MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Zinc Selenide Formula: ZnSe
Molecular Weight: 144.33 Synonyms: Zinc monoselenide
Chemical Family: Inorganic II-IV Compounds, metal selenide CAS #: 1315-09-9
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Components: OSHA/PEL: ACGIH/TLV: Other: Percentage: Sec.302: Sec.304: Sec.313:
.2 (Se) mg/m3 .2 (Se) mg/m3
Zinc Selenide N/E 0-100 No Yes 1 Lb Yes
HMIS Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0
III PHYSICAL DATA
1520 oC
Melting Point: Boiling Point: N/A
5.27 g/cm3 Negligible @ 25 oC
Density: Vapor Pressure:
Solubility in H2O: Insoluble Percent Volatile: N/A
Appearance and Odor: Reddish-yellow transparent solid, odorless
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/A Method Used: Non-flammable
Extinguishing Media: Use: Not applicable. Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing
to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: When heated to decomposition, zinc selenide may emit toxic fumes of selenium and oxides
of zinc. On contact with strong acids, it may emit hydrogen selenide.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, Skin, Eyes, Ingestion
Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of zinc selenide have not been thoroughly
investigated and recorded.
Zinc compounds have variable toxicity, but generally are of low toxicity. Zinc is not inherently a toxic element. However,
when heated, it evolves a fume of zinc oxide which when inhaled fresh can cause a disease known as 鈥渂rass founders鈥?, 鈥渁gue鈥? or
鈥渂rass chills.鈥? Zinc oxide dust which is not freshly formed is virtually innocuous. There is no cumulative effect from the inhalation
of zinc fumes. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)
Selenium compounds are poison by inhalation and intravenous routes. Some selenium compounds are experimental carcino-
gens. Long Term exposure may be a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, just as it may cause 鈥渂lind staggers鈥? in cattle.
Elemental selenium has low acute systemic toxicity, but dust or fumes can cause serious irritation of the respiratory tract. Inorganic
selenium compounds can cause dermatitis. Garlic odor of breath is also a common symptom. Pallor, nervousness, depression,
digestive disturbances and death have been reported in cases of chronic exposure. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials,
eighth edition)
Inhalation: Acute: DANGER-POISON. May cause respiratory tract irritation with nasopharynitis and laryngitis, brass chills and
acute selenium poisoning.
Chronic: May cause chronic selenium poisoning. Continued intoxication may cause loss of nails and hair, hemolytic anemia, and
kidney, liver and spleen damage.
Ingestion: Acute: DANGER-POISON. May cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
Chronic: May cause chronic selenium toxicity.
Skin: Acute: May cause irritation.
Chronic: May cause irritation.
Eyes: Acute: May cause irritation.
Chronic: May case visual disturbances and blurred vision.
Target Organs: Upper respiratory system, eyes, skin, liver, kidneys and blood.
Carcinogenicity: None listed
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Inhalation: May cause a sweet taste, throat dryness, coughing, weakness, generalized aches, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Acute selenium poisoning may cause: nervousness, fever, vomiting, somnolence, drop in blood pressure, labored breathing and toxic
action on the nervous system may lead to respiratory failure. Chronic selenium poisoning may cause: depression, marked pallor,
coated tongue, gastrointestinal disorders, garlic odor of the breath.
Ingestion: Chronic selenium toxicity may cause: alkali disease, loss of vitality, lameness, atrophy, cirrhosis of the liver, degeneration
and necrosis of the myocardium.
Skin: May cause redness, itching and inflammation.
Eyes: May cause redness, itching and watering.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper an d lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immedi-
ately.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off of skin. Wash affected area with mild soap and water. Seek medical
attention if irritation persists.
INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.
INGESTION: Give victim fluids and do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: None
Incompatibility: Strong acids and bases
Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: Fumes of selenium, hydrogen selenide and oxides of zinc.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
VII SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in
section VII Special Protection Information. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency
particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.
Waste Disposal Method: In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH approved dust, mist, vapor cartridge respirator.
Ventilation: Local Exhaust: To maintain conc. at or below TLV/PEL Special: Handle in a controlled environment.
Mechanical: Not recommended Other: None
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are recommended. Protective Glove: Rubber
Other Protective Gear: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.
Work/Hygienic/Maintenance Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of
exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly
before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Hazard Label Information: Store in a cool, dry area. Wash thoroughly after handling, store in tightly sealed container.
Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances with may be toxic, as defined by various
governmental regulations. In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act
(TSCA), these materials should only be handled by, or under direct supervision of a 鈥渢echnically qualified individual鈥? as defined in 40
CFR 710.2(aa).
The above information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, since data, safety standards and governmental
regulations are subject to changes, and the conditions of handling and use or misuse are beyond our control, ESPI makes no warranty,
either expressed or implied with respect to the completeness or continuing accuracy of the information contained herein, and dis-
claims all liability for reliance thereon. Users should satisfy themselves that they have all current information relative to their particu-
lar use.
Issued By: S. Dierks
Dated: June 1994
|