Material Safety Data Sheet: Zinc Selenide

Identification

Product Name: Zinc Selenide
Chemical Formula: ZnSe
Synonyms: Zinc Selenide, Zinc Selenide Powder, ZnSe Crystal
CAS Number: 1315-09-9
Recommended Use: Optical components, infrared optics, laser systems, windows, lenses
Supplier: Manufacturer or distributor details from the container or purchase record
Contact Information: Refer to the package label or ordering documentation for emergency contacts and technical support.

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Specific target organ toxicity—repeated exposure
Label Elements: Health Hazard, Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin
Hazard Statements: May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, toxic to aquatic life, may cause respiratory irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, wear protective equipment
Hazards Not Otherwise Classified: Chronic exposure may affect nervous system, liver, and kidneys; heated material may release toxic fumes.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Zinc Selenide
CAS Number: 1315-09-9
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities: Trace amounts of elemental zinc or selenium, nature and concentration depend on supplier and manufacturing process.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep warm and at rest, seek medical attention for respiratory symptoms, cough, or difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, get medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek medical care if irritation persists
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek immediate medical assistance, provide details of product and exposure
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, nausea, shortness of breath, possible systemic effects after prolonged or heavy exposure
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory and systemic symptoms, supportive care as required.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, foam, or water spray for surrounding fire; avoid direct application of water on powder
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use water jet directly on the material
Special Hazards: Toxic fumes of selenium oxides and zinc oxides may generate under fire conditions; risk of personal injury from inhalation
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Not flammable but may release harmful fumes when heated or involved in fire
Precautions for Firefighters: Avoid inhaling combustion products; keep containers cool with water spray if exposed to fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective gear, respiratory protection, avoid inhaling dust, evacuate unnecessary personnel
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, soil, or water systems, notify authorities if large releases occur
Containment Methods: Avoid dispersal of dust, cover drains, use barriers to stop further spread
Cleanup Methods: Collect solid spills using non-sparking tools, place in labeled containers for proper disposal, ventilate area, wash surface thoroughly
Disposal: Dispose of contaminated material following local, regional, and national guidelines for hazardous waste.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid generating dust, use local exhaust ventilation, handle in closed systems where possible, avoid direct contact
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking, prohibit food and drink in the work area, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; protect from moisture, heat, and incompatible chemicals
Packaging Materials: Use original containers or materials suitable for toxins
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, avoid contact with halogens or alkali metals.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 0.2 mg/m³ for selenium compounds as Se, ACGIH TLV 0.2 mg/m³ (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, equipment fitted with dust collectors, safety showers, eye wash stations
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or chemical-resistant coveralls
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirator when dust or fume exposure risk exists
Environmental Controls: Prevent release to environment, all work carried out in contained area when feasible, filter exhaust air before release
Work Practices: Change clothes after work, do not take contaminated clothing home, routine surface cleaning.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Yellow to orange crystals or powder; translucent in optical-grade blocks
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 1525°C
Boiling Point: Sublimes, decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient conditions
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density (g/cm³): 5.27
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: 700°C (releases Se and ZnO)
Viscosity: Not applicable.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to produce toxic hydrogen selenide gas; reacts violently with strong oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions occur under normal conditions
Decomposition Products: Selenium oxides, zinc oxide, hydrogen selenide
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flames, strong acids and oxidizers, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, halogens, alkali metals.

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Effects: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin; symptoms include metallic taste, nausea, dizziness, headache
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure linked to damage of liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system; risk of selenosis
Symptoms: Irritation of mucous membranes, skin rash, garlic breath, fatigue, irritability
Toxicity Data: Oral LD50 (rat) - about 700 mg/kg for ZnSe, selenium compounds much lower
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No significant information
Reproductive Toxicity: Studies lacking, but selenium compounds can cause reproductive harm at high exposures
Sensitization: Not expected; continuous exposure may cause dermatological issues.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life, especially in water-soluble forms
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic solid; does not degrade in soil but can leach selenium into ecosystems
Bioaccumulation Potential: Component selenium accumulates in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low for ZnSe; selenium in ionic form migrates with groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid uncontrolled release to waterways, hazardous to fish and aquatic invertebrates at low concentrations, persistent in sediment.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect and dispose of waste material as hazardous under federal, state, and local regulation
Incineration: Not advised; may release toxic selenium fumes, only under carefully controlled conditions
Recycling: Possible by recovery of elemental selenium and zinc at licensed facilities
Contaminated Packaging: Must be handled as hazardous waste
Waste Code: Relevant RCRA and local codes depend on selenium content and concentration
Precautions: Never dump into environment or regular landfill, adhere strictly to waste transfer requirements.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3286 (for selenium compounds, toxic, solid, n.o.s.)
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains selenium compound)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Toxic
Marine Pollution: Yes, avoid marine transport spillages
Special Precautions During Transport: Secure packaging, avoid release, ensure emergency response info on hand
Regulatory Details: Refer to 49 CFR, IMDG, IATA guidelines for international shipments.

Regulatory Information

TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III Sections 302/304: Selenium compounds are on the Extremely Hazardous Substances list
SARA Title III Section 313: Selenium compounds subject to reporting thresholds
OSHA: Covered under Hazard Communication Standard
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2A - Very Toxic Material
REACH Status (EU): Requires registration for supply or use in EU member states
International Regulations: Subject to restrictions under Basel Convention for hazardous waste, local and regional regulations apply
Other Labeling Requirements: Product label and SDS must reflect current local, national, and international laws.