Material Safety Data Sheet: Selenium Yeast

1. Identification

Product Name: Selenium Yeast
Synonyms: Selenized Yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae enriched with Selenium
Product Code: Varies by Supplier
Recommended Uses: Feed Additive, Nutritional Supplement
Manufacturer: Major producers include companies specializing in nutraceuticals and feed supplements
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by manufacturer on shipping documents
Address: Manufacturer’s facility address, varying by region
Email: Technical and safety support email contact

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for typical handling
Main Hazards: Dust inhalation risk, possible skin or eye irritation, ingestion in high quantities can be toxic
Hazard Symbol: No standard hazard symbol required for standard usage
Signal Word: None required for usual forms
Precautionary Statements: Avoid prolonged exposure, wash hands after handling, keep container closed
Pictograms: Contact with eyes or open wounds can aggravate irritation, inhalation of dust could affect sensitive individuals

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Selenium-enriched Yeast
Active Ingredient: Organic selenium (mainly selenomethionine)
CAS Number: 12659-43-4 (for selenomethionine), yeast will carry the Saccharomyces cerevisiae registration
Typical Selenium Content: Usually 1000-2000 mg/kg (0.1 – 0.2%) as supplied
Impurities: Low levels of other organic selenium forms, yeast proteins, trace minerals, moisture
Other Ingredients: Cellular fractions, carbohydrates, trace amounts of other minerals

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove victim from exposure, get medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Gently wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush eyes for several minutes with running water, seek medical help for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, seek advice if significant amount consumed
Advice for First Responders: Personal protective equipment recommended for large spills, no special action needed for casual contact

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water stream that may disperse dust
Thermal Hazards: Product can smolder, in large fires toxic selenium oxides may form
Specific Hazards: Fine powder can create dust clouds, avoid inhalation
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus for major fires
Special Procedures: Confine run-off, use caution with dust, ventilate area

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use dust mask or respirator, avoid breathing dust, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains and waterways to reduce risk of selenium accumulation in environment
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up material carefully, use vacuum with HEPA filter where possible, avoid raising dust
Containment: Place material in labeled container for disposal or reuse
Decontamination: Wash area with water, collect wash water for disposal

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Keep container tightly closed, use only in well-ventilated areas, minimize dust generation
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking, avoid contact with skin and eyes
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials
Packaging Materials: Use original packaging or containers compatible with food/feed products
Special Precautions: Keep out of reach of children and animals not intended for supplementation

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Selenium compounds OSHA PEL (0.2 mg/m³, as Se), ACGIH TLV (0.2 mg/m³, as Se)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, containment for dust-producing operations
Personal Protection: Safety glasses or goggles, dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator for dust exposure, gloves for prolonged handling
Special Protocols: Maintain good personal hygiene, wash exposed skin prior to breaks and leaving worksite

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine powder or granules, light tan to cream color
Odor: Slight yeast odor, not pungent
pH: Typically neutral (6.0-8.0 in suspension)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not highly flammable under standard use
Solubility: Insoluble in water, but dispersible
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Bulk Density: Approximately 0.5 - 0.7 g/cm³
Other Properties: Can generate dust when handled, may cake under humid conditions

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, humidity, exposure to direct sunlight, strong acids and oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions with common materials; strong oxidizing agents can degrade organic selenium
Decomposition Products: Selenium oxides at elevated temperatures, possible release of sulfur compounds

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: At recommended dietary intake, considered safe; high doses may cause symptoms of selenium toxicity, including gastrointestinal distress, neurological effects
Skin and Eye Contact: May cause mild irritation upon direct contact
Sensitization: Unlikely to cause allergic responses except in sensitized individuals
Chronic Exposure: Chronic excessive intake risks selenosis, presenting as hair and nail brittleness, neurological symptoms
Cancer Risk: No evidence of carcinogenicity in typical feed supplement use
LD50 (oral, rat): >5000 mg/kg for selenium yeast, much higher than inorganic selenium salts

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: High selenium concentrations can harm aquatic life, cause bioaccumulation, should not reach watercourses
Mobility in Soil: Selenium can leach under certain soil conditions, careful waste management needed
Persistence and Degradability: Organic forms more biodegradable than inorganic
Bioaccumulative Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation in food chains if released to environment
Other Adverse Effects: Spillage may alter soil microflora if not remediated

13. Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, landfill or incineration for non-recoverable materials
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, render unusable, follow regulations for feed/food packaging
Special Precautions: Avoid contamination of waterways or sewage systems

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Selenium Yeast or Nutritional Supplement, not regulated
Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Special Precautions: Avoid container damage and dust generation during handling

15. Regulatory Information

Regulation Status: Approved additive in feed and food supplements in many jurisdictions, maximum selenium levels strictly controlled
Labeling Requirements: Content, batch code, handling and supplement level guidelines, hazard statements if above regulatory limits
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under standard criteria
OSHA/WHMIS: Not controlled under typical handling
Other Regulations: Compliance with national and region-specific feed additive laws, reporting may be required for environmental releases