Sodium Selenate Material Safety Data Sheet
Identification
Product Name: Sodium Selenate
Chemical Formula: Na2SeO4
Chemical Family: Inorganic Selenate Salt
Synonyms: Disodium Selenate, Selenic Acid Disodium Salt
CAS Number: 13410-01-0
Use: Often found in laboratory, industrial, and agricultural applications
Manufacturer: Supplier-specific information found on packaging or invoice
Emergency Telephone: Refer to local poison control center or emergency services
Recommended Restrictions: Industrial and laboratory use only; not intended for food or pharmaceutical products
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral): Category 2, Acute Toxicity (Inhalation): Category 2, Eye Irritation: Category 2A, Aquatic Chronic: Category 2
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly toxic if swallowed or inhaled; may cause eye irritation; hazardous to the aquatic environment with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment
Precautionary Statements: Prevent exposure by using protective equipment, avoid dust formation, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid release to environment unless proper containment is in place
Emergency Overview: Pale crystalline powder with no distinct odor, dangerous if ingested or inhaled, immediate medical attention required upon significant exposure
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Substance: Sodium Selenate
CAS Number: 13410-01-0
Concentration: 97% or greater
Impurities: Trace elements and water content below 2%, full profile available on certificate of analysis
Other Ingredients: No significant hazardous impurities identified in typical commercial product
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, administer oxygen if available, get medical attention without delay—symptoms of selenate poisoning can include garlic breath, dizziness, and lung irritation
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice if irritation or signs of poisoning develop
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open and moving, do not rub eyes, consult an eye specialist promptly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth rigorously, give plenty of water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention due to high toxicity risk
Most Important Symptoms: Acute exposure can show as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, possible nervous system effects, and respiratory difficulties
Notes for Physician: Monitor for signs of selenium toxicity, use symptomatic and supportive care, consider gastrointestinal decontamination in early cases
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known, but avoid full water jets which can spread material
Specific Hazards: Toxic selenium fumes may release if combusted; containers can rupture from heat; selenates can contribute to environmental contamination when involved in fire
Protective Equipment: Use full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhaling combustion fumes, evacuate unnecessary personnel
Advice for Firefighters: Stay upwind, use water spray to cool containers, prevent run-off to drains or waterways, isolation of hazard area recommended
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Restrict access to contaminated area, use NIOSH-approved respirator, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from reaching watercourses, storm drains, or sewage systems, cover powder with plastic sheet if safe to do so, notify environmental authorities as required
Methods for Containment and Clean-up: Use inert absorbents like dry sand or earth, scoop up spill without generating dust, place in labeled chemical waste containers for safe disposal, thoroughly ventilate spill area after cleanup
Decontamination: Wash area with plenty of water after removal, do not return cleaned spill to original container
Handling and Storage
Precautions for Safe Handling: Wear appropriate PPE including gloves and goggles, avoid creating dust, never eat, drink or smoke during use, wash hands before leaving work area, keep out of reach of children and uninformed individuals
Notes on Safe Storage: Store in sealed containers in dry, cool, and well-ventilated locations, keep away from strong acids, reducing agents, combustible materials; avoid moisture and incompatible materials to prevent decomposition
Incompatibilities: Hazardous reactions can occur with acids, strong reducers, and combustibles
Instructions for Bulk Storage: Use secondary containment, maintain spill kits nearby
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (as selenium compounds): 0.2 mg/m3 TWA; ACGIH TLV: 0.2 mg/m3 TWA
Engineering Controls: Process enclosures, local exhaust, fume hoods to minimize airborne concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection rated for particulates, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), splash-proof goggles or face shield, lab coat or coveralls
Hygiene Measures: Wash after handling, remove contaminated clothing, prevent dust dispersion, use eyewash stations and emergency showers in work area
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White or colorless crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 180°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Easily dissolves in water
Density: 3.1 g/cm3
pH (1% Solution): 7.5–9.5
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Flash Point: Non-flammable
Other Characteristics: Stable under proper storage, forms toxic gases when heated with acids or strong reducers
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Maintains stability in sealed containers under normal storage and usage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with acids to release toxic selenium oxides, can reduce to form elemental selenium or hydrogen selenide gas in contact with reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high humidity, contact with incompatible chemicals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Selenium fumes, oxides of sodium, hydrogen selenide under some conditions
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not polymerize
Toxicological Information
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Toxicity (Oral): LD50 (rat): 1.6 mg/kg
Symptoms: Severe fatigue, garlic odor on breath, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nervous system disturbances, pulmonary issues
Chronic Effects: Prolonged low-dose exposure can lead to selenosis—hair loss, brittle nails, skin inflammation, neurologic signs like ataxia and irritability
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: No definitive evidence of mutagenicity in available animal and cell studies
Reproductive Effects: High exposure disrupts fertility and fetal development in animal studies
Ecological Information
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, leads to bioaccumulation and food chain effects
Persistence: Selenium compounds resist breakdown in most environments, can cycle between different forms depending on conditions
Mobility: Soluble in water, spreads through surface and groundwater easily
Bioaccumulation: Collects in aquatic organisms and plants, risk of secondary poisoning up the food chain
Environmental Fate: Does not degrade significantly in environment, harmful effects likely at low concentrations in sensitive ecosystems
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous waste, dispose of in accordance with local, state, and national regulations
Container Handling: Triple rinse containers, do not reuse for other chemicals or purposes; puncture or crush before disposal if allowed by authorities
Precautions: Do not discharge into drains, sewers, or natural waterways; avoid atmospheric release; incinerate at approved facility where allowed
Transport Information
UN Number: UN2630
Proper Shipping Name: Selenium Compound, n.o.s. (disodium selenate)
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic compounds)
Packing Group: II
Transport Labels: Toxic, Marine Pollutant
Special Precautions: Ensure containers are tightly closed and correctly labeled, keep away from incompatible materials, emergency response guide 151 for spills or accidents
Regulatory Requirements: Follow international and national transportation rules (DOT, ICAO/IATA, IMDG)
Regulatory Information
OSHA: Classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Substance listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA Title III: Section 302: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance; Section 313: Subject to reporting as a toxic chemical
RCRA: Hazardous waste code U205 applies for selenium compounds
California Proposition 65: Not listed
CERCLA: Reportable quantity for selenium compounds: 1 lb (0.454 kg)
EU Classification: Acute Toxin, Dangerous to Aquatic Life
Other Relevant Regulations: Compliance with chemical safety assessment and labeling under GHS/CLP
