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SELENIOUS ACID ICSC: 0945
October 2000
Monohydrated selenium dioxide
Selenous acid
PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 7783-00-8
RTECS No: VS7175000
UN No: 3283
EC No: 034-002-00-8
    H2SeO3
Molecular mass: 129.0

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.   In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!  
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes). Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection. Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Redness. Pain. Blisters. Skin burns. Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns. Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Sore throat. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Shock or collapse. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating. Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Cover the spilled material with dry lime or soda ash. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. T Symbol
N Symbol
R: 23/25-33-50/53
S: (1/2-)20/21-28-45-60-61
Note: A
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: II


EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S3283-II or 61GT5-II Separated from food and feedstuffs. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS, HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS

Chemical dangers
The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic fumes of selenium dioxide.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: (as Se) 0.2 mg/m³ as TWA; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 0.05 mg/m³ Peak limitation category: II(4); Carcinogen category: 3B; Pregnancy risk group: C; (DFG 2004).

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the eyes, resulting in allergic-type reaction of the eyelids (rose-eye). Medical observation is indicated.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system and liver, resulting in nasal irritation, persistent garlic odour, stomach pain, nervousness and liver impairment.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Melting point (decomposes): 70°C
Density: 3.0 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 167
Vapour pressure, Pa at 15°C: 266
The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

NOTES
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation is therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO UNEP EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

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