Selenium sulfide (SeS)

111.03

111.03

2657|2630

DTXSID9021265

Orange-yellow tablets or powder|Bright-orange powder

D - Dermatologicals

32.09000

0.37990

Selenium sulfide appears as orange-yellow tablets or powder. Has a faint odor. (NTP, 1992)

3.056 g/cm³ @ Temp: 0 °C

111 ºC

118-119 ºC (DEC.)

<0.1 G/100 ML AT 21 ºC

Odorless

Paper coated with selenium sulfide blackens in mercury vapor because of formation of hydrogen sulfide|Decomposes in alcohol|Not decomposed by water or dilute acid to selenic and selenious acids

Insoluble in water.

Sulfides, Inorganic

Ignition takes place when this compound is ground with silver oxide. (NTP, 1992). Inorganic sulfides, such as SELENIUM SULFIDE, are generally basic and therefore incompatible with acids. Many of these compounds are reducing agents and therefore react vigorously with oxidizing agents, including inorganic oxoacids, organic peroxides and epoxides. Simple salts of sulfides (such as sodium, potassium, and ammonium sulfide) react vigorously with acids to release hydrogen sulfide gas.

2630

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D010, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.|Poor candidate for incineration.

Ignition takes place when silver oxide is ground with ... selenium sulfide.|Do not use metal and acid to reduce selenium compounds. This will produce toxic gaseous hydrogen selenide. /Selenium compounds/|Acids, strong oxidizers, chromium trioxide, potassium bromate. /Selenium/

Miscellaneous External Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human use. Active ingredients for the control of dandruff: selenium sulfide, 1 percent; selenium sulfide, micronized, 0.6 percent. Active ingredient for the control of seborrheic dermatitis: selenium sulfide, 1 percent.

WHO; Environmental Health Criteria 58: Selenium (1987). EHC are designed for scientists and administrators responsible for the establishment of safety standards and regulations and provide basic scientific risk evaluations of a wide range of chemicals and groups of chemicals.[Available from, as of April 1, 2011: http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc58.htm#SectionNumber:7.1]|Bioassay of Selenium Sulfide (Gavage) for Possible Carcinogenicity (1980) Technical Rpt Series No. 194 DHEW Pub No. (NIH) 80-1750, U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20014|Bioassay of Selenium Sulfide (Dermal Study) for Possible Carcinogenicity (1980) Technical Rpt Series No. 197 NTIS No. PB82-165291, U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20014|National Toxicology Program. Eleventh Report on Carcinogens (2005). The Report on Carcinogens is an informational scientific and public health document that identifies and discusses substances (including agents, mixtures, or exposure circumstances) that may pose a carcinogenic hazard to human health. Selenium Sulfide (7446-34-6) is listed as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.[Available from, as of July 31, 2009: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s160sele.pdf]

Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: As an 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, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. 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, 2016)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned. STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material at ambient temperatures. (NTP, 1992)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)|Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. /Selenium/|Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] /Selenium/|Respirator Recommendations: Up to 1 mg/cu m: /Selenium/ [Table#1976]|Respirator Recommendations: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: /Selenium/ [Table#1977]|Respirator Recommendations: Escape conditions: /Selenium/ [Table#1978]

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Selenium compound, solid, nos/|Personnel protection: Wear appropriate chemical protective clothing. Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. /Selenium compound, solid, nos/

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits 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.|Eye Exposure: If selenium or its inorganic compounds get into the eyes, wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water, lifting the lower and upper lids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately. /Selenium and its inorganic salts/|Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. /Selenium compound, solid, nos/|The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. /Selenium/|Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed or replaced. /Selenium/

/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Selenium compound, NOS; Selenium compound, liquid, NOS; Selenium compound, solid, NOS/|/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: 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. /Selenium compound, NOS; Selenium compound, liquid, NOS; Selenium compound, solid, NOS/|/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at lease 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. /Selenium compound, NOS; Selenium compound, liquid, NOS; Selenium compound, solid, NOS/|/GUIDE 151: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Selenium compound, NOS; Selenium compound, liquid, NOS; Selenium compound, solid, NOS/|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for SELENIUM SULFIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

... Local irritation & sensitization are rare, but eye injuries occur.|... Strong irritant to eyes and skin ...

