Tellurium

127.6

129.906219

236-813-4

NQA0O090ZJ|7F4735942K

0986

1325

DTXSID9032119

C95192

Grayish-white, lustrous, brittle, crystalline solid, hexagonal, rhombohedral structure|Dark-gray to brown, amorphous powder with metal characteristics

0

-0.15580

Silver-white shot

6.11-6.27 g/cm³

449.8 °C

989.9 °C

INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.0025; SADTLER REFERENCE NUMBER: 5272 (IR, PRISM)

Insoluble

0 mmHg (approx)

Intraperitoneal-rat LDL0: 200mg/kg; Oral-guinea pig LD50: 45mg/kg

High heat, open flame tellurium powder can be combusted to produce toxic tellurium oxide smoke

A FINELY DIVIDED SUSPENSION /OF ELEMENTAL TELLURIUM/ IN AIR CAN BE EXPLODED.

Odorless.

Diatomic in vapor state; atomic number 52, valence 2, 4, 6; in air dissolves in potassium hydroxide; electrical resistivity at 19.6 °C: 200,000 micro-ohms/cm; reacts with nitric acid, not with hydrochloric acid; linear coefficient of thermal expansion: 16.8X10-6/deg C; latent heat of fusion: 4.27 kcal/mol; hardness (Mohs): 2.3; magnetic susceptibility at 18 °C: -0.31X10-6 cgs; specific heat (solid): 0.047 cal/g/deg C|Combines with halogens, does not react with sulfur or selenium; modulus of elasticity: 6000000 psi. ... Eight stable isotopes: 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 128, 130; reacts with concentrated or fuming sulfuric acid

A finely divided suspension of elemental tellurium in air will explode. Insoluble in water.

Metals, Less Reactive

Pyrophoric

TELLURIUM is attacked by chlorine fluoride with incandescence. When tellurium and potassium are warmed in an atmosphere of hydrogen, combination occurs with incandescence [Mellor 11:40. 1946-47]. Burning tellurium produces toxic tellurium oxide gas. Avoid solid sodium, halogens, interhalogens, metals, hexalithium disilicide. Reacts with nitric acid; reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid forming a red solution. Dissolves in potassium hydroxide in the presence of air with formation of deep red solution; combines with halogens. Avoid antimony and chlorine trifluoride; chlorine trifluoride reacts vigorously with tellurium producing flame. Fluorine and tellurium react with incandescence. Lithium silicide attacks tellurium with incandescence. Reaction with zinc is accompanied by incandescence (same potential with cadmium, only hazard is less). A vigorous reaction results when liquid tellurium is poured over solid sodium [EPA, 1998].

340 °C

Combustible Solid

46.0 kJ/g

III

8

UN 3288 6.1/PG 3

3

25

45-28A

WY2625000

T

Treasury is ventilated at low temperature and dry; stored separately from oxidants and food additives

Tellurium powder can be explosive when mixed with air

TARNISHES SLIGHTLY IN AIR

P201-P261-P280-P308 + P313

H317-H332-H360-H412

THE REACTION BETWEEN ZINC & ... TELLURIUM IS ACCOMPANIED BY INCANDESCENCE.|WARM CHLORINE ATTACKS TELLURIUM WITH INCANDESCENCE.|TELLURIUM IS ATTACKED BY CHLORINE FLUORIDE WITH INCANDESCENCE. WHEN TELLURIUM & POTASSIUM ARE WARMED IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF HYDROGEN, COMBINATION OCCURS WITH INCANDESCENCE. A VIGOROUS REACTION OCCURS /WITH COMBINATION OF TELLURIUM & SILVER BROMATE/ IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE.|CHLORINE TRIFLUORIDE REACTS VIGOROUSLY WITH ... TELLURIUM ... PRODUCING FLAME.|For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

A finely divided suspension of elemental tellurium in air will explode. Burning tellurium produces toxic tellurium oxide gas. Avoid solid sodium, halogens, interhalogens, metals, hexalithium disilicide. Reacts with nitric acid; reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid forming a red solution. Dissolves in potassium hydroxide in the presence of air with formation of deep red solution; combines with halogens. Avoid antimony and chlorine trifluoride; chlorine trifluoride reacts vigorously with tellurium producing flame. Fluorine and tellurium react with incandescence. Lithium silicide attacks tellurium with incandescence. Reaction with zinc is accompanied by incandescence (same potential with cadmium, only hazard is less). A vigorous reaction results when liquid tellurium is poured over solid sodium. (EPA, 1998)|Combustible. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.|Flammable - 3rd degree

|Danger|H301 (19.71%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P201, P202, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P281, P301+P310, P302+P352, P304+P312, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313, P312, P321, P330, P333+P313, P337+P313, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 415 companies from 18 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P263, P264, P270, P271, P281, P304+P340, P308+P313, P312, P403+P233, P405, and P501|H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P281, P301+P310, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313, P309+P311, P312, P321, P330, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P403+P233, P405, and P501

Straight water streams will scatter molten tellurium oxide. Wear goggles, rubber gloves, and proper respirator with filter. Use water spray. Tellurium will burn only slowly in air. (EPA, 1998)|Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder.

Caution : When heated to decomposition, toxic fumes of tellurium oxide will be emitted. Avoid sources of extreme heat. Ventilate area of spill or leak; collect spilled material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers for reclamation or for disposal in a secured sanitary landfill. Liquids containing tellurium should be absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material. (EPA, 1998)

Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body. Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection. Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift). Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the work shift. (NIOSH, 2016)|SCRUPULOUS HYGIENE SHOULD BE OBSERVED ... WORKERS SHOULD WEAR WHITE COATS, HAND PROTECTION & SIMPLE GAUZE MASK RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IF HANDLING THE POWDER. HAND GRINDING SHOULD BE DISCOURAGED & WELL VENTILATED MECHANICAL GRINDING INSTITUTED WHERE POSSIBLE.|Respirator Recommendations: Up to 0.5 mg/cu m: (APF = 5) Any dust and mist respirator. If not present as a fume.|Respirator Recommendations: Up to 1 mg/m3: (APF = 10) Any dust and mist respirator except single-use and quarter-mask respirators. If not present as a fume/(APF = 10) Any dust, mist, and fume respirator/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator.|Respirator Recommendations: Up to 2.5 mg/cu m: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a dust and mist filter. If not present as a fume.|For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.|(See protection codes)

FIRE HAZARD: MODERATE, IN FORM OF DUST WHEN EXPOSED TO HEAT OR FLAME OR BY CHEM REACTION WITH OXIDIZING AGENTS.|ELEMENTAL TELLURIUM WILL BURN SLOWLY IN AIR.

A FINELY DIVIDED SUSPENSION /OF ELEMENTAL TELLURIUM/ IN AIR CAN BE EXPLODED.

1. VENTILATE AREA OF SPILL OR LEAK. 2. COLLECT SPILLED MATERIAL IN THE MOST CONVENIENT & SAFE MANNER & DEPOSIT IN SEALED CONTAINERS FOR RECLAMATION OR FOR DISPOSAL IN A SECURED SANITARY LANDFILL. LIQUIDS CONTAINING TELLURIUM & CMPD SHOULD BE ABSORBED IN VERMICULITE, DRY SAND, EARTH, OR A SIMILAR MATERIAL.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.|SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

May cause irritation of the respiratory system & lead to bronchitis & pneumonia. /Tellurium (dust or fume)/

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 0.1 mg/cu m. /Tellurium and compounds, as Te/

Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted avg: 0.1 mg/cu m. /Tellurium compounds (as Te) except tellurium hexafluoride and bismuth telluride/

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Separated from halogens and interhalogens.

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

The aerosol is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the liver and central nervous system. Exposure could cause garlic-like breath. Medical observation is indicated.

NO open flames. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.

highly toxic

Selenium is known to form complexes with heavy metals in the blood and thus increase the retention time of the metals in several organs, especially in the reticulo-endothelial system. Selenium may similarly cause retention of mercury in the lung after metallic mercury (Hg0) inhalation. This study, comparing the effects of tellurium with those of selenium (both in group '6b' of the periodical system), showed that Te(IV) was as effective as Se(IV) and Se(VI) (all given in a dose of 10 mumol/kg body wt.) in retaining inhaled 203Hg0 (1.5 mumol/kg body wt.) in the lung (presumably 203Hg2+ after oxidation). Te(VI) had to be given in a dose of 100 mumol/kg body wt to produce the same effect. As in the lung, also in other organs tellurium caused a dose-dependent increase in mercury retention. At a dose level of 10 mumol Te(IV) per kg body wt. the mercury retention ratios (treated/control) were 140 for the lung and 8.6 for the whole body. The corresponding figures for Te(VI) (10, 30 and 100 mumol/kg body wt.) were 10, 73 and 120 and 3.7, 3.9 and 4.3, respectively. Retention of i.v. injected 203HgCl2 was increased by pre-administration of tellurium, again in a dose-dependent manner and Te(IV) being 3-10 times more effective than Te(VI). The kidney and the spleen were the dominant organs, as is the case after Se pretreatment. Anions of other elements, arsenite, arsenate, chromate, molybdate and wolframate (30 mumol/kg body wt.), did not affect the retention of 203Hg in lung or any other organ, or in the whole body after inhalation of 203Hg0. It is suggested that Te(IV) may easily be reduced to Te2- (in analogy with selenium) which may complex with Hg2+. The liability for Te(VI) to be reduced to Te2- appears to be approx. 10 times lower.

