Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROGEN SELENIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

The use of a quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in
increased exposure and an irritating atmosphere developing.Before starting consider
control of exposure by mechanical ventilation. Reagent gas, forms metal selenides, epitaxy
for electronics.

SYNONYMS

H2-Se, "Electronic E-2", "Electronic E-2", "selenium hydride"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes and skin.
Extremely flammable.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

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.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  Not considered to be a risk because of the extreme volatility of the gas.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may produce toxic effects.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Inhalation of the vapor is hazardous and may even be fatal.  The use of a quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in increased exposure and an irritating atmosphere developing.Before starting consider control of exposure by mechanical ventilation.  Inhalation of toxic gases may cause:  ·  Central Nervous System effects including depression, headache, confusion, dizziness, stupor, coma and seizures;  ·  respiratory: acute lung swellings, shortness of breath, wheezing, rapid breathing, other symptoms and respiratory arrest;  ·  heart: collapse, irregular heartbeats and cardiac arrest;  ·  gastrointestinal: irritation, ulcers, nausea and vomiting (may be bloody), and abdominal pain.  Material is highly volatile and may quickly form a concentrated atmosphere in confined or unventilated areas. Vapor is heavier than air and may displace and replace air in breathing zone, acting as a simple asphyxiant. This may happen with little warning of overexposure.  Hydrogen selenide is more toxic than hydrogen sulfide. Points of attack are the respiratory system, lungs and eyes. It is considered to be an asphyxiant and irritant. Inhalation at low concentrations cause headache, dizziness and upset stomach. Higher concentrations cause olfactory fatigue, irritation to the respiratory tract, excitement, confusion, and exposure for a prolonged period may cause bronchitis and pulmonary oedema. (SAX) At higher concentrations the respiratory center is paralysed and may result in death. Workers exposed to less than 0.2 ppm have experienced nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, garlic breath odour and extreme lassitude and fatigue. Other signs of exposure include running noses and eyes, coughing sneezing, slight tightness of the chest.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Repeated or long-term occupational exposure is likely to produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Principal route of occupational exposure to the gas is by inhalation.  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.