Permissible Exposure Limit: 8 Hr Time Weighted Avg: 0.2 mg/cu m. /Selenium compounds (as Se)/

Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 0.2 mg/cu m. /Selenium; The REL also apply to other selenium compounds (as Se) except selenium hexafluoride./

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Selenium sulfide is included on this list.

D010; A waste containing selenium (such as selenium sulfide) may or may not be characterized as a hazardous waste following testing by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.[40 CFR 261.24 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 8, 2011: http://www.ecfr.gov]

D010; A solid waste containing selenium (such as selenium sulfide) may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.

LD50 Rat oral 38 mg/kg|LD50 Mouse oral 370 mg/kg

... A bioassay of selenium sulfide for possible carcinogenicity was conducted by admin this substance by gavage to F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice. Groups of 50 rats and 50 mice of each sex were admin selenium sulfide suspended in 0.5% aqueous carboxymethylcellulose 7 days/wk for 103 wk at either 3 or 5 mg/kg/day for rats and 20 or 100 mg/kg/day for mice. As vehicle controls, groups of 50 rats and 50 mice of each sex were admin only the 0.5% aqueous carboxymethylcellulose. Similar groups of untreated controls also were used. All surviving rats and mice were killed and necropsied at week 104 or 105. ... Under the conditions of this bioassay, selenium sulfide was carcinogenic for F344 rats and female B6C3F1 mice, including hepatocellular carcinomas in male and female rats and female mice and alveolar/bronchiolar carcinomas and adenomas in female mice. Selenium sulfide was not carcinogenic for male mice; but they have been able to tolerate higher doses. Levels of Evidence of Carcinogenicity: Male Rats: Positive; Female Rats: Positive; Male Mice: Negative; Female Mice: Positive.|... The possible carcinogenicity of selenium sulfide (a component in shampoos) was investigated by applying a suspension of this substance to the skin of ICR Swiss mice. Groups of 50 mice of each sex were treated by applying 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg selenium sulfide three times a week for 86 weeks to a clipped 2-x 3-cm dorsal surface. The selenium sulfide was suspended in 0.05 mL saline solution containing 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose. ... Under the conditions of this bioassay, dermal application of selenium sulfide did not produce a carcinogenic effect in ICR Swiss mice, but the study was limited by the relatively short lifespan of this strain of mouse. Levels of Evidence of Carcinogenicity: Male Mice: Negative; Female Mice: Negative.

... In 1976, EPA estimated that the medicinal industry generates about 700 pounds of selenium sulfide wastes annually.

Selenium sulfide does not readily dissolve in water and would probably bind tightly to the soil(1).

NCI estimates that substantial potential exposure of the population to selenium sulfide is questionable(1). Selenium sulfide is not absorbed through the skin(2), and therefore, skin absorption has been reported only in patients with open scalp lesions(1). In 1974, the National Occupational Hazard Survey estimated that 8,500 workers were possibly exposed to selenium sulfide.|NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 2,965 workers (2,490 of these were female) were potentially exposed to selenium sulfide in the US(1).

A patient with scalp lesions and that used selenium shampoos had a level of selenium sulfide as high as 32 ug/mL in her urine(1).

