hydrogen selenide

H220 (100%): Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

H280 (100%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H330 (100%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H400 (98.8%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (98.8%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P210, P222, P260, P271, P273, P280, P284, P304+P340, P316, P320, P377, P381, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 83 reports by companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

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.

H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

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

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P210, P222, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P319, P320, P321, P337+P317, P377, P381, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P210, P222, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P319, P321, P337+P317, P377, P381, P403, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes.

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

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrogen Selenide Exposure: Acute exposure to hydrogen selenide may include garlic odor of the breath, metallic taste, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Bluing of skin, irritation of the eyes, nasal secretion, pain in the chest, difficulty in breathing, coughing, irritation of the respiratory tract resulting in bronchitis and pulmonary edema may also occur. In addition, CNS depression, hypotension (low blood pressure), cardiopulmonary arrest, and coma may also be observed.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to hydrogen selenide 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 hydrogen selenide.

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 100% humidified 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 hydrogen selenide.

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

6. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:

Note: Ingestion of hydrogen selenide gas is not expected to be a significant route of 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 100% humidified 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. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with water until well after the fire is out.

Let tank car, tank truck, or storage tank burn unless leak can be stopped. Small fires: dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Large fires: water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)

Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Approach fire with caution. If fire is prolonged and material is confined in the container, consider evacuation of one (1) mile radius. If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame, consider evacuation of one (1) mile radius.

Personnel protection: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. Wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

If exposed to prolonged fire or intense heat the containers may violently rupture or rocket.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.

· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

· Consider igniting spill or leak to eliminate toxic gas concerns.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 117 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable (Extreme Hazard)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2202 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

· See Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.

Small spill:

- ISOLATE in all directions: 300 m (1000 ft)

Large spill:

- ISOLATE in all directions: 1000 m (3000 ft)

- PROTECT people from downwind during DAY time: 1.7 km (1.1 mi)

- PROTECT people from downwind during NIGHT time: 6.0 km (3.7 mi)

- PROTECT people from downwind during DAY time: 11.0+ km (7.0+ mi)

- PROTECT people from downwind during NIGHT time: 11.0+ km (7.0+ mi)

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D010, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Recommendable: Chemical reduction, solidification landfill. Not recommendable: Thermal destruction, discharge to sewer. As the price of selenium is very high; recovery of it by processing selenium containing waste is economical. For example, selenium refineries are equipped with wet scrubbers that employ an approx 50% soln of hydrobromic acid containing free bromine. The acid fumes are adsorbed in a lime and soda bed, and the selenium separated from the hydrobromic acid soln by distillation is recycled. ... If possible, convert selenium compounds to an insoluble form with sulfur dioxide before landfill or solidification. Do not use metal and acid to reduce selenium compounds. This will produce toxic gaseous hydrogen selenide.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. Approach fire with caution.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.

Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F).

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. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for HYDROGEN SELENIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 117 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable (Extreme Hazard)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. Consider igniting spill or leak to eliminate toxic gas concerns. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Keep in the dark. Cool.

· 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.

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

0.006 [ppm]

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: ppm)

NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data

AEGLs Status: Final

0.045 [ppm]

0.11 [ppm]

0.33 [ppm]

0.05 ppm (0.2 mg/m³)

TWA 0.05 ppm (0.2 mg/m3)

0.05 [ppm], as Se

1 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

1.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Human data: Although very toxic, no fatalities have been reported, possibly because hydrogen selenide is easily oxidized to red selenium on the surface of mucous membranes of the nose and throat [Friberg et al. 1979]. Concentrations of 1.5 ppm have been found to be intolerable due to eye and nasal irritation [Dudley and Miller 1941].

See: 7783075

0.05 [ppm]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.05 ppm.

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.

0.05 ppm as TWA.

