Key information on hydrogen selenide or " selenium hydride " (H2Se), its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (H2Se gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with type B gas filter).
Hydrogen selenide (H2Se) , also called "selenium hydride" , is commonly used in the synthesis of compounds containing Selenium. It is found in many industrial applications such as the electronics industry (manufacturing of components), the metallurgical industry (preparation of alloys), the glass or paint industry (pigmentation), the rubber industry (vulcanization) or in copper refining.
Hydrogen selenide (H2Se ) is an inorganic compound that is irritating to the digestive, respiratory and ocular mucous membranes . It is the most toxic selenium compound of all, with a TWA (Target Limit Value) of 0.05 ppm. Even at extremely low concentrations, this compound has a very irritating odor that resembles horseradish or "leaking gas" and then gives off a rotten egg odor at higher concentrations.
Although recognizable by its very irritating odor, only an H2Se gas detector can accurately measure the vapor concentrations of this extremely toxic compound, so we will move towards portable or fixed hydrogen selenide detection in ppm, or even in ppb (SPM FLEX).
Hydrogen selenide is very irritating, so we will opt for a full mask for short interventions or for a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with type B anti-gas filters. If the concentrations exceed 60 times the VLEP, an isolating breathing apparatus will be essential.
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