SELENIUM TRIOXIDE

White Solid. (USCG, 1999)

• Strong Oxidizing Agent
• Water-Reactive

Reacts vigorously with water to form selenic acid solution.

Excerpt from 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. (ERG, 2020)

Absorption of selenium may be demonstrated by presence of the element in the urine and by a garlic-like odor of breath. Inhalation can cause bronchial spasms, symptoms of asphyxiation, and pneumonitis. Acute symptoms of ingestion include sternal pain, cough, nausea, pallor, coated tongue, gastrointestinal disorders, nervousness and conjunctivitis. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation. (USCG, 1999)

Inorganic oxidizing agents, such as SELENIUM TRIOXIDE, can react with reducing agents to generate heat and products that may be gaseous (causing pressurization of closed containers). The products may themselves be capable of further reactions (such as combustion in the air). The chemical reduction of materials in this group can be rapid or even explosive, but often requires initiation (heat, spark, catalyst, addition of a solvent). Explosive mixtures of inorganic oxidizing agents with reducing agents often persist unchanged for long periods if initiation is prevented. Such systems are typically mixtures of solids, but may involve any combination of physical states. Some inorganic oxidizing agents are salts of metals that are soluble in water; dissolution dilutes but does not nullify the oxidizing power of such materials. Organic compounds in general have some reducing power and can in principle react with compounds in this class. Actual reactivity varies greatly with the identity of the organic compound. Inorganic oxidizing agents can react violently with active metals, cyanides, esters, and thiocyanates.

• Oxidizing Agents, Strong

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Expanded Polymeric Absorbents

Excerpt from 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)

Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Flush with water, rinse with dilute solution of sodium bicarbonate or soda ash. (USCG, 1999)

This compound is highly toxic if ingested or inhaled. Dust mask; goggles or face shield; rubber gloves (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INHALATION: remove victim to fresh air; give oxygen if necessary.

INGESTION: induce vomiting; follow with gastric lavage and saline cathartics.

EYES: flush immediately and thoroughly with water.

SKIN: flush with water. (USCG, 1999)

• SELENIC ANHYDRIDE
• SELENIUM TRIOXIDE