Selenium hexafluoride

Agent Name
Selenium hexafluoride
CAS Number
7783-79-1
Formula
F6-Se
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Selenium hexafluoride formula graphical representation
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."
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

BEI
Fluorides in urine = 2 mg/L prior to shift or 3 mg/L at end of shift; (Repeated measurements recommended.)
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TIH
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
0.16 mg/m3, as Se (2.5 mg/m3, as F)
PEL (OSHA)
0.4 mg/m3, as Se (2.5 mg/m3, as F)
MAK
1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as F
IDLH (NIOSH)
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].
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 10 ppm/1H

Adverse Effects

Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
IARC Carcinogen
Not classifiable

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: