MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Copper Selenide Molecular Weight: 206.05
Synonym: Copper II Selenide; Cuprous Selenide Molecular Formula: Cu2Se
CAS #: 20405-64-5
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Copper Selenide: OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m3 ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m3
Selenium Compounds:OSHA PEL: 0.2 mg/m3 ACGIH TLV: 0.2 mg/m3
HMIS Health Rating(0-4): Health: 3 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0
III PHYSICAL DATA
1113.0 oC
Boiling Point: N/E or N/A Melting Point:
Specific Gravity: 6.75 Vapor Density: N/A
Vapor Pressure: N/E Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: Bark blue to black and odorless Physical States: Solid
Evaporation Rate: N/A Percent Volatile: N/E or N/A
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method used): N/A
Extinguishing Media: N/A, Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to
prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.
Unusual Fire & Explosion: When heated to decomposition, copper selenide may emit toxic fumes of Se.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, Skin, Eyes and Ingestion.
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of copper selenide have not been thor-
oughly investigated and recorded.
Copper Compounds: In animals, inhalation of copper dust has caused hemolysis of the red blood cells, deposition of
hemofuscin in the liver and pancreas, and injury to the lung cells, injection of the dust has caused cirrhosis of the liver and pancreas,
and a condition closely resembling hemochromatosis or bronzed diabetes.
Selenium compounds are poison by inhalation and intravenous routes. Some selenium compounds are experimental carcino-
gens. Long-term exposure may be a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, just as it may cause 鈥渂lind staggers鈥? in cattle.
Elemental selenium has low acute systemic toxicity, but dust or fumes can cause serious irritation of the respiratory tract. Inorganic
selenium compounds can cause dermatitis. Garlic odor of breath is common symptom. Pallor, nervousness, depression, digestive
disturbance and death have been reported in cases of chronic exposure (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th
edition).
Inhalation: Acute: Danger-Poison. May cause a metallic taste in the mouth, congestion of nasal mucous membranes, irritation to
the respiratory tract and acute selenium poisoning.
Chronic: May cause ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum and pharyngeal congestion, and chronic selenium poisoning.
Continued intoxication may cause loss of nails and hair, hemolytic anemia, and kidney, liver and spleen.
Ingestion: Acute: Danger-Poison. May be intraperitoneal route. May cause acute copper toxicity.
Chronic: May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and chronic copper and selenium toxicity. May cause damage to the
nervous system, kidneys and enlarge the liver.
Skin: Acute: May cause irritation
Chronic: May cause dermatitis
Eye: Acute: May cause irritation to the conjunctiva
Chronic: No chronic health effects recorded.
Signs And Symptoms Of Exposure:
Inhalation: May cause a red, dry throat, metallic taste in mouth, congestion of nasal and pharyngeal, sneezing, headache, excitability,
dizziness and difficult breathing. Acute selenium poisoning may cause: nervousness, fever, vomiting, somnolence, drop in blood
pressure, labored breathing and toxic action on the nervous system may lead to respiratory failure. Chronic selenium poisoning may
cause: depression, marked pallor, coated tongue, gastrointestinal disorders, garlic odor of the breath.
Ingestion: Acute copper toxicity may cause: fever, tachycardia, hypotension, hemolytic anemia with intravascular hemolysis,
oliguria, uremia, coma and cardiovascular collapse. Chronic copper toxicity may cause: nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, yellow
watery diarrhea, dizziness, general debility, jaundice, and green stools, saliva and vomitus. Chronic selenium toxicity may cause:
alkali disease, loss of vitality, lameness, atrophy, cirrhosis of the liver, degeneration and necrosis of the myocardium.
Skin: May cause redness, itching and swelling.
Eye: May cause redness, itching, burning and watering.
Target Organs: May effect the respiratory systems, skin, liver central nervous system, blood and kidneys.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated By Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory, gastric disorders and an increased risk for
individuals with Wilson鈥檚 disease.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing; brush material off skin; wash affected area with mild soap and water; seek medical attention
if symptoms persist.
INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air; keep warm and quiet; give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately. Never induce vomiting
or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: None recorded.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Selenium fume.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
VII SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in
Section VIII- Special Protection Information. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency
particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.
Waste Disposal Method: In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.
Hazard Label Information: Store in cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH - approved dust-mist-vapor respirator.
Ventilation: Local Exhaust: To maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves Eye Protection: Safety Glasses
Other Protective Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.
Work/Hygienic/Maintenance Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of
exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly
before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various
governmental regulations. In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act
(TSCA), these materials should only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of, 鈥渢echnically qualified individual鈥?, as defined in
40 CFR 710.2(aa).
Issued By: S. Dierks
Dated: September 1995
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