MSDS for Ionic Selenium
Identification
Product Name: Ionic Selenium Solution
Chemical Formula: SeH2O (aqueous selenium ion)
Synonyms: Selenium Ion Solution, Selenium(IV) Solution
Recommended Use: Nutritional supplements, laboratory research, chemical manufacturing
Supplier Details: Refer to bottle label for contact, phone, emergency information
UN Number: Not regulated under most transport conventions for dilute solutions
Emergency Contact: Consult local poison control or health authority for guidance
Date Prepared: Check latest revision date printed on the supplier safety document
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 3, Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 2, Eye Damage/Irritation Category 2A
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation Mark, Health Hazard
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Symptoms: Gastrointestinal distress, metallic taste, headache, dizziness
Chronic Effects: Selenosis with symptoms like hair loss, nail brittleness, garlic breath
OSHA Hazard: Meets definition of hazardous chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Identity: Selenium, as Se4+ ion in water
CAS Number: 7782-49-2
Concentration: 0.1%–1.0% by weight (commercial liquids); custom concentrations available
Impurities: May contain trace sodium, potassium, stabilizers depending on manufacturer
Water Content: Up to 98% (depending on dilution)
Other Ingredients: None expected above threshold reporting values
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse affected skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, contact a healthcare provider.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water, lifting upper and lower lids occasionally. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes and get medical help.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Get medical attention immediately.
Other Notes: Bring SDS to the healthcare provider. Provide symptomatic support as needed.
Self-protection of First Aiders: Use disposable gloves, avoid direct exposure. Wash hands after handling.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or CO2 extinguishers
Unsuitable Media: None expected for diluted solutions
Hazardous Combustion Products: Selenium oxides, hydrogen selenide gas possible at high temperatures
Special Protection for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant clothing
Unusual Fire Hazards: Selenium vapors pose a risk in confined fires—evacuate unnecessary personnel
Explosion Data: Selenium ions in water are not explosive
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and lab coat. If large spill, use respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface water, or soil.
Methods for Clean-up: Absorb small spills with inert, non-combustible material—such as vermiculite or sand—then collect and place in properly labeled waste container. Rinse area thoroughly with water.
Containment: For bulk spills, dike area with absorbent and collect for waste disposal.
Clean-Up Team Guidance: Ventilate area. Provide adequate ventilation to avoid vapor buildup.
Handling and Storage
Handling Recommendations: Handle in well-ventilated areas, wear recommended personal protective equipment, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use.
Spill Avoidance: Prevent spills and leaks by secure capping and upright storage.
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry location away from incompatible materials such as strong acids, bases, and oxidizers. Keep container tightly closed.
Incompatible Storage: Separate from strong oxidizing agents, chlorine, and reducing agents.
Special Requirements: Label containers clearly, store away from direct sunlight and heat.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 0.2 mg/m³ TWA for selenium compounds; ACGIH TLV: 0.2 mg/m³ TWA
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation. Fume hood recommended for laboratory handling.
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles compliant with ANSI standard.
Skin Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, long-sleeved clothing.
Respiratory Protection: For low concentrations, no respiratory protection needed; if mist or vapor exceeds limits, use approved respirator.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, and wash before reuse.
Environmental Exposure Controls: Do not permit selenium waste to enter waterways.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow aqueous liquid
Odor: Faint metallic or garlic-like smell (at higher concentrations)
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 2 – 5 depending on concentration and additives
Freezing Point: Near 0°C (32°F)
Boiling Point: Approx. 100°C (212°F) for solution
Melting Point: N/A for solution
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Similar to water
Flammability: Not flammable in aqueous form
Vapor Pressure: Similar to water
Solubility: Fully miscible with water
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not established
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes at high temperatures to toxic fumes
Viscosity: Near water
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactive Conditions: Heat, acidification, reduction reactions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, reducing agents, halogens
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Selenium oxides, hydrogen selenide possible at elevated temperatures
Polymerization: Does not occur
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 7 mg/kg (elemental selenium basis, can vary by ionic form and concentration)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Skin irritation reported with prolonged contact
Eye Effects: Causes redness, pain, and may cause corneal injury
Inhalation Effects: Headache, dizziness, respiratory distress in mist/vapor forms
Chronic Effects: Selenosis may develop with chronic overexposure (hair/nail loss, neurological symptoms)
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as human carcinogen by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No conclusive data for the ionic form
Reproductive Toxicity: High exposures may impact fertility, based on animal data
Ecological Information
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Selenium ions persist, bioaccumulate in aquatic environments
Bioaccumulative Potential: High potential in food webs at elevated levels
Mobility in Soil: Soluble, highly mobile in surface and groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Selenium can disrupt aquatic life cycles, toxic to birds, fish at low concentrations
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, state, federal regulations. Recommended: Dispose through licensed chemical waste disposal contractor.
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers, render unusable, send for recycling or disposal as hazardous waste
Environmental Release: Do not dispose in drains, soils, or open environment
RCRA Waste Code: U205 (selenium compounds)
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated for most dilute non-toxic concentrations
Proper Shipping Name: Not classed as a hazardous material for small consumer or laboratory packs
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: No for dilute solutions; yes at higher concentrations
Special Precautions: Transport upright, sealed, avoid extreme temperatures and incompatible goods
Regulatory Information
OSHA Status: Hazardous per Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Section 302 Not listed; Section 313 listed as selenium compounds
TSCA Inventory: Selenium compounds are listed
CERCLA: Reportable quantity for selenium: 1 lb (as Se)
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other National/State Regulations: Follow regional safety, labeling, control requirements
Workplace Labeling: Ensure product labeling meets GHS and local OSHA or WHMIS rules
