Material Safety Data Sheet for Selenium Sulfide

Identification

Product Name: Selenium Sulfide
Synonyms: Selenium disulfide, SelSulfide
Chemical Formula: SeS₂
CAS Number: 7446-34-6
Recommended Use: Active ingredient in medicated shampoos for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, research applications
Manufacturer Contact: Safety inquiries and emergencies handled by technical support at supplier
Emergency Contact Number: Refer to local regulations for poison control and chemical emergency hotlines

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Eye irritation, Skin sensitization, Hazardous to aquatic environment
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, may cause allergic skin reactions, toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid release to the environment, use protective gear, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid breathing dust or vapor, dispose of contents according to local regulations
Hazard Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Target Organs: Liver, nerves, skin

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Selenium Sulfide
Common Name: Selenium disulfide
CAS Number: 7446-34-6
Concentration: Typically over 98% in pure samples
Impurities: Trace selenium oxides, sulfur compounds
Molecular Weight: 143.09 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms like irritation or shortness of breath occur, monitor for delayed respiratory symptoms
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing; wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical assistance if rash or irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, obtain medical attention if discomfort persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical help, provide symptomatic care
Main Symptoms: Irritation, headache, metallic taste, skin sensitization, gastrointestinal distress
Special Advice for Physicians: Treat supportively; pay attention to selenium toxicity signs (garlic breath, hair loss, neurological changes)

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Dry chemical, CO₂, foam, water spray to cool surfaces
Unsuitable Agents: Avoid direct water jets, may spread chemical contamination
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of selenium and sulfur oxides under fire conditions
Protective Actions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water from a safe distance, prevent run-off into drains, avoid inhalation of smoke

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate spill area, provide adequate ventilation, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), avoid contact and inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Contain spillage, prevent entry into waterways, soil, and drains, inform environmental authorities in case of contamination
Cleaning Methods: Collect spilled material mechanically and place in designated waste container, moisten powders to prevent airborne dust, clean area with soap and water
Disposal: Dispose of residues and contaminated materials as hazardous waste following local and national regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation, keep containers tightly closed when not in use, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking around chemical, use local exhaust ventilation, avoid skin and eye contact
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protect from light and moisture, keep away from incompatible substances (strong acids, oxidizers, bases), use secondary containment for bulk storage
Incompatibilities: Strong reducing/oxidizing agents, acids
Special Sensitivities: Container residues may remain hazardous after use, observe good chemical hygiene

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Selenium compounds (as Se): OSHA PEL 0.2 mg/m³, ACGIH TLV 0.2 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Where possible, use local exhaust, enclosures, or process isolation
Personal Protective Equipment – Eyes: Chemical safety goggles, face shield if risk of splashing
Personal Protective Equipment – Skin: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical-resistant apron, protective clothing
Personal Protective Equipment – Respiratory: NIOSH-approved respirator for dusts and vapors, especially above exposure limits or during spills
Other Precautions: Facilities for eye wash, shower, do not take contaminated clothing home, wash hands thoroughly before breaks and after use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Orange to reddish-brown powder or granules
Odor: Slight sulfur-like odor
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: 111–122°C (varies with composition)
Boiling Point: Decomposes
Solubility: Practically insoluble in cold water, slightly soluble in organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 3.46 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not established
Flash Point: Not flammable under normal conditions
Decomposition Temperature: Above 150°C (releases toxic fumes)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ambient conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, exposure to light, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (release toxic gases), strong oxidizers, alkali metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen selenide, selenium oxides, sulfur oxides
Reactivity: Limited reactivity at room temperature, hazardous decomposition under severe heating or acid contact

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eyes
Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ (oral, rat) 670 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to selenium poisoning including hair loss, neurological symptoms, garlic odor on breath, liver damage
Local Effects: Irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
Sensitization: May cause allergic skin reactions
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing skin, liver, nervous system conditions
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, depressive mood, metallic taste, weakness

Ecological Information

Eco-toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, disrupts lifecycle of aquatic plants and animals
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to persist as inorganic compound in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Tends to accumulate in living organisms, moves up the food chain
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds to soil particles
Other Adverse Effects: Selenium bioaccumulation can harm birds and mammals, disrupt enzymatic processes in wildlife, leads to ecological imbalance where released in large quantities

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, contact licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor, follow all federal, state, and local environmental control regulations
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers, puncture, label, and dispose with appropriately permitted facility
Disposal Precautions: Do not dispose into surface water, storm drains, or general trash, prevent environmental contamination
Special Considerations: Collect spillage and contaminated consumables into sealed, labeled containers for safe transport and disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Selenium Sulfide)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Environmental Hazard, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Special Precautions for Transport: Avoid release to environment, handle containers with care to avoid breakage and spillage, secure tightly
Regulatory Reference: Complies with transportation rules under IMDG, IATA, and DOT

Regulatory Information

TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Status: Registered under applicable annexes
SARA Title III – Section 313: Reportable under selenium compounds
OSHA: Regulated hazardous chemical
WHMIS (Canada): D2B – Toxic
Other Regulations: Subject to local, national, and international requirements regarding handling, emissions, disposal, and reporting
Workplace Classification: Mandates PPE, hygiene training, monitoring and documentation as part of workplace safety practices for hazardous chemicals