LD50 Rat oral 83 mg/kg|LD50 Rabbit oral 67 mg/kg|LD50 Guinea pig oral 45 mg/kg

In the nervous system, tellurium accumulates in the gray matter, not the white matter, when injected intracerebrally. The metal is found in phagocytic & ependymal cells & in lysosomes as fine needles.|Elemental tellurium is poorly absorbed. ... Soluble tellurium can be absorbed through the skin, although ingestion or inhalation of fumes presents the greatest industrial hazard. A metallic taste in the mouth may result from excessive absorption. The characteristic sign of absorption is the garlic-like odor ... in the breath & sweat.|Urinary, fecal, & biliary excretion also occur. Urinary excretion is probably more important than respiratory excretion in eliminating absorbed tellurium.|EXCRETION BY BREATH ... IS NOT ... IMPORTANT CHANNEL. ... EXCRETION IN SALIVA ... SUGGESTED ... AS EXPLANATION OF METALLIC TASTE IN MOUTH ... .|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

A very small amt of tellurium is exhaled (about 0.1%) presumably as dimethyltelluride ... in animals and man after exposure to elemental tellurium and tellurium(IV) cmpd. /Elemental tellurium & tellurium(IV) compounds/

... THE WHOLE BODY RETENTION MODEL FOR MAN ASSUMES BIOLOGICAL HALF-TIME OF ABOUT 3 WK.

The efficacy of garlic as a lipid-lowering agent is being increasingly recognized, but the biochemical mechanisms underlying this action are currently unknown. It is proposed that organic tellurium compounds, which are found in high concentration in fresh garlic buds, may contribute to this action by inhibiting squalene epoxidase, the penultimate enzyme in the synthetic pathway of cholesterol. Weanling rats fed a diet rich in tellurium develop a demyelinating polyneuropathy due to inhibition of this enzyme in peripheral nerves. Chronic exposure to small amounts of tellurium found in garlic might reduce endogenous cholesterol production through inhibition of hepatic squalene epoxidase and so reduce cholesterol levels. Tellurium may also contribute to the characteristic odor of garlic since the most obvious clinical sign of tellurium poisoning is a garlic-like odor.|Inclusion of 1.1% tellurium in the diet of developing rats causes a highly synchronous primary demyelination of peripheral nerves, which is followed closely by a period of rapid remyelination. The demyelination is related to the inhibition of squalene epoxidase activity, which results in a block in cholesterol synthesis and accumulation of squalene. We now report that the demyelination resulting from this limiting of the supply of an intrinsic component of myelin (cholesterol) leads to repression of the expression of mRNA for myelin-specific proteins. Tellurium exposure resulted in an increase in total RNA (largely rRNA) in sciatic nerve, which could not be accounted for by cellular proliferation; these increased levels of rRNA may be a reactive response of Schwann cells to toxic insult and may relate to the higher levels of protein synthesis required during remyelination. In contrast, steady-state levels of mRNA, determined by Northern blot analysis, for P0 and myelin basic protein were markedly decreased (levels after 5 days of tellurium exposure were only 10-15% of control levels as a fraction of total RNA and 25-35% of control levels when the increased levels of total RNA were taken into account). Message levels increased during the subsequent period of remyelination and reached near-normal levels 30 days after beginning tellurium exposure. Although message levels for the myelin-associated glycoprotein showed a similar temporal pattern, levels did not decrease as greatly and subsequently increased sooner than did levels for P0 and myelin basic protein. The coordinate alterations in message levels for myelin proteins indicate that Schwann cells can down-regulate and then up-regulate the synthesis of myelin in response to alterations in the supply of membrane components.

Commercial grade: copper, 0.01 wt%; lead, 0.003 wt%; selenium, 0.01 wt%; silica, 0.04 wt%; iron, 0.01 wt%|High purity grade: other impurities, 10 ppm.

Causes central nervous system depression. Moderate skin and eye irritant. Tellurium is capable of doing harm within the body by replacing the essential element sulfur. (EPA, 1998)

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Tellurium Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to tellurium may include drowsiness, malaise, lassitude, weakness, and dizziness. Gastrointestinal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and constipation. A metallic taste, garlicky breath, and profuse sweating may be noted. Kidney damage, liver injury, and pulmonary effects may also occur. Dermal exposure may result in dermatitis (red, inflamed skin). Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to tellurium may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination. Inhalation Exposure: 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to tellurium. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 4. Transport to a health care facility. Dermal/Eye Exposure: 1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to tellurium. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. 4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water. 6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 7. Transport to a health care facility. Ingestion Exposure: 1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of tellurium is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step 4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step 4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal. 4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water. 5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults. 6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)|(See procedures)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poison A and B/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poison A and B/|... BAL VALUELESS IN THERAPY OF EXPOSURE TO TELLURIUM ... IT ENHANCES ITS TOXICITY, POSSIBLY BY FORMATION OF DIMERCAPROL-TELLURIUM COMPLEX.|THERE IS PRESENTLY NO ANTIDOTE FOR TELLURIUM POISONING.|For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

... EXPOSURE TO TELLURIUM FUME OCCURRED ... POURING ... TELLURIUM-COPPER ALLOY ... ONLY ... SYMPTOM ... GARLIC ODOR. TELLURIUM WAS PRESENT IN URINE IN AMT FROM 0.008 TO 0.106 MG/L. SKIN LESIONS ... DRY, SCALY ITCHING PATCHES & LOSS OF SWEAT FUNCTION ... .|Tellurium is one of the rarest elements on earth. Intoxications are rare & almost exclusively occupationally exposed workers are affected. Only a few cases of non- occupational poisoning have been reported so far. Severe poisoning results in respiratory depression & circulatory collapse. After occupational exposure main symptoms & signs include loss of appetite, dryness of the mouth, suppression of sweating, a metallic taste in the mouth, & most notable, a sharp garlic odor of the breath, sweat & urine.|THE GARLIC ODOR OF SWEAT WAS A GOOD INDICATOR OF THE ABSORPTION OF TELLURIUM.|Exposure of iron foundry workers to concns of 0.01 & 0.1 mg Te/cu m for 22 months produced mild GI distress, the characteristic garlic odor, dryness of the mouth, metallic taste, & somnolence.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for TELLURIUM, ELEMENTAL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Tellurium

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.|inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Garlic breath, sweating; dry mouth, metallic taste; drowsiness; anorexia, nausea, no sweating; dermatitis; In Animals: central nervous system, red blood cell changes

Drowsiness. Metallic taste. Headache. Garlic odour. Nausea.

Redness. Pain.

Skin, central nervous system, blood

The largest use for tellurium was as an additive to free- machining steel, about one-half of the market. Chemicals and catalyst usage made up about 25% of the market. Additives to nonferrous alloys accounted for slightly more than 10% of total use, and photoreceptor and thermoelectric applications accounted for slightly less than 10%. Other uses were about 5%.

Powder, sticks, slabs, and tablets, 99.5% pure, crystals up to 99.999% pure.|Commercial grade: 99.7 wt% tellurium; High purity grade: 99.999 wt% tellurium|Commercial grade: Tablets, slabs, sticks, powder; high purity: cast cakes, chunks

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing|Tellurium: ACTIVE|DISCOVERED BY VON REICHENSTEIN IN 1782; NAMED BY KLAPROTH IN 1798.|A tellurium containing catalyst from an industrial plant caused a serious odor problem during biological treatment of wastewater from about 35 plants producing organic and inorganic chemicals in the Netherlands. Odor problems, not noticeable during the first years of wastewater plant operation, developed on the skin of the operators and at a distance of 0.5 to 1 km from the plant. It was determined that the odor producing organic tellurium compound was produced under anoxic conditions in the denitrification step. Faint odor was detected with addition of as little as 0.01 mg/l of tellurium tetrachloride. This odor was apparent earlier under anoxic conditions than under aerobic conditions. Strong odor was produced under anoxic conditions after 20 hr at concentrations of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.10 mg/l. Under aerobic conditions the higher concentrations produced faint odor except for one trial. To avoid odor problems a process was developed to reduce the tellurium content of the wastewater to 5 to 10% of the usual values before leaving the plant of origin.

Fire Hazards -> Flammable - 3rd degree