MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Manufacturer/Supplier:
ESPI Metals
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
Trade Name: Selenium
Chemical Family: Non-metal
Formula: Se
CAS #: 7782-49-2
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component: Selenium
%: 0-100
OSHA/PEL: 0.2 mg/m3
ACGIH/TLV: 0.2 mg/m3
HMIS Ratings: Health: 2 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 1
III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 685 oC
Melting Point: 217 oC
Vapor Pressure: 1mm at 356 oC
Specific Gravity: 4.79 g/cc
% Volatiles: N/A
Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: Gray to black powder or pieces, no odor
IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method used): N/A
Autoignition Temperature: N/A
Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding material and type of fire.
Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: When heated to decomposition, selenium may emit toxic fumes. May react with metal amides to form explosive products. May react violently with barium carbide, chlorates, chlorine trifluoride, chromic oxide, fluorine, lithium carbide, lithium silicon, nickel, nitric acid, sodium, nitrogen trichloride, oxygen, potassium, potassium bromate, rubidium carbide, zinc, silver bromate, strontium carbide, thorium carbide and uranium.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of selenium have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Selenium compounds are poison by inhalation and intravenous routes. Some selenium compounds are experimental carcinogens. Long-term exposure may be a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, just as it may cause ‘blind staggers’ in cattle. Elemental selenium has low acute systemic toxicity, but dust or fumes can cause serious irritation of the respiratory tract. Inorganic selenium compounds can cause dermatitis. Garlic odor of breath is a common symptom. Pallor, nervousness, depression, digestive disturbances and death have been reported in cases of chronic exposure. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and acute selenium poisoning.
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
Skin: May cause irritation.
Eye: May cause irritation.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: May cause chronic selenium poisoning. Continued intoxication may cause loss of nails and hair, hemolytic anemia, and kidney, liver and spleen damage.
Ingestion: May cause chronic selenium poisoning.
Skin: May cause dermatitis.
Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove from exposure, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
SKIN: Remove any contaminated clothing, brush material off of skin, wash carefully with soap and water. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
EYE: Flush with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. Consult a doctor.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: None
Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong acids, metal amides, barium carbide, bromine pentafluoride, calcium carbide, lithium silicon, metals, nickel, nitric acid, sodium, nitrogen trichloride, oxygen, potassium, potassium bromate, rubidium carbide, zinc, silver bromate, strontium carbide, thorium carbide, uranium.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: H2Se, Se Fume, SeO2
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
VII. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate protective equipment specified in section VIII. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Sweep or scoop up pieces. Vacuum up powders using vacuum equipped with HEPA filter, and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.
Waste Disposal Method: In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.
VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH approved respirator.
Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation to maintain concentrations below recommended levels. General exhaust is recommended.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves
Eye Protection: Safety Glasses
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Normal lab wear.
IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Keep container tightly sealed. Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers. Store under lock and key and with access restricted to technical experts or their assistants only. Store away from oxidizing agents. Ensure good ventilation at the workplace. Open and handle container with care.
Work Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air. Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.
DOT Regulations:
Hazard Class: None
The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.
Issued By: S. Dierks
Date: April 2007