrous, brittle, crystalline solid, hexagonal, rhombohedral structure

Dark-gray to brown, amorphous powder with metal characteristics

Odorless.

1814 °F amorphous powder; 2534 °F crystalline solid (EPA, 1998)

989.9 °C

989.8 °C

988 °C @760 [mm Hg]

842 °F (EPA, 1998)

449.8 °C

449.5 °C

449.51 °C

Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024)

Insol in benzene, carbon disulfide

INSOL IN HOT & COLD WATER, HYDROCHLORIC ACID; SOL IN NITRIC ACID, AQ REGIA, POTASSIUM CYANIDE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SULFURIC ACID

Solubility in water: none

Insoluble

6.24 (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink

6.11-6.27

6.0-6.25 g/cm³

6.232 @25 °C

1 mmHg at 968 °F (EPA, 1998)

Vapor pressure between 511 and 835 °C is given by equation logP(kPa)= 6.7249-(5960.2/K)

0 mmHg (approx)

0.75 [mm Hg] @502 °C

TARNISHES SLIGHTLY IN AIR

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /tellurium/.

1.8-1.95 cP

46.0 kJ/g

INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.0025; SADTLER REFERENCE NUMBER: 5272 (IR, PRISM)

Diatomic in vapor state; atomic number 52, valence 2, 4, 6; in air dissolves in potassium hydroxide; electrical resistivity at 19.6 °C: 200,000 micro-ohms/cm; reacts with nitric acid, not with hydrochloric acid; linear coefficient of thermal expansion: 16.8X10-6/deg C; latent heat of fusion: 4.27 kcal/mol; hardness (Mohs): 2.3; magnetic susceptibility at 18 °C: -0.31X10-6 cgs; specific heat (solid): 0.047 cal/g/deg C

Combines with halogens, does not react with sulfur or selenium; modulus of elasticity: 6000000 psi. ... Eight stable isotopes: 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 128, 130; reacts with concentrated or fuming sulfuric acid

phonon wavenumber

dielectric constant

electromagnetic induction

optical coefficient

A finely divided suspension of elemental tellurium in air will explode. Insoluble in water.

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.

Metals, Less Reactive

Pyrophoric

TELLURIUM is attacked by chlorine fluoride with incandescence. When tellurium and potassium are warmed in an atmosphere of hydrogen, combination occurs with incandescence [Mellor 11:40. 1946-47]. Burning tellurium produces toxic tellurium oxide gas. Avoid solid sodium, halogens, interhalogens, metals, hexalithium disilicide. Reacts with nitric acid; reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid forming a red solution. Dissolves in potassium hydroxide in the presence of air with formation of deep red solution; combines with halogens. Avoid antimony and chlorine trifluoride; chlorine trifluoride reacts vigorously with tellurium producing flame. Fluorine and tellurium react with incandescence. Lithium silicide attacks tellurium with incandescence. Reaction with zinc is accompanied by incandescence (same potential with cadmium, only hazard is less). A vigorous reaction results when liquid tellurium is poured over solid sodium [EPA, 1998].

Mixtures of tellurium tetrabromide or tellurium tetrachloride with ammonia produces tellurium nitride complexes that are explosive upon heating. Tellurium trioxide is a powerful oxidant, which reacts violently when heated with a variety of metallic and non metallic materials. Noncombustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

THE REACTION BETWEEN ZINC & ... TELLURIUM IS ACCOMPANIED BY INCANDESCENCE.

WARM CHLORINE ATTACKS TELLURIUM WITH INCANDESCENCE.

TELLURIUM IS ATTACKED BY CHLORINE FLUORIDE WITH INCANDESCENCE. WHEN TELLURIUM & POTASSIUM ARE WARMED IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF HYDROGEN, COMBINATION OCCURS WITH INCANDESCENCE. A VIGOROUS REACTION OCCURS /WITH COMBINATION OF TELLURIUM & SILVER BROMATE/ IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE.

CHLORINE TRIFLUORIDE REACTS VIGOROUSLY WITH ... TELLURIUM ... PRODUCING FLAME.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Oxidizers, chlorine, cadmium

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Drowsiness. Metallic taste. Headache. Garlic odour. Nausea.

Redness. Pain.

Abdominal pain. Constipation. Vomiting. Further see Inhalation.