0.05 ppm [1990]

0.07 mg/m

0.02 mg/m

Chronic Oral: 0.005 mg/kg/day (L134)

· DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or regular foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

Fire Involving Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

Hydrogen selenide is a colorless gas with an offensive odor. It is highly flammable and toxic. It may be irritating to eyes and mucous membranes. It is heavier than air. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation. If exposed to prolonged fire or intense heat the containers may violently rupture or rocket. Rate of onset: Immediate Persistence: Minutes - hours Odor threshold: 0.3 ppm Source/use/other hazard: Metals &semiconductor preparation; highly flammable/explosive; can cause burns/frostbite; decomposes rapidly to form elemental selenium

Colorless gas with an odor resembling decayed horse radish. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Colorless gas with an odor resembling decayed horseradish.

Colorless gas with an odor resembling decayed horseradish. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]

Colorless gas

Odor resembling decayed horseradish

-42.3 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)

-41.3 °C

-41.4 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-86.31 °F (EPA, 1998)

-65.73 °C

Flammable gas

NA (Gas)

0.9 % at 73 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

377 mL in 100 mL water at 4 °C; 270 mL in 100 mL water at 22.5 °C

0.70 g/100 mL

Soluble in carbonyl chloride and carbon disulfide

Soluble in alkaline water

Solubility in water, ml/100ml at 22.5 °C: 270

(73 °F): 0.9%

2.12 at -42 °C/4 °C (liquid); 3.614 g/L (gas)

Relative density (water = 1): 2.1 (liquid)

2.80(relative gas density)

2.12 at -43.6 °F (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

2.00 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 2.8

2.12 at -43.6 °F

6536 to 9120 mmHg at 64.4 to 87.44 °F (EPA, 1998)

12 atm at 30.8 °C; 4.5 atm at 0.2 °C; 1.75 atm at -30 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 21 °C: 878

9.5 atm at 70 °F

7600 [mm Hg] @23.4 °C

(70 °F): 9.5 atm

Hydrogen selenide ... Decomposes rapidly in air to form elemental selenium and water ...

Molar enthalpy of vaporization = 19.7 kJ/mol at -41.25 °C

Aqueous solution is weakly acidic, although it is stronger than aqueous acetic acid

Odor Threshold Low: 0.3 [ppm]

Odor threshold from AIHA

Odor low: 0.0016 mg/cu m; Odor high: 12 mg/cu m; Description of odor: decayed horse radish.

Highly flammable. Soluble in water.

Sulfides, Inorganic

Reducing Agents, Strong

Highly Flammable

HYDROGEN SELENIDE is a colorless, flammable gas of unpleasant odor, a deadly poison by inhalation. It forms explosive mixtures with air. It reacts vigorously with strong oxidizing reagents, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p.1843].

Dangerous fire and explosion risk, strong oxidizing agent. Concentrated solutions are highly toxic and strongly irritating.

Dangerous; will react vigorously with powerful oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid.

Dangerous; forms explosive mixtures with air.

Strong oxidizers, acids, water, halogenated hydrocarbons.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for HYDROGEN SELENIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Strong oxidizers, acids, water, halogenated hydrocarbons

Selenium readily substitutes for sulfur in biomolecules and in many biochemical reactions, especially when the concentration of selenium is high and the concentration of sulfur is low. Inactivation of the sulfhydryl enzymes necessary for oxidative reactions in cellular respiration, through effects on mitochondrial and microsomal electron transport, might contribute to acute selenium toxicity. Selenomethionine (a common organic selenium compound) also appears to randomly substitute for methionine in protein synthesis. This substitution may affect the structure and functionability of the protein, for example, by altering disulfide bridges. Inorganic forms of selenium appear to react with tissue thiols by redox catalysis, resulting in formation of reactive oxygen species and causing damage by oxidative stress. (L619)

3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (L135)

Chronic oral exposure to high concentrations of selenium compounds can produce a disease called selenosis. The major signs of selenosis are hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological abnormalities (such as numbness and other odd sensations in the extremities). Animal studies have shown that selenium may also affect sperm production and the female reproductive cycle. (L619)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact

Oral (L619) ; inhalation (L619) ; dermal (L619)

Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Metallic taste. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Weakness. Garlic odour.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

Redness. Pain.

irritation eyes, nose, throat; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; metallic taste, garlic breath; dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); liquid: frostbite; In Animals: pneumonitis; liver damage

Short-term oral exposure to high concentrations of selenium may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Brief exposures to high levels of elemental selenium or selenium dioxide in air can result in respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, difficulty breathing, and stomach pains. Longer-term exposure to either of these air-borne forms can cause respiratory irritation, bronchial spasms, and coughing. (L619)

Eyes, respiratory system, liver

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.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

LCLo (rat) = 20 mg/m3/1H

LC50: 2 ppm over 1 hour (Inhalation, Guinea pig) (L734)

LC50 Guinea pig inhalation 300 ppb/ 8 hr

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Selenium and Related Compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Treat seizures if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) 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. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Selenium and Related Compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... .Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Selenium and Related Compounds/

Emergency and supportive measures. Maintain an open airway and assist ventilation if necessary. Administer supplemental oxygen. Treat coma, convulsions, bronchospasm, hypotension, and pulmonary edema if they occur. Since hypotension is often multifactorial, evaluate and optimize volume status, peripheral vascular resistance, and myocardial contractility. Observe for at least 6 hours after exposure. ... /Selenium/

Decontamination: Inhalation. Immediately remove the victim from exposure and give supplemental oxygen if available. Skin and eyes. Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed skin with soap and copious water. Irrigate exposed eyes with copious tepid water or saline. Ingestion. Ingestion of elemental selenium or selenium salts does not usually benefit from GI decontamination. In light of the risk of severe corrosive GI injury, gastric lavage plus activated charcoal may be of value for ingestion s of selenious acid seen within 1 hour. Invitro experiments indicate that vitamin C can reduce selenium salts to elemental selenium, which poorly absorbed. Its use has not been studied in vivo, but oral or nasogastric administration of several grams of ascorbic acid has been recommended. /Selenium/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ In humans, a concentration of 5 mg/cu m (1.5 ppm) hydrogen selenide was found to be intolerable due to eye and nasal irritation, while 1 mg/cu m (0.3 ppm) caused no irritation with exposure of a few minutes duration.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... Five cases /were reported/ of industrial selenosis in laboratory workers caused by inhalation of less than 0.2 ppm of hydrogen selenide. Predominating symptoms were nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, alliaceous /SRP: garlic like/ breath odor, and extreme lassitude and fatigue.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... Running nose and eyes, coughing, sneezing, slight tightness of the chest, and ultimately, pulmonary edema ... /were/ symptoms of poisoning caused by inhalation of hydrogen selenide.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Hydrogen selenide inhalation may also cause acute intoxication at concn as low as 0.7 mg/cu m. Signs of toxicity include irritation of the respiratory tract, pulmonary edema, severe bronchitis and bronchial pneumonia.

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

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The acute toxic effects of hydrogen selenide were investigated in guinea-pigs exposed for 10, 30, or 60 min to concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 0.57 mg/L. All animals exposed to 0.02 mg/L, for 60 min, died within 25 days; 93% of those exposed to 0.043 mg/L, for 30 min, died within 30 days, and all exposed to 0.57 mg/L, for 10 min, died within 5 days. Decreasing the concentrations of hydrogen selenide, and increasing the time of exposure to 2, 4, or 8 hr produced death in 50% of the guinea-pigs, within 8 hr.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Lymphoid hyperplasia was noted in the spleen of guinea pigs following a single 4-hour exposure at 8 mg selenium/cu m as hydrogen selenide.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In guinea pigs exposed to hydrogen selenide for 2, 4, or 8 hours, 5/16 died within 10 days of exposure at 12 mg selenium/cu m, 3/16 died at 6 mg selenium/cu m, and 8/16 died at 6 mg selenium/cu m, respectively.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Single, 8 hr exposures of guinea pigs at 1 mg/cu m (0.3 ppm) of hydrogen selenide resulted in the death of 50% of the animals. The animals exhibited symptoms of respiratory irritation and injury to the liver.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ At a concentration of 7.8 mg selenium/cu m, hydrogen selenide produced diffuse bronchopneumonia and pneumonitis in guinea pigs after a 4-hour exposure.

