Selenium hexafluoride

Synonyms

Selenium fluoride (SeF6); Selenium fluoride (SeF6), (OC-6-11)-; [ChemIDplus] UN2194

Category

Corrosive Gases

Description

Colorless liquefied gas under pressure; [ICSC]

Sources/Uses

Used as an electrical insulator in arc light electrodes, electric rectifiers, and semiconductors; [ACGIH]

Comments

Inhalation studies in animals show that 4 hour exposures to 10 ppm are lethal; 4 hour exposures to 5 ppm cause pulmonary edema; and 4 hour exposures to 1 ppm are without apparent effect. [ACGIH] IDLH = 2 ppm; [NIOSH] Decomposes into selenium and hydrogen fluoride on contact with moisture; [ATSDR Medical Management] Liquid may cause frostbite; A corrosive substance that can cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] See "Selenium" and "Hydrogen fluoride."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Fluorides in urine = 2 mg/L prior to shift or 3 mg/L at end of shift; (Repeated measurements recommended.)

Insufficient data

Yes

0.16 mg/m3, as Se (2.5 mg/m3, as F)

0.4 mg/m3, as Se (2.5 mg/m3, as F)

1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as F

15.8 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Other animal data: It has been reported that 5 ppm for 4 hours resulted in pulmonary edema from which rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice survived [Kimmerle 1960].

LCLo (rat) = 10 ppm/1H

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

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

Yes

Skin burns

Not classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumonitis, toxic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing