Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIPATH SODIUM BISELENITE (L121)

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Laboratory reagent; used in microbiology.

SYNONYMS

H2-O3-Se, H2SeO3, "selenious acid, monosodium salt", "hydrogen sodium selenite",
"hydrogen sodium selenium oxide", "sodium hydrogen trioxoselenite", "sodium hydroselenite"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Acute effects of selenium poisoning include nervousness, convulsions, drowsiness, frontal headaches, and in extreme cases, death from respiratory depression. There may also be skin eruptions, tiredness, stomach upset, discoloration of teeth, an odorous garlic breath and loss of hair and nails. Selenium is rapidly absorbed in the gut and accumulates in the liver and kidneys. Selenates and selenites cause damage to the kidney, heart, spleen, stomach and bowel. Selenites might increase the rate of miscarriage.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  from a single acute exposure.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption, inhalation of generated dust and ingestion.  Chronic exposure to selenium and its compounds irritate the bronchi, cause gastrointestinal problems, irritation of the nasopharynx and a persistent foul garlic breath. There is often metallic tastes, pallor, irritability, extreme tiredness after years of exposure. Occasionally kidney and liver damage can occur. Selenium can cause tooth decay.