Hydrogen selenide

Synonyms

Dihydrogen selenide; Electronic E-2; Hydrogen selenide (H2Se); Selane; Selenium anhydride; Selenium dihydride; Selenium hydride; [ChemIDplus] UN2202

Category

Hydrides

Description

Colorless gas with an odor resembling decayed horse radish. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used in semiconductor preparation and in organic synthesis; a product of the reaction of acids and inorganic selenides; [ACGIH]

Comments

Experimental animals show signs of respiratory irritation and die after 8 hour exposures of 1 mg/m3 (0.3 ppm). Pathological examination shows evidence of liver damage. Inhalation of hydrogen selenide by workers has caused eye, nose, and respiratory irritation. Pulmonary edema is a potential toxic effect. [ACGIH] Hydrogen selenide "is probably the only selenium compound that might pose a health concern in the workplace." [ATSDR ToxFAQs] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause liver injury; May cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] See "Selenium."

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

Yes

0.05 ppm

0.05 ppm, as Se

0.006 ppm

1 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: Although very toxic, no fatalities have been reported, possibly because hydrogen selenide is easily oxidized to red selenium on the surface of mucous membranes of the nose and throat [Friberg et al. 1979]. Concentrations of 1.5 ppm have been found to be intolerable due to eye and nasal irritation [Dudley and Miller 1941].

0.3 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 20 mg/m3/1H

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from AIHA;

Reference Link #2

Not appropriate

0.2 ppm

2 ppm

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumonitis, toxic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing