Hydrogen selenide

Synonyms & Trade Names

Selenium dihydride, Selenium hydride

Physical Description

Colorless gas with an odor resembling decayed horseradish. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, acids, water, halogenated hydrocarbons

Symptoms

irritation eyes, nose, throat; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; metallic taste, garlic breath; dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); liquid: frostbite; In Animals: pneumonitis; liver damage

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 0.5 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 1 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern^¿
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection