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Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16 (2014)

Chapter: 5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels

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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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Suggested Citation:"5 Hydrogen Selenide Acute Exposure Guideline Levels." National Research Council. 2014. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18707.
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5 Hydrogen Selenide1 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels PREFACE Under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) P.L. 92-463 of 1972, the National Advisory Committee for Acute Exposure Guide- line Levels for Hazardous Substances (NAC/AEGL Committee) has been estab- lished to identify, review, and interpret relevant toxicologic and other scientific data and develop AEGLs for high-priority, acutely toxic chemicals. AEGLs represent threshold exposure limits for the general public and are applicable to emergency exposure periods ranging from 10 minutes (min) to 8 hours (h). Three levels—AEGL-1, AEGL-2, and AEGL-3—are developed for each of five exposure periods (10 and 30 min and 1, 4, and 8 h) and are distin- guished by varying degrees of severity of toxic effects. The three AEGLs are defined as follows: AEGL-1 is the airborne concentration (expressed as parts per million or milligrams per cubic meter [ppm or mg/m3]) of a substance above which it is predicted that the general population, including susceptible individuals, could experience notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic, nonsensory 1 This document was prepared by the AEGL Development Team composed of Carol Wood (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), Heather Carlson-Lynch (SRC, Inc.), and Chem- ical Managers Nancy Kim (National Advisory Committee [NAC] on Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Hazardous Substances) and Ernest V. Falke (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). The NAC reviewed and revised the document and AEGLs as deemed necessary. Both the document and the AEGL values were then reviewed by the National Research Council (NRC) Committee on Acute Exposure Guideline Levels. The NRC committee has concluded that the AEGLs developed in this document are scientifi- cally valid conclusions based on the data reviewed by the NRC and are consistent with the NRC guidelines reports (NRC 1993, 2001). 236

Hydrogen Selenide 237 effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure. AEGL-2 is the airborne concentration (expressed as ppm or mg/m3) of a substance above which it is predicted that the general population, including sus- ceptible individuals, could experience irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape. AEGL-3 is the airborne concentration (expressed as ppm or mg/m3) of a substance above which it is predicted that the general population, including sus- ceptible individuals, could experience life-threatening health effects or death. Airborne concentrations below the AEGL-1 represent exposure concentra- tions that could produce mild and progressively increasing but transient and nondisabling odor, taste, and sensory irritation or certain asymptomatic, nonsen- sory effects. With increasing airborne concentrations above each AEGL, there is a progressive increase in the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of effects described for each corresponding AEGL. Although the AEGL values represent threshold concentrations for the general public, including susceptible subpopula- tions, such as infants, children, the elderly, persons with asthma, and those with other illnesses, it is recognized that individuals, subject to idiosyncratic respons- es, could experience the effects described at concentrations below the corre- sponding AEGL. SUMMARY Hydrogen selenide is a gas with a disagreeable odor at room temperature. It is formed by the reaction of acids or water with metal selenides (Malczewska- Toth 2012). Although elemental selenium has a wide variety of uses in industry, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals (ATSDR 2003), hydrogen selenide has no commercial use (Malczewska-Toth 2012). Hydrogen selenide is highly irritating to the respiratory tract and effects progress to pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and bronchial pneumonia (Glover 1970; IPCS 1987; Malczewska-Toth 2012). Initial effects in exposed workers are signs of respiratory irritation, include tearing, running nose, coughing, sneez- ing, and chest tightness. The compound is oxidized to elemental selenium when it comes into contact with mucus membranes and appears as a red precipitate (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941; Glover 1970; Zwart and Arts 1989). A distinct garlic odor of the breath has been reported in people accidentally exposed to selenium or selenium compounds and is most likely the result of the excretion of dimethyl selenide in expired air (ATSDR 2003). No reports of human death after exposure to hydrogen selenide were found in the literature. AIHA (1989) reports an odor threshold of 0.3 ppm for hydrogen selenide. Olfactory fatigue occurs quickly at that concentration, and anecdotal reports indicate that workers exposed to hydrogen selenide at concen- trations greater than 1.5 ppm experienced nasal and throat irritation that was

238 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels severe enough that they could not remain at work, but that workers were able to tolerate 0.3 ppm for several minutes without noticeable effects (Dudley and Mil- ler 1941). Dudley and Miller (1937, 1941) performed a series of experiments in which groups of 16-32 guinea pigs (sex and strain not specified) were exposed whole body to various concentrations of hydrogen selenide for 10-480 min and monitored for 30 days. Concentration-related clinical signs of toxicity at concen- trations greater than 6.3 ppm included pawing at the nose and eyes, copious mu- cus from the nasal passages, and difficulty breathing. Marked weight loss was apparent, with recovery in survivors beginning 8 days after exposure. Animals that died within 48 h exhibited respiratory and circulatory failure, whereas those dying after 5 days or later had few acute respiratory symptoms but exhibited bronchial pneumonia for extended periods. The calculated 1-h LC50 (lethal con- centration, 50% lethality) was 3.6 ppm, and 100% lethality occurred at 6.0 ppm. The main finding during histopathologic examination was fatty deposition in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidney; splenic enlargement due to hyperplas- ia of the lymphoid tissue was also found. Hepatic lesions, but no increase in mortality, were observed at concentrations as low as 1.2 ppm for 30-60 min and the lesions generally resolved 17-20 days after exposure. Lethality studies were conducted in pairs of Wistar rats exposed nose-only to various concentrations of hydrogen selenide for different durations, followed by a 14-day observation period (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992). In one experiment, no deaths occurred after exposure at 117 ppm for 4 or 15 min, but one animal died after exposure for 7.5 min; thus, 117 ppm for 15 min or less might be a threshold for death. In another experiment, groups of five male and five female Wistar rats were exposed to hydrogen selenide at 47-74 ppm for 1 h. Most deaths occurred within 2 days after exposure. Concentration-related clini- cal signs observed after exposure was stopped included piloerection, red discol- oration of the fur, cyanosis, half-closed eyes, red nasal discharge, mouth breath- ing, moist or dry rales, and apnea. Surviving animals had body weight loss or reduced weight gain throughout the observation period. For example, at 47 ppm, no deaths occurred but four males and two females lost weight throughout the 14-day observation period. Necropsy revealed gas in the stomach or intestines of animals that died during the study and red discolored, atelectatic, edematous, or spongy, swollen, and/or spotted lungs with irregular surface in almost all dece- dents and survivors. A 1-h LC50 of 72 ppm was calculated (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992). Examination of the data used to calculate the 1-h LC50 shows a steep dose-response curve (0% mortality at 47 ppm, 20% at 71 ppm, and 60% at 74 ppm). AEGL-1 values are not recommended for hydrogen selenide, because no animal or human data on appropriate end points were found. Data were insuffi- cient to calculate the level of distinct odor awareness for the chemical because the basis of the reported odor threshold of 0.3 ppm was not documented.

Hydrogen Selenide 239 Data were also insufficient to calculate AEGL-2 values for hydrogen sele- nide. In the absence of specific data for determining an AEGL-2 value, one-third of the AEGL-3 values can be used to establish AEGL-2 values (NRC 2001). This approach is justified because the lethality data in rats indicate a steep con- centration-response relationship. AEGL-3 values for hydrogen selenide were based on an estimated LC01 of 33 ppm, obtained by a log-probit analysis of data from experiments in Wistar rats (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992). Values were scaled using the equation Cn × t = k, where n ranges from 0.8 to 3.5 (ten Berge et al. 1986). A value of n = 2.5 was calculated by probit analysis of all of the available lethality data in the rat. A total uncertainty factor of 100 was applied (10 for interspecies differences and 10 for intraspecies variability). The intraspecies factor of 10 was selected to address uncertainty about the mechanism of action for the marked body-weight loss exhibited by some surviving rats and whether this reflected a moribund state. An interspecies factor of 10 was used, because data were availa- ble in only two species and the limited data suggest that the rat might not be the most sensitive species. AEGL values for hydrogen selenide are presented in Table 5-1. 1. INTRODUCTION Hydrogen selenide is a gas with a disagreeable odor at room temperature. It has a density greater than that of air and is formed by the reaction of acids or water with metal selenides (Malczewska-Toth 2012). Although elemental sele- nium has a wide variety of uses in industry, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals (ATSDR 2003), hydrogen selenide has no commercial use (Malczewska-Toth 2012). Hydrogen selenide is highly irritating to the respiratory tract with effects progressing to pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and bronchial pneumonia (Glover 1970; Malczewska-Toth 2012). The compound is oxidized to elemental seleni- um when it comes into contact with mucus membranes, and appears as a red precipitate (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941; Glover 1970; Zwart and Arts 1989). The breath of people accidentally exposed to selenium or selenium compounds has been reported to have a distinct garlic odor, most likely the result of excre- tion of dimethyl selenide in expired air (ATSDR 2003). The chemical and physical properties of hydrogen selenide are listed in Table 5-2. 2. HUMAN TOXICITY DATA 2.1. Acute Lethality No reports of human lethality following exposure to hydrogen selenide were found in the available literature.

240 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels TABLE 5-1 AEGL Values for Hydrogen Selenide End Point Classification 10 min 30 min 1h 4h 8h (Reference) AEGL-1 NRa NRa NRa NRa NRa Insufficient data (nondisabling) AEGL-2 0.22 ppm 0.15 ppm 0.11 ppm 0.064 ppm 0.048 ppm One-third of the (disabling) (0.73 (0.48 (0.37 (21 (0.16 AEGL-3 values mg/m3) mg/m3) mg/m3) mg/m3) mg/m3) AEGL-3 0.67 ppm 0.44 ppm 0.33 ppm 0.19 ppm 0.14 ppm Calculated 1-h (lethal) (2.2 (1.5 (1.1 (0.63 (0.48 LC01 in rats (Zwart mg/m3) mg/m3) mg/m3) mg/m3) mg/m3) and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992) a Not recommended. Absence of an AEGL-1 value does not imply that exposure below the AEGL-2 value is without adverse effects. Abbreviations: LC01, lethal concentration, 1% lethality; NR, not recommended. TABLE 5-2 Chemical and Physical Properties of Hydrogen Selenide Parameter Value Reference Synonyms Dihydrogen selenide, selenium hydride, ATSDR 2003 selenium dihydride, selane CAS registry no. 7783-07-5 O’Neil et al. 2006 Chemical formula H2Se Molecular weight 80.98 O’Neil et al. 2006 Physical state Colorless gas ATSDR 2003 Melting point -65.73°C O’Neil et al. 2006 Boiling point -41.3°C O’Neil et al. 2006 Liquid density (water = 1) 2.12 at -42°C/4°C O’Neil et al. 2006 Solubility in water 377 mL/100 mL at 4°C O’Neil et al. 2006 Vapor density (air = 1) 2.80 Yaws 2001 Vapor pressure 9,120 mm Hg (12 atm) at 30.8°C ATSDR 2003; O’Neil et al. 2006 Conversion factors 1 ppm = 3.3 mg/m3 NIOSH 2011 1 mg/m3 = 0.3 ppm 2.2. Nonlethal Toxicity Odor thresholds for hydrogen selenide are reported to range from 0.0005 to 3.6 ppm, with irritation reported at 1.8 ppm; the odor was described as de- cayed horseradish (Ruth 1986). AIHA (1989) lists the odor threshold as 0.3 ppm. Olfactory fatigue occurs quickly at this concentration (Dudley and Miller 1941).

Hydrogen Selenide 241 2.2.1. Case Reports Dudley and Miller (1941) reported that workers exposed to concentrations of hydrogen selenide greater than 1.5 ppm experienced nasal and throat irritation that was so severe that they could not remain at work. Workers were able to tolerate 0.3 ppm for several minutes without noticeable effects. However, these observations were reported in the discussion section of the paper without a cita- tion or information on any associated sampling or analysis. Twenty-five workers engaged in various metal etching, buffering, and pol- ishing operations were exposed to hydrogen selenide in a large workroom (Buchan 1947). A reaction of selenious acid in the ink with metal was identified as the source of the hydrogen selenide. The breath of all of the exposed workers had a distinct garlic odor, but five had recently eaten food containing garlic. Only five complained of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, dizziness, extreme lassitude, and fatigue. No correlation was found between symptoms and urinary concentrations of selenium. Air samples were taken at six sites in the room; although a visible precipitate was observed on the filter paper, the measured concentration of hydrogen selenide did not exceed the detection limit of 0.2 ppm for the titrometric method. Additional details of the analytic methods were not described. However, the possibility that the highest concentrations were reached close to the breathing zone of the workers was not- ed by the authors. A review chapter describing this study (Glover et al. 1979) reported that “Five cases of subacute industrial selenosis were reported as due to exposure to less than 0.07 mg/m3 of H2Se”; however, that concentration appears to be an erroneous conversion from the detection limit of 0.2 ppm (the correct conversion would be 0.7 mg/m3). Other early reports of symptoms in workers exposed to hydrogen selenide have been summarized by Glover (1970) and IPCS (1987). Initial effects are of respiratory irritation and include tearing, running nose, coughing, sneezing, and tightness of the chest. A latent period of several hours may follow, after which pulmonary edema occurs. Affected workers all had complete recovery, but no exposure concentrations were measured. A chemist exposed to a “high concen- tration” of hydrogen selenide developed hyperglycemia that was controllable by increasing doses of insulin (Rosenfeld and Beath 1964; Malczewska-Toth 2012). Banerjee et al. (1997) described effects in 31 workers exposed to “toxic fumes” produced during refining or recovery of scrap metal. The initial clinical presentation included intense cough, suffocation, burning, severe water dis- charge from eyes, cyanosis, tachypnea, tachycardia, and severe bronchospasm. Most workers recovered within 7 days; however, four with respiratory diseases associated with heavy smoking (one with acute respiratory distress syndrome, one with bilateral emphysema, two with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were treated for more than 3 weeks. Blood selenium concentrations did not cor- relate with symptoms; only four samples had selenium concentrations in the range of 71-189 μg/L on the first day. Selenium was confirmed in soil and wall- scratch samples from the incident site but no exposures could be determined.

242 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels Workers were exposed to selenium fume while smelting scrap aluminum contaminated with metallic selenium (Clinton 1947). A reddish cloud was re- leased into the plant when the contents of a furnace were stirred in preparation for pouring; no concentrations were measured and the author estimated that no worker was exposed for more than 2 min. All exposed workers had intense irri- tation of the eyes, nose, and throat and headache developed several hours later. In addition, one worker with potentially higher exposure developed severe dyspnea 8-12 h after the accident. All workers appeared completely well in 3 days. A 24-year old male was accidentally exposed to hydrogen selenide while transferring the gas from one cylinder to another (Schecter et al. 1980). Immedi- ate symptoms included burning of the eyes and throat and was followed by coughing and wheezing. He was hospitalized 18 h later due to recurrent cough and dyspnea. Chest X-ray revealed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous em- physema. Results of most pulmonary function tests returned to predicted levels within 30 days of the accident. However, abnormalities in flows at 50% and 25% of vital capacity persisted for up to 3 years. A female college student was exposed to hydrogen selenide gas at least once a week for one year while working in a research laboratory (Alderman and Bergin 1986). She complained of chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain, had con- junctivitis and nasal stuffiness, and six dental caries had recently developed. She also had granular conjunctivitis, breath with a distinct garlic-like odor, and prominent transverse ridges of the fingernails. Chronic selenosis was diagnosed, which resolved after exposure ended. No exposure measurements were made in the research laboratory. Another report described exposure of a researcher once a week for 2 years to selenium vapors produced by evaporation of pure selenium in an evacuated container (Ducloux et al. 1976). Symptoms included eczema of the face, weak- ness, and bronchitis. No other details were given. 2.2.2. Epidemiologic Studies No epidemiologic studies of exposure to hydrogen selenide were found. 2.3. Neurotoxicity No information regarding the neurotoxicity of hydrogen selenide in hu- mans was found. 2.4. Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity No information regarding the developmental or reproductive toxicity of hydrogen selenide in humans was found.

Hydrogen Selenide 243 2.5. Genotoxicity No information regarding the genotoxicity of hydrogen selenide in hu- mans was found. 2.6. Carcinogenicity No information regarding the carcinogenicity of hydrogen selenide in hu- mans was found. A study of smelter workers found that those who died of lung cancer had lower selenium concentrations than either controls or workers who died of other causes (Gerhardsson et al. 1986). EPA (1993) has judged that sele- nium and selenium compounds are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity in humans because of inadequate human data and inadequate evidence of carcino- genicity in animals. However, the agency found the evidence on selenium sul- fide to be sufficient for classifying it as a probable human carcinogen classifica- tion. 2.7. Summary Hydrogen selenide is highly irritating to the respiratory tract with effects progressing to pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and bronchial pneumonia (Glover 1970; Malczewska-Toth 2012). Irritation occurs at or below the odor threshold (Ruth 1986). 3. ANIMAL TOXICITY DATA 3.1. Acute Lethality 3.1.1. Guinea Pigs Dudley and Miller (1937, 1941) performed a series of experiments in which groups of 16 or 32 guinea pigs (sex and strain not specified) were ex- posed whole body to various concentrations of hydrogen selenide (0.001- 0.57 mg/L or 0.3-171 ppm) for 10, 30, 60, 120, 240, or 480 min and were monitored for 30 days. Chamber atmospheres were calibrated prior to exposures and ana- lytic concentrations were measured by weighing precipitated selenium from air samples. Clinical signs of toxicity from exposure at concentrations of 0.021 mg/L (6.3 ppm) or higher included pawing at the nose and eyes, copious mucus from the nasal passages, and difficulty breathing. At concentrations less than 0.021 mg/L (6.3 ppm) for up to 8 h, nasal discharge was less marked and severe ocular and nasal irritation were not observed; difficulty breathing was not ob- served until 24 h after exposure. Decomposition of the chemical by the mucus in the nasal passages resulted in a deposit of red, amorphous selenium on the nose and head of the animals. Marked weight loss was apparent with recovery in sur-

244 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels vivors beginning 8 days after exposure. Animals that died within 48 h exhibited respiratory and circulatory failure whereas those that died after 5 days or later had few acute respiratory symptoms but exhibited bronchial pneumonia for ex- tended periods. More importantly, even for concentrations greater than the LC50, the majority of deaths occurred more than 5 days after exposure; the peak oc- curred at 8-10 days, which likely corresponded to evidence of hepatic damage (see discussion of histopathologic findings below). The investigators did not report LC50 values; however, on the basis of the lethality data from the study, LC50 values were calculated to be 0.34, 0.020, 0.012, 0.012, 0.012, and 0.0054 mg/ L (102, 6.0, 3.6, 3.6, 3.6, and 1.6 ppm) for 10, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min, respectively. A few animals (1-3) died in each of the control groups, so the reliability of these data and the calculated LC50 values is uncertain. Regardless, a marked increase in deaths (resulting in more than 35% lethality) was consistently seen at 3.3-3.6 ppm for durations of 30-240 min. Histopathologic examinations were performed on the animals used in the lethality studies (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941), but severity scores were not determined. The main finding was fatty deposition in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidney. Splenic enlargement due to hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue was also found. Hepatic lesions, but no increase in mortality, were ob- served at concentrations as low as 1.3 ppm for 30-60 min. Fatty changes became progressively more severe for up to 10 days and generally resolved by 17-20 days after exposure. Slight to moderate thickening of the alveolar wall was found in the lung of almost all animals and acute pneumonia that progressed to bronchopneumonia occurred in about half of the animals. Most importantly, the severity of the pathologic lesions was more closely related to the amount of time between exposure and death than to the concentration or duration of exposure. 3.1.2. Rats Two lethality studies were conducted in Wistar rats exposed nose-only to various concentrations of hydrogen selenide for different durations followed by a 14-day observation period (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992). The mor- tality results are summarized in Table 5-3. Test atmospheres were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. In the first experiment (Study A or C × t study), groups of one male and one female rat were exposed at concentrations of 0.13- 2.9 g/m3 (39-870 ppm) for durations of 4-120 min. At 0.39 g/m3 (117 ppm), no deaths occurred following exposures for 4 and 15 min, but one animal died dur- ing the observation period following exposure for 7.5 min; thus, 117 ppm for 15 min or less may be a threshold for death. Nearly all animals exposed to hydro- gen selenide at 78 ppm or greater for 30 min or more died. At a concentration of 39 ppm, no animals died following exposure for up to 60 min, but one of two died following exposure for 84 or 120 min. Most deaths occurred within 2 days

Hydrogen Selenide 245 after exposure. Concentration-related clinical signs included piloerection, red discoloration of the fur, cyanosis, half-closed eyes, red nasal discharge, mouth breathing, moist or dry rales, and apnea. For animals exposed at 39 ppm, “breathing problems” recurred during week 2 of the observation period. Surviv- ing animals had body weight loss or reduced weight gain throughout the obser- vation period. Necropsy revealed gas in the stomach or intestines of animals that died during the study and red discolored, atelectatic, edematous, or spongy, swollen, and/or spotted lungs with irregular surface in almost all decedents and survivors. The authors reported a 1-h LC50 of 0.18 g/m3 (54 ppm). In the second experiment (Study B or 1-h LC50 study), groups of five male and five female Wistar rats were exposed nose-only to hydrogen selenide at 0.155, 0.235, or 0.245 g/m3 (47, 71, or 74 ppm) for 1 h. Clinical signs, effects on body weight, and gross findings were similar to those described above for the first experiment. At 0.155 g/m3 (47 ppm), four males and two females had body weight loss throughout the 14-day observation period. A 1-h LC50 of 0.24 g/m3 (72 ppm) was calculated (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992). Examination of the data used to calculate the 1-h LC50 shows a steep concentration-response curve (see Table 5-3). On the basis of marked body weight loss among survivors (which suggest- ed the animals were moribund) during the observation periods of both experi- ments, the investigators postulated that the LC50 estimates would have been lower if the observation periods had been longer. However, extending the obser- vation period was not considered ethical due to the condition of the animals. Zwart and Arts (1989) suggested that animals that lost weight during days 8-14 of the observation period could be considered “dead”, and estimated that this approach would yield a 1-h LC50 of 0.06-0.07 g/m3 (18-21 ppm). TABLE 5-3 Lethality in Rats Exposed to Hydrogen Selenide Concentration 4-20 min 30 min 60 min 120 min Study A (C × t study) 0.13 g/m3 (39 ppm) NR 0/2 0/2 1/2 3 0.26 g/m (78 ppm) NR 2/2 2/2 2/2 3 0.39 g/m (117 ppm) 1/6 2/2 2/2 NR 1.41 g/m3 (423 ppm) 10/10 NR NR NR 3 2.90 g/m (870 ppm) 8/8 2/2 NR NR Study B (1-h LC50 study) 155 g/m3 (47 ppm) NR NR 0/10 NR 3 235 g/m (71 ppm) NR NR 2/10 NR 245 g/m3 (74 ppm) NR NR 6/10 NR Abbreviations: LC50, lethal concentration, 50% lethality; NR, not reported. Source: Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992.

246 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels 3.2. Nonlethal Toxicity Groups of five young, female albino rats were exposed to selenium fumes produced by passing a current through tungsten wire wound in a cone and filled with chips of selenium (Hall et al. 1951). The exposure concentration, particle size, and chemical form were not specified. Exposures were for 2-16 min and animals were killed 1-16 days following exposure. At necropsy, lung weights were increased and hemorrhage with scattered emphysematous and atelectatic areas were observed. Little evidence of repair was apparent up to 16 days after exposure. 3.3. Neurotoxicity No evidence of a narcotic or anesthetic effect was seen in guinea pigs ex- posed to lethal concentrations of hydrogen selenide for up to 8 h (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941). 3.4. Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity No information on the developmental or reproductive toxicity of hydrogen selenide in animals was found. Selenium or selenium compounds have produced defects in the chick when applied to the air cell, and decreased live births and pup size in mice when administered orally or by injection; no adverse effects have been found in hamsters or monkeys (Shepard 2010). 3.5. Genotoxicity No information on the genotoxicity of hydrogen selenide was found. So- dium selenite and sodium selenide, which are metabolized to hydrogen selenide, induced DNA single-strand breaks and growth inhibition in a mouse mammary carcinoma cell line (Lu et al. 1995). Hydrogen selenide was not measured in the culture medium. 3.6. Chronic Toxicity and Carcinogenicity No information on the chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity of hydrogen selenide in laboratory animals was found. In studies of selenium sulfide and Selsun (2.5% selenium sulfide), no evidence of carcinogenicity was found fol- lowing dermal application of either compound to the skin of male and female ICR mice three times per week for 86-88 weeks (NTP 1980 a,b). However, these studies were considered inadequate because of their short duration due to the limited lifetime of the test stain of mice.

Hydrogen Selenide 247 3.7. Summary Lethality studies in guinea pigs and rats show a steep concentration- response relationship for hydrogen selenide. Clinical signs in both species were indicative of severe irritation and pulmonary lesions were observed at necropsy. Exposures at high concentrations for a short duration resulted in death from pulmonary edema. In contrast, deaths in studies with longer durations occurred over a relatively flat concentration range and were most likely secondary to he- patic damage. Effects in the liver were identified in guinea pigs but these lesions resolved in surviving animals. Livers from rats were not examined microscopi- cally. 4. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS 4.1. Metabolism and Disposition No information on the metabolism and disposition of hydrogen selenide was found. However, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of selenium have been reviewed elsewhere (Sunde 1990; ATSDR 2003); salient information is briefly reviewed in this section. In the dog, inhaled selenious acid aerosol was rapidly and almost completely absorbed whereas the metal aerosol was less rapidly absorbed. Selenium from both aerosols was distributed similar- ly to the liver, kidney, spleen, and heart and had a biologic half-life of 30-40 days; the main route of excretion was via the urine (Weissman et al. 1983). Re- sults from inhalation studies of selenious acid or selenium aerosols in the rat confirm that, once absorbed, selenium from both compounds is distributed and excreted in an identical manner (Medinsky et al. 1981). In blood, selenium is rapidly taken up by erythrocytes and metabolized to a form that binds to plasma proteins (Lee et al. 1969; Gasiewicz and Smith 1978). The uptake and release was shown to be dependent on glutathione and resulted in depletion of erythrocyte glutathione (Gasiewicz and Smith 1978). When some other forms of selenium are metabolized, hydrogen selenide may be formed as an intermediate through reduction of a selenopersulfide by glutathione reductase (Gasiewicz and Smith 1978). A brief review of selenium metabolic pathways indicates the intermediate formation of hydrogen selenide from inor- ganic forms of selenium (Lu et al. 1995). Hydrogen selenide formed in this manner may either be incorporated into cellular selenoproteins or further metab- olized by methylation before elimination. Methylation of selenium results in the formation of dimethyl selenide, the compound found in exhaled air that is likely responsible for the garlic-breath odor commonly reported in exposed persons (ATSDR 2003). Selenium is excreted in the urine, feces, and expired air (ATSDR 2003).

248 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels 4.2. Mechanism of Toxicity The mechanism of toxicity (including pulmonary edema and marked body weight loss) following acute exposure to hydrogen selenide is unknown. The mechanism of toxicity of selenium and selenium compounds is likely to vary depending on the individual compound (IPCS 1987; ATSDR 2003). One possible mechanism for selenium toxicity is via alteration of enzyme activities, such as inactivation of sulfhydryl enzymes or the succinic dehydrogenase sys- tem, interference with glutathione metabolism, or substitution for sulfur in bio- molecules (IPCS 1987; ATSDR 2003). Whether these effects may contribute to the toxic effects of hydrogen selenide is unknown. Examination of the lethality data in guinea pigs (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941) and rats (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992) suggests that hydrogen selenide may exert effects via at least two distinct mechanisms of toxicity. For guinea pigs, it appears that exposures at high concentrations for a short duration result in death due to pulmonary edema as a result of severe irritation. Clinical signs of irritation were observed in the animals. This part of the concentration- response curve is very steep. In contrast, deaths in studies with longer durations occurred over a relatively flat concentration range and were most likely second- ary to liver damage. As noted earlier in Section 3.1.1, most deaths occurred more than 5 days after exposure when hepatic damage was greatest. Glutathione depletion by high concentrations of selenium may play a contributing role in the observed hepatic damage. In Figure 5-1, LC50 values for guinea pigs with respect to exposure dura- tion are compared with data on partial lethality in rats (only a 1-h LC50 was available for rats). The observation that deaths occur at a threshold concentration at longer durations is also suggested to some degree by data from rats (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992); however, the small number of rats (2/concentration) exposed for durations other than 60 min limit the confidence in lethality data for other time points. 4.3. Structure Activity Relationships Toxicities of the various selenium compounds vary widely depending on the individual compound; hydrogen selenide is one of the most toxic due to its irritant properties (ATSDR 2003). 4.4. Other Relevant Information 4.4.1. Species Variability Data on hydrogen selenide were available for only two species. Estimated 1-h LC50 values for the guinea pig and rat were 3.6 and 72 ppm, respectively. Although these two values suggest significant species differences, other differ-

Hydrogen Selenide 249 ences (including whole-body vs. nose-only exposure, different analytic tech- niques, and differences in the post-exposure observation duration) between the studies make it difficult to draw direct comparisons between the LC50s. Fur- thermore, in the guinea pig studies, one to three control animals died, raising additional questions as to the reliability of the data. The guinea pig study, which was conducted more than 70 years ago, involved whole body exposures (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941) that could have resulted in oral exposure to elemental selenium from grooming, as well as percutaneous absorption. The higher total dose from all routes of exposure could have contributed to the hepatic lesions and delayed deaths in guinea pigs. In the more recent rat study, the animals were exposed nose-only (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992), eliminating poten- tial exposure by other routes. In addition, the guinea pig study measured concen- trations of hydrogen selenide by weighing precipitated selenium, whereas the rat study used atomic absorption spectrometry. Direct measurement of the test at- mospheres is probably a more accurate method of determining exposure concen- trations. Finally, the guinea pigs were observed for up to 30 days, whereas the rats were observed for only 14 days. All but a few of the guinea pig deaths oc- curred within the first 15 days in the 1-h study, indicating that the increased ob- servation period probably had limited impact on the value of the LC50; however, a longer observation period in the rat study might also have lead to a slightly lower LC50 value. In summary, while the available data suggest that the guinea pig may be more sensitive to hydrogen selenide, conclusions are difficult to draw because of the differences in the exposures, analytic techniques, and ob- servation periods used in the two studies. 4.4.2. Susceptible Populations In the experiments with guinea pigs (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941), no significant differences in death rates were found between young animals (body weights 189-283 g) and older animals (body weights 451-701 g) or between males and females exposed to hydrogen selenide. Epidemiologic studies of populations living in areas with high dietary in- takes of selenium suggest that children are less susceptible to selenium intoxica- tion than adults, as 97% of selenosis cases are in individuals more than 18 years of age (ATSDR 2003). 4.4.3. Concentration-Exposure Duration Relationship As discussed in Section 4.2 and shown in Figure 2-1, lethality data from studies of guinea pigs and the rats suggest two possible mechanisms of action: one that is operant at high concentrations with brief exposures and one that is operant at lower concentrations with longer exposures. Although limited, the data indicate that the first mechanism exhibits a steep concentration-time rela- tionship with a strong time component, whereas the mechanism at lower concen-

250 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels trations and longer durations appears to be primarily dependent on concentra- tion. These concentration-time relationships may be explained by the postulated mechanisms of toxicity; exposure at high concentrations results in severe irrita- tion and causes death by pulmonary edema, whereas the liver can compensate for exposure at lower concentrations and of a long duration, and only when a threshold concentration is exceeded are mortalities seen. The observed concentration-exposure duration relationships pose a chal- lenge in identifying a suitable approach for time scaling AEGL values. AEGL values are scaled to the various durations from experimentally derived values using the equation Cn × t = k, where C = concentration, t = time, k is a constant, and the value of n ranges from 0.8 to 3.5 (ten Berge et al. 1986). Zwart and Arts (1989) derived a value for n (b1/b2) of 1.98 from probit analysis of lethality data (Study A, which examined the time and concentration [C × t] relationship for hydrogen selenide) in rats using both concentration and time as variables. An argument could be made for making separate estimates of n for the two distinct concentration-duration relationships suggested by the guinea pig and rat data; however, many of the data points for shorter exposure durations were asso- ciated with 100% mortality, and the numbers of animals (n = 2) in the groups were too small to provide a reliable estimate of n. An alternative to the n value esti- mated by Zwart and Arts (1989) can be calculated by probit analysis of the com- bined lethality data from Study A and Study B (1-h LC50study, which used 10 rats/concentration). The value of n is 2.5 on the basis of the combined data. This estimate makes use of the more robust lethality data from Study B, in addition to the data on the concentration-time relationship from Study A. Although this esti- mate for n might yield lower concentrations than the data might suggest when extrapolating from longer to shorter durations, such extrapolations will be conser- vative. Furthermore, the empirical value of 2.5 is close to the default value of 3 that is used to extrapolate from longer to shorter durations in the absence of data to estimate an empirical value of n. 4.4.4. Concurrent Exposure Issues Total body burden of selenium would potentially be of concern only for chronic hydrogen selenide exposures. No other concurrent exposure issues for acute exposures were identified. 5. DATA ANALYSIS FOR AEGL-1 5.1. Summary of Human Data Relevant to AEGL-1 No human data for calculating AEGL-1 values for hydrogen selenide were available. Dudley and Miller (1941) reported anecdotally that workers were able to tolerate a concentration of 0.3 ppm for several minutes without noticeable effects. According to the authors, olfactory fatigue occurred quickly at this con-

Hydrogen Selenide 251 centration. However, the report did not provide a citation for this observation, nor any information on sampling or analysis of workplaces to support the state- ment. 5.2. Summary of Animal Data Relevant to AEGL-1 No animal data for calculating AEGL-1 values for hydrogen selenide were available. 5.3. Derivation of AEGL-1 Values AEGL-1 values are not recommended for hydrogen selenide. No human or animal data on appropriate end points were available. Data for calculating the level of distinct odor awareness for hydrogen selenide were insufficient because the reported odor threshold of 0.3 ppm was based on an anecdotal report. 6. DATA ANALYSIS FOR AEGL-2 6.1. Summary of Human Data Relevant to AEGL-2 No human data for calculating AEGL-2 values for hydrogen selenide were available. Dudley and Miller (1941) reported that workers exposed at concentra- tions greater than 1.5 ppm experienced nasal and throat irritation severe enough that they could not remain at work. The duration of exposure was not reported, so it was assumed that effects were immediate. However, as noted earlier, the statements by Dudley and Miller (1941) were not supported by a citation or any information on sampling or analysis of workplaces. 6.2. Summary of Animal Data Relevant to AEGL-2 In lethality studies of hydrogen selenide, histopathologic examinations were performed on guinea pigs (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941), but severity scores were not specified. The main finding was fatty deposition in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidney; splenic enlargement due to hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue was also found. Hepatic lesions, but no increase in mortality, were observed at concentrations as low as 1.3 ppm for 30-60 min. Fatty changes became progressively more severe for up to 10 days and generally resolved with 17-20 days after exposure. 6.3. Derivation of AEGL-2 Values Data for calculating AEGL-2 values were not available. Hepatic lesions in the guinea pig resolved if the exposure was not lethal. According to the AEGL

252 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels standing operating procedures (NRC 2001), in the absence of specific data for determining an AEGL-2 value, one-third of the AEGL-3 values can be used to establish AEGL-2 values. This approach is justified because the lethality data indicate a steep concentration-response curve, as discussed in Section 4.4.3. AEGL-2 values for hydrogen selenide are presented in Table 5-4. 7. DATA ANALYSIS FOR AEGL-3 7.1. Summary of Human Data Relevant to AEGL-3 No reports of human lethality following exposure to hydrogen selenide were found. 7.2. Summary of Animal Data Relevant to AEGL-3 Data relevant to determining AEGL-3 values for hydrogen selenide in- clude those from guinea pig (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941) and rat (Zwart and Arts 1989; Zwart et al. 1992) lethality studies. As described in Section 4.4.1, the guinea pig lethality data (Dudley and Miller 1937, 1941) had a number of uncer- tainties because the exposures were whole-body instead of nose-only (leading to potential oral and dermal exposure in addition to inhalation), less precise analyt- ic methods to estimate exposure concentrations, and unexplained mortalities in the controls. Consequently, the rat lethality studies were selected for deriving AEGL-3 values. In the rat studies of 60-min exposures, no animals died at 47 ppm, but 2/10 died at 71 ppm and 6/10 died at 74 ppm. Most deaths occurred within 2 days after exposure. Concentration-related clinical signs included piloerection, red discoloration of the fur, cyanosis, half-closed eyes, red nasal discharge, mouth breathing, moist or dry rales, and apnea. Most surviving animals had body weight loss throughout the observation period. Necropsy revealed gas in the stomach and intestines of premature decedents and red discolored, atelectatic, edematous, or spongy, swollen, and spotted lungs with irregular surface in al- most all decedents and survivors. 7.3. Derivation of AEGL-3 Values To derive AEGL-3 values for hydrogen selenide, two options were con- sidered for identifying a point of departure and time-scaling value. For time scaling, the equation Cn × t = k was used, where n ranges from 0.8 to 3.5 (ten Berge et al. 1986). For the first option, the point of departure was an LC01 of 66 ppm (calculated by log-probit analysis) and n was 2.0, on the basis of data from the 1-h LC50 experiment (Zwart and Arts 1989). However, calculation of AEGL

Hydrogen Selenide 253 TABLE 5-4 AEGL-2 Values for Hydrogen Selenide 10 min 30 min 1h 4h 8h 0.22 ppm 0.15 ppm 0.11 ppm 0.064 ppm 0.048 ppm (0.73 mg/m3) (0.48 mg/m3) (0.37 mg/m3) (0.21 mg/m3) (0.16 mg/m3) values on the basis of those estimates results in a predicted LC01 of 47 ppm at 120 min, which is inconsistent with data that show that a lower concentration of 39 ppm resulted in 1/2 deaths after 120 min of exposure (Zwarts and Art 1989). Thus, it appears that this approach would not be adequately protective. The second option involved combining data from two experiments to es- timate the point of departure and the value of n. The two experiments were a C × t study (Zwarts et al. 1992) and 1-h LC50 study (Zwarts and Arts 1989). From the combined data, an LC01 of 33 ppm and an n of 2.5 are estimated. This ap- proach yields a 120-min LC01 of 25 ppm, which is below the observed lethal concentration of 40 ppm. The combined data were analyzed in total (28 observa- tions) and after excluding data at 1,410 mg/m3 and higher; mortality was 100% (2/2) at those concentrations, so the data provided little value to the analysis. Both analyses yielded the same 1-h LC01 and n value. A total uncertainty factor of 100 was applied. A factor of 10 for interspecies differences was used because data were available only on two species and the limited data indicate that the rat may not be the most sensitive (see Section 4.4.1). A value of 10 for intraspecies variability was applied because of uncertainty with respect to the mechanism of action for the marked body weight loss exhibited by some surviving rats in the second week of observation, and uncertainty as to whether this body weight loss reflected a moribund state. AEGL-3 values for hydrogen selenide are presented in Table 5-5. 8. SUMMARY OF AEGL VALUES 8.1. AEGL Values and Toxicity End Points AEGL values for hydrogen selenide are summarized in Table 5-6. AEGL- 1 values are not recommended because symptoms in workers have been reported at concentrations at or below the odor threshold and because values based on irritation may not account for the delayed onset of pulmonary edema. Data on hydrogen selenide were inadequate for calculating AEGL-2 values, so estimates were made taking one-third of the AEGL-3 values. For AEGL-3 values, a 1-h LC01 calculated from mortality data in rats was used to derive values. 8.2. Comparison with Other Standards and Guidelines Standards and guidance levels for workplace and community exposures to hydrogen selenide are presented in Table 5-7. The concentration that is immedi- ately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) is 1 ppm (NIOSH 1994), which is

254 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels higher than the 30-min AEGL-3 value of 0.44 ppm. The supporting documenta- tion of the IDLH value indicates that it is based on acute inhalation data in hu- mans, and cites Dudley and Miller (1941) and Glover et al. (1979) but does not provide details of the derivation. TABLE 5-5 AEGL-3 Values for Hydrogen Selenide 10 min 30 min 1h 4h 8h 0.67 ppm 0.44 ppm 0.33 ppm 0.19 ppm 0.14 ppm (2.2 mg/m3) (1.5 mg/m3) (1.1 mg/m3) (0.63 mg/m3) (0.48 mg/m3) TABLE 5-6 AEGL Values for Hydrogen Selenide Classification 10 min 30 min 1h 4h 8h AEGL-1 NRa NRa NRa NRa NRa (nondisabling) AEGL-2 0.22 ppm 0.15 ppm 0.11 ppm 0.064 ppm 0.048 ppm (disabling) (0.73 mg/m3) (0.48 mg/m3) (0.37 mg/m3) (0.21 mg/m3) (0.16 mg/m3) AEGL-3 0.67 ppm 0.44 ppm 0.33 ppm 0.19 ppm 0.14 ppm (lethal) (2.2 mg/m3) (1.5 mg/m3) (1.1 mg/m3) (0.63 mg/m3) (0.48 mg/m3) a Not recommended. Absence of an AEGL-1 value does not imply that exposure below the AEGL-2 value is without adverse effects. TABLE 5-7 Standards and Guidelines for Hydrogen Selenide Exposure Duration Guideline 10 min 30 min 1h 4h 8h AEGL-1 NR NR NR NR NR AEGL-2 0.22 ppm 0.15 ppm 0.11 ppm 0.064ppm 0.048 ppm AEGL-3 0.67 ppm 0.44 ppm 0.33 ppm 0.19 ppm 0.14 ppm ERPG-1 (AIHA)a Not appropriate ERPG-2 (AIHA) 0.2 ppm ERPG-3 (AIHA) 2.0 ppm IDLH (NIOSH)b 1 ppm as Se TLV-TWA (ACGIH)c 0.05 ppm as Se d REL-TWA (NIOSH) 0.05 ppm as Se PEL-TWA (OSHA)e 0.05 ppm as Se MAK (Germany)f 0.006 ppm MAC (The 0.025 ppm Netherlands)g a ERPG (emergency response planning guidelines, American Industrial Hygiene Associa- tion [AIHA 2002, 2013]). ERPG-1 is the maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed nearly all individuals could be exposed for up to 1 h without experiencing other than mild, transient adverse health effects or without perceiving a clearly defined objectionable odor.

Hydrogen Selenide 255 ERPG-2 is the maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed nearly all individuals could be exposed for up to 1 h without experiencing or developing irreversi- ble or other serious health effects or symptoms that could impair an individual’s ability to take protection action. ERPG-3 is the maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed nearly all individuals could be exposed for up to 1 h without experiencing or developing life- threatening health effects. b IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) (NIOSH 1994) represents the maximum concentration from which one could escape within 30 min without any escape-impairing symptoms or any irre- versible health effects. c TLV-TWA (threshold limit value - time weighted average, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) (ACGIH 2001, 2012) is the time-weighted average concentration for a normal 8-h workday and a 40-h workweek, to which nearly all work- ers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect. d REL-TWA (recommended exposure limit - time weighted average, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) (NIOSH 2011) is defined analogous to the ACGIH TLV-TWA, but is for exposures of no more than 10 h/day, 40 h/week. e PEL-TWA (permissible exposure limit - time weighted average, Occupational Safety and Health Administration) (29 CFR 1910.1000 [2006]) is defined analogous to the ACGIH TLV-TWA. f MAK (maximale arbeitsplatzkonzentration [maximum workplace concentration]) (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [German Research Association] (DFG 2012) is de- fined analogous to the ACGIH TLV-TWA. g MAC (maximaal aanvaaarde concentratie [maximum accepted concentration]) Dutch Expert Committee for Occupational Standards, The Netherlands (MSZW 2004), is de- fined analogous to the ACGIH TLV-TWA. The emergency response planning guidelines (ERPGs) for hydrogen sele- nide are slightly higher than the corresponding AEGL values. AIHA (2002, 2013) derived an ERPG-3