Selenic Acid

H301+H331 (86.7%): Toxic if swallowed or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, inhalation]

H301 (97.8%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H315 (86.7%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (88.9%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H331 (95.6%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H373 (97.8%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H400 (97.8%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (97.8%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 45 reports by companies from 5 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.

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

P260, P264, P270, P308+P316, P321, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. (ERG, 2024)

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:

· For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

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. (ERG, 2024)

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty. 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.

Personnel protection: Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (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)

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.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· 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.

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.

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.

If material not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Neutralize spilled material with crushed limestone, soda ash, or lime.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. If contact with the material is anticipated, wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits 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. 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 SELENIC ACID (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. 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. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

· 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.

0.02 [mg/m3], as Se, inhalable fraction[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

0.2 [mg/m3], as Se

1.0 [mg/m3], as Se

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.2 mg/cu m. /Selenium and compounds, as Se/

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. /Selenium and compounds, as Se/

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

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.

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

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (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)

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. /Selenium/

Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] /Selenium/

Respirator Recommendations: Up to 1 mg/cu m: /Selenium/ [Table#1956]

Respirator Recommendations: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: /Selenium/ [Table#1957]

Respirator Recommendations: Escape conditions: /Selenium/ [Table#1958]

Selenic acid appears as a white crystalline solid. Very corrosive to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Corrosive to metal. Toxic by skin absorption and by ingestion.

Highly deliquescent solid; [Merck Index] White solid; [HSDB] Slightly yellow-green liquid; [MSDSonline] mp = 59.9 deg C; [Ullmann]

White solid

Hexagonal colorless prisms

Decomposes

260 °C (decomposes)

1300 g in 100 mL water at 30 °C

Soluble in sulfuric acid; insoluble in ammonia

2.951 at 15 °C (solid); 2.609 at 15 °C (liquid)

When heated to decomposition ... emits toxic fumes of /selenium/.

pKa1 = 1.7

Decomp in alcohol; reduced by hydrobromic acid, hydriodic acid, hydrogen sulfide, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, phenylhydrazine, formic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, pyruvic acid, acetyl chloride, and several metals; very deliquescent

Hygroscopic; reacts with ethanol

Standard molar enthalpy of formation: -530.1 kJ/mol

Strong oxidizing agent

Toxic Gases & Vapors -> Acids, Inorganic

Corrosives

Very hygroscopic. Soluble in water.

Acids, Strong Oxidizing

Strong Oxidizing Agent

Known Catalytic Activity

SELENIC ACID reacts exothermically with chemical bases (for example: amines and inorganic hydroxides) to form salts. The reactions can generate dangerously large amounts of heat in small spaces. A good oxidizing agent. It may oxidize organic matter such as wood, cotton, fiberboard, etc. The solid reacts with active metals, including iron and aluminum, and also less active metals, to dissolve the metal and liberate hydrogen and/or toxic gases. Can initiate polymerization in certain classes of organic compounds. Reacts with cyanide salts and compounds to release gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases are also often generated with dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, nitriles, sulfides, and weak or strong reducing agents. Additional gas-generating reactions occur with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), and even carbonates: the carbon dioxide gas from the last is nontoxic but the heat and spattering from the reaction can be troublesome. May catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.

Do not use metal and acid to reduce selenium compounds. This will produce toxic gaseous hydrogen selenide. /Selenium compounds/

Acids, strong oxidizers, chromium trioxide, potassium bromate. /Selenium/

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)

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

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)

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

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

EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.

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. /Inorganic acids 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 respirations 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 ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. Activated charcoal is not effective. 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 ... . Do not attempt to neutralize because of exothermic reaction. Cover skin burns with dry, sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Inorganic acids 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. Early intubation, at the first sign of upper airway obstruction, may be necessary. 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 as 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 ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Inorganic acids and related compounds/

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/

For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for SELENIC ACID (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/CASE REPORTS/ Dermatitis in series of workers exposed to dry & heated selenium dioxide & selenic acid... Actual contact in one case with a splash of selenic acid caused a purpuric-like lesion with inflammatory spots round hair follicles; in another, small shallow ulcers...

/CASE REPORTS/ A 44 year old worker neutralized 450 L of selenic acid with caustic soda. Boiling occurred, and the mixture was spread all over the room. He suffered skin burns and died 90 minutes later with pulmonary edema, unstable blood pressure and garlic breath.

/CASE REPORTS/ A patient ingested a mouthful of selenic acid (30 g/L); he suffered mild gastrointestinal disturbances; 3 hours after ingestion, the plasma concentration was the highest (931 ug/L).

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ ...Toxic by skin absorption and by ingestion.

/GENOTOXICITY/ Data on the mutagenicity of selenium and its compounds are equivocal. Selenate and selenite (12 uM) were mutagenic in a reverse mutation assay using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA1537 in the absence of rat hepatic homogenates. In a second assay, sodium selenate, but not sodium selenite, was mutagenic; the S. typhimurium strains used were not reported. Selenite (selenious acid and sodium selenite) produced DNA damage in Bacillus subtilis strains 17A and 45T; however, selenate (selenic acid and sodium selenate) was negative in the Rec assay.

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.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an 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. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for SELENIC ACID (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1905; SELENIC ACID, LIQUID

IMO 8.0; Selenic acid, liquid

UN 3283; Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s

49 300 35; Selenic acid, liquid

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.

Corrosive