/Experimental Therapy/ ... This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study included 725 institutionalized elderly patients (>65 years) from 25 geriatric centers in France. Patients received an oral daily supplement of nutritional doses of trace elements (zinc and selenium sulfide) or vitamins (beta carotene, ascorbic acid, and vitamin E) or a placebo within a 2 x 2 factorial design for 2 years. ... Correction of specific nutrient deficiencies was observed after 6 months of supplementation and was maintained for the first year, during which there was no effect of any treatment on delayed-type hypersensitivity skin response. Antibody titers after influenza vaccine were higher in groups that received trace elements alone or associated with vitamins, whereas the vitamin group had significantly lower antibody titers (P<.05). The number of patients without respiratory tract infections during the study was higher in groups that received trace elements (P = .06). Supplementation with neither trace elements nor vitamins significantly reduced the incidence of urogenital infections. Survival analysis for the 2 years did not show any differences between the 4 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose supplementation of zinc and selenium provides significant improvement in elderly patients by increasing the humoral response after vaccination and could have considerable public health importance by reducing morbidity from respiratory tract infections.|/Experimental Therapy/ Forty children aged 1-11 years with clinically diagnosed tinea capitis were randomized to receive selenium sulfide shampoo 1% or ciclopirox shampoo 1% twice a week as adjuncts to an 8-week course of ultramicronized griseofulvin dosed at 10-12 mg/kg/day. At weeks 2, 4, and 8, subjects returned to the clinic for evaluation and scalp cultures. Subjects then returned for follow-up visits 4 weeks after completing treatment. Overall, by 8 weeks, 30 of 33 (90.9%) treated children demonstrated mycological cure. Selenium sulfide shampoo 1% and ciclopirox shampoo 1% were equally effective as adjunctive treatments for tinea capitis in children in our study.

Two cases of new chemicals causing yellow hair shaft discoloration are reported. The chemicals include selenium sulfide 2.5% shampoo and dihydroxyacetone.|... Ingestion is hazardous. If swallowed, avoid oils or alcohol which may promote absorption.

Drugs used to treat or prevent skin disorders or for the routine care of skin. (See all compounds classified as Dermatologic Agents.)

The percutaneous absorption of selenium sulfide was ... studied in /a/ groups who applied the drug to the entire skin for five minutes for eighteen days. Fluorimetric analysis of urinary samples collected on the third and thirteenth days of treatment revealed no significant increase in the excretion of selenium as compared to pretreatment levels. Systemic toxicity was not observed in any of the patients treated. The results suggest that the selenium sulfide is absorbed poorly from the skin...

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include vomiting, anorexia, anemia and fatty degeneration of the liver. It may also cause a garlic odor of the breath, metallic taste, weakness, tremors and sweating. Sensitization may occur. Repeated use may cause loss of hair. Eye effects may include irritation and keratitis. It may cause conjunctivitis. It may also cause eye injuries. Local irritation rarely occurs. Other symptoms may include skin burns, dermatitis, increased oiliness or dryness of hair, and orange tinting of gray hair. ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is highly toxic by ingestion. It is also toxic by inhalation. With this type of compound there is a danger of cumulative effects. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and selenium. (NTP, 1992)|Carcinogens

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: Some heavy metals are VERY TOXIC POISONS, especially if their salts are very soluble in water (e.g., lead, chromium, mercury, bismuth, osmium, and arsenic). IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center and locate activated charcoal, egg whites, or milk in case the medical advisor recommends administering one of them. Also locate Ipecac syrup or a glass of salt water in case the medical advisor recommends inducing vomiting. Usually, this is NOT RECOMMENDED outside of a physician's care. If advice from a physician is not readily available and the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give the victim a glass of activated charcoal slurry in water or, if this is not available, a glass of milk, or beaten egg whites and IMMEDIATELY transport victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Selenium and Related Compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Treat seizures if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) 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. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Selenium and Related Compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... .Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Selenium and Related Compounds/|Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Sulfur and related compounds/|For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for SELENIUM SULFIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... Ingestion is hazardous. ... Local irritation & sensitization are rare, but eye injuries occur.|/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ Selenium sulfide ... /as a keratolytic agent/ appears to affect the epidermal cell turnover rate and the keratinization process.

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Grade: USP

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