Product Identification

Product Name

Selenium sulfide

Synonyms

Selenium monosulfide

CAS

7446-34-6

Formula

SSe

Molecular Weight

111.02

RTECS

VT0525000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen; Drug; Mutagen

Beilstein/Gmelin

68528 (G)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Orange-yellow tablets or powder. Has a faint odor.

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Density

3.056 g/cm3 (20 C)

Usage

An antifungal agent often used in shampoos for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Seek medical assistance.

Inhalation

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used.

Skin

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Eyes

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Handling and Storage

Storage

All containers of selenium or its compounds should be stored in a dry, preferably cool room. Do not store near noncompatible materials such as acids or oxidizing agents.

Handling

All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Pulmonary edema and cardiopulmonary arrest are possible.

Skin

Dermatitis and nasal irritation may be present.

Eyes

See Inhalation.

Ingestion

Gastrointestinal effects are generally the first symptoms seen. Acute effects may include: vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, a burning sensation in the nostrils and/or oral mucosa, chemical burns of the alimentary tract and a garlic-like odor on the breath.

UN (DOT)

3283

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Dispensers of liquid detergent should be available. In the laboratory, gloves and protective clothing should always be worn but should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, and disposable plastic aprons might provide additional protection. Protective clothing should be of distinctive color, as a reminder not to be worn outside the laboratory.

Respirators

Wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter.

Exposure Effects

Dizziness, decreased reflexes, CNS depression, and coma have been reported.

Exposure limit(s)

OSHA: PEL (8 h TWA): 0.2 mg/m3.

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher.

Fire Potential

This material is probably combustible.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with acids.

Stability

No data.

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

3283

Hazard Class

6.1

Packing Group

I; II; III