Health Hazards
EPA View
"Selenium has the narrowest band of any toxic chemical
between what's safe and what's toxic." -
- Joseph Skorupa, biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, acute exposure of
humans via inhalation to selenium and selenium compounds (selenium dioxide,
hydrogen selenide) results primarily in respiratory effects. Acute inhalation
exposure to elemental selenium dust results in irritation of the mucous
membranes in the nose and throat, producing coughing, nosebleeds, dyspnea,
bronchial spasms, bronchitis, and chemical pneumonia.
Gastrointestinal effects including vomiting and nausea; cardiovascular effects;
neurological effects such as headaches and malaise; and irritation of the
eyes were reported in humans acutely exposed to selenium compounds via inhalation.
Acute human exposure to selenium compounds via the oral route has resulted
in pulmonary edema and lesions of the lung; cardiovascular effects such
as tachycardia; gastrointestinal effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
and abdominal pain; effects on the liver; and neurological effects such
as aches, irritability, chills, and tremors.
No information is available on the chronic effects of selenium in humans
from inhalation exposure. However, selenium is recognized by EPA as a persistent
bioaccumulative toxin and is a listed substance under the Toxic Substances
Control Act Inventory. It is also listed as a hazardous waste under Title
40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.