Those ... who will be working with more reactive selenium cmpd such as ... hydrogen selenide ... should /be protected if they/ have a history of dermatitis, chronic bronchitis or any form of skin allergy or resp tract infection ... history of liver or kidney disease, jaundice or albuminuria ... Careful consideration must be given to /protecting workers during their reproductive years/.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Hydrogen selenide is volatile and is expected to exist in the gaseous state in the atmosphere(1,2). It is highly reactive in air and is rapidly oxidized to elemental selenium and water(2).

The solubility and mobility of selenium are dependent upon its valence and chemical state; under reducing conditions, selenium can form metal selenides, most of which have very low water solubilities, and volatile hydrogen selenide(1).

Methylated forms of selenium and hydrogen selenide are volatile and may escape to the atmosphere(2).

Inhalation

Acute poisoning through inhalation may occur in industry (selenium dust and fumes, selenium dioxide and hydrogen selenide).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Hydrogen selenide is volatile and is expected to exist in the gaseous state in the atmosphere(1,2). It is highly reactive in air and is rapidly oxidized to elemental selenium and water(2).

The solubility and mobility of selenium are dependent upon its valence and chemical state; under reducing conditions, selenium can form metal selenides, most of which have very low water solubilities, and volatile hydrogen selenide(1).

Methylated forms of selenium and hydrogen selenide are volatile and may escape to the atmosphere(2).

Inhalation

Acute poisoning through inhalation may occur in industry (selenium dust and fumes, selenium dioxide and hydrogen selenide).

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D010, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Recommendable: Chemical reduction, solidification landfill. Not recommendable: Thermal destruction, discharge to sewer. As the price of selenium is very high; recovery of it by processing selenium containing waste is economical. For example, selenium refineries are equipped with wet scrubbers that employ an approx 50% soln of hydrobromic acid containing free bromine. The acid fumes are adsorbed in a lime and soda bed, and the selenium separated from the hydrobromic acid soln by distillation is recycled. ... If possible, convert selenium compounds to an insoluble form with sulfur dioxide before landfill or solidification. Do not use metal and acid to reduce selenium compounds. This will produce toxic gaseous hydrogen selenide.

If ... THERE IS NO FIRE, go directly to the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances /(see table below)/ ... to obtain initial isolation and protective action distances. IF THERE IS A FIRE, or IF A FIRE IS INVOLVED, go directly to the appropriate guide /(see guide(s) below)/ and use the evacuation information shown under PUBLIC SAFETY. /Hydrogen selenide, anhydrous/

Table: Table of Isolation and Protective Action Distances for Hydrogen selenide, anhydrous [Table#1617]

/GUIDE 117: GASES - TOXIC - FLAMMABLE (EXTREME HAZARD)/ Health: TOXIC; Extremely Hazardous. May be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Initial odor may be irritating or foul and may deaden your sense of smell. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. /Hydrogen selenide, anhydrous/

/GUIDE 117: GASES - TOXIC - FLAMMABLE (EXTREME HAZARD)/ Fire or Explosion: These materials are extremely flammable. May form explosive mixtures with air. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Hydrogen selenide, anhydrous/

/GUIDE 117: GASES - TOXIC - FLAMMABLE (EXTREME HAZARD)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Hydrogen selenide, anhydrous/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for HYDROGEN SELENIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2202 117(anhydrous)

UN 2202; HYDROGEN SELENIDE, ANHYDROUS

IMO 2.3; Hydrogen selenide, anhydrous

49 054 15; Hydrogen selenide

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Poison Gas Flammable Gas

Symbol: T, N; R: 23/25-33-50/53; S: (1/2)-20/21-28-45-60-61; Note: A

UN Hazard Class: 2.3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1