Garlic breath, sweating; dry mouth, metallic taste; drowsiness; anorexia, nausea, no sweating; dermatitis; In Animals: central nervous system, red blood cell changes

Skin, central nervous system, blood

Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

LC50 (rat) > 2,420 mg/m3/4h

LD50 Rat oral 83 mg/kg

LD50 Rabbit oral 67 mg/kg

LD50 Guinea pig oral 45 mg/kg

Selenium is known to form complexes with heavy metals in the blood and thus increase the retention time of the metals in several organs, especially in the reticulo-endothelial system. Selenium may similarly cause retention of mercury in the lung after metallic mercury (Hg0) inhalation. This study, comparing the effects of tellurium with those of selenium (both in group '6b' of the periodical system), showed that Te(IV) was as effective as Se(IV) and Se(VI) (all given in a dose of 10 mumol/kg body wt.) in retaining inhaled 203Hg0 (1.5 mumol/kg body wt.) in the lung (presumably 203Hg2+ after oxidation). Te(VI) had to be given in a dose of 100 mumol/kg body wt to produce the same effect. As in the lung, also in other organs tellurium caused a dose-dependent increase in mercury retention. At a dose level of 10 mumol Te(IV) per kg body wt. the mercury retention ratios (treated/control) were 140 for the lung and 8.6 for the whole body. The corresponding figures for Te(VI) (10, 30 and 100 mumol/kg body wt.) were 10, 73 and 120 and 3.7, 3.9 and 4.3, respectively. Retention of i.v. injected 203HgCl2 was increased by pre-administration of tellurium, again in a dose-dependent manner and Te(IV) being 3-10 times more effective than Te(VI). The kidney and the spleen were the dominant organs, as is the case after Se pretreatment. Anions of other elements, arsenite, arsenate, chromate, molybdate and wolframate (30 mumol/kg body wt.), did not affect the retention of 203Hg in lung or any other organ, or in the whole body after inhalation of 203Hg0. It is suggested that Te(IV) may easily be reduced to Te2- (in analogy with selenium) which may complex with Hg2+. The liability for Te(VI) to be reduced to Te2- appears to be approx. 10 times lower.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poison A and B/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poison A and B/

... BAL VALUELESS IN THERAPY OF EXPOSURE TO TELLURIUM ... IT ENHANCES ITS TOXICITY, POSSIBLY BY FORMATION OF DIMERCAPROL-TELLURIUM COMPLEX.

THERE IS PRESENTLY NO ANTIDOTE FOR TELLURIUM POISONING.

For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

If the avg urinary tellurium concn for a whole shift of workers exceeds 0.05 mg/l, the working conditions for the shift should be investigated.

... EXPOSURE TO TELLURIUM FUME OCCURRED ... POURING ... TELLURIUM-COPPER ALLOY ... ONLY ... SYMPTOM ... GARLIC ODOR. TELLURIUM WAS PRESENT IN URINE IN AMT FROM 0.008 TO 0.106 MG/L. SKIN LESIONS ... DRY, SCALY ITCHING PATCHES & LOSS OF SWEAT FUNCTION ... .

Tellurium is one of the rarest elements on earth. Intoxications are rare & almost exclusively occupationally exposed workers are affected. Only a few cases of non- occupational poisoning have been reported so far. Severe poisoning results in respiratory depression & circulatory collapse. After occupational exposure main symptoms & signs include loss of appetite, dryness of the mouth, suppression of sweating, a metallic taste in the mouth, & most notable, a sharp garlic odor of the breath, sweat & urine.

THE GARLIC ODOR OF SWEAT WAS A GOOD INDICATOR OF THE ABSORPTION OF TELLURIUM.

Exposure of iron foundry workers to concns of 0.01 & 0.1 mg Te/cu m for 22 months produced mild GI distress, the characteristic garlic odor, dryness of the mouth, metallic taste, & somnolence.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

... IN CATS, CHRONIC POISONING ... INDUCED BY INJECTION OF OILY SUSPENSION OF METALLIC TELLURIUM SC OR IM, & ... FOUND AFTER 3 MO TO CAUSE DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN GANGLION CELLS OF RETINA & IN BRAIN ... RETINAL GANGLION CELLS ... DEVELOPED HONEYCOMBED VACUOLAR DEGENERATION ... .

... POISONING OF MONKEYS ... PRODUCED ENCEPHALOPATHY & CHANGES IN RETINAL GANGLION CELLS, OPTIC NERVES, OPTIC TRACTS, & IN LATERAL GENICULATE BODIES. NO DESCRIPTION ... PUBLISHED ON EFFECTS ON VISION OR ON RELATED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS.

BRAINS OF RATS TREATED ORALLY WITH 0.2 G TELLURIUM DAY FOR 2-6 MO SHOWED INCR IN LIPOFUSCIN PIGMENTS IN NEURONAL PARENCHYMA.

RATS FED 0.2 G/DAY TELLURIUM SHOWED BLACK BRAIN CAUSED BY DARK TELLURIUM PARTICLES LOCALIZED IN LIPOFUSCIN GRANULES IN NEURON CYTOPLASM THROUGHOUT BRAIN, PROBABLY DUE TO EFFECTS OF TELLURIUM ON BRAIN MITOCHONDRIA.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (35 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.