SELENIUM & COMPOUNDS | OSHA.gov | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

SELENIUM & COMPOUNDS†

Chemical Identification
CAS #	7782-49-2
Formula	Se
Synonyms	elemental selenium; selenium alloy

Physical Properties
Physical description	Amorphous or crystalline, red to gray solid.
Boiling point	1265°F	Molecular weight	79.0
Freezing point/melting point	392°F	Vapor pressure	0 mmHg (approx)
Flash point		Vapor density
Specific gravity	4.28	Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL)		Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating		NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating		NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.)	2230
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media	Pre-assembled cassette with mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 micron (25 or 37 mm) [MAWP025A0 or MAWP037A0]
Sampling time^*	240-480 min
Sampling volume (TWA)^*	480-960 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)^*	2 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Analytical method instruments	AAS/AES
Method reference	OSHA ID-121 (fully validated)
Notes	Results are provided for the presence and amount or concentration of a specific element or elements. The stated identity of the actual sample contents (such as specific form, valence state, or compound) is based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.
Special requirements

^* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information (see manufacturer instructions)

**Exposure Limits**
OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak		NIOSH REL Up to 10-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		ACGIH TLV© 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		CAL/OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak
PEL-TWA	0.2 mg/m³	REL-TWA	0.2 mg/m³	TLV-TWA	0.2 mg/m³ [1992]	PEL-TWA	0.2 mg/m³
PEL-STEL		REL-STEL		TLV-STEL		PEL-STEL
PEL-C		REL-C		TLV-C		PEL-C
Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N
Notes: See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.		Notes:		Notes:		Notes:
Health factors: See NIH-NLM PubChem.		IDLH	1 mg/m³
Carcinogenic classifications: EPA-D, IARC-3		Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Selenium powder

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Selenium

Literature References

ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Selenium [7782-49-2] and compounds, as Se. See annual publication for most recent information.
EPA Air Toxics Website: Selenium Compounds. US Environmental Protection Agency Technology Transfer Network.
Goldhaber, S.B.: Trace element risk assessment: essentiality vs. toxicity. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 38(2): 232-242, 2003.
Kobayashi, Y., Ogra, Y., Ishiwata, K., Takayama, H., Aimi, N. and Suzuki, K.T.: Selenosugars are key and urinary metabolites for selenium excretion within the required to low-toxic range. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99(25): 15932-15936, 2002.
Parnham, M. and Sies, H.: Ebselen: prospective therapy for cerebral ischaemia. Expert Opin. Investig. Drugs 9(3): 607-619, 2000.
Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Selenium. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 2. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 2016-2018.
Vinceti, M., Wei, E.T., Malagoli, C., Bergomi, M. and Vivoli, G.: Adverse health effects of selenium in humans. Rev. Environ. Health 16(4): 233-251, 2001.

Last Updated Date : 01/11/2021

SELENIUM & COMPOUNDS†

Chemical Identification

Physical Properties

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Bulk/Wipe Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Exposure Limits

Additional Resources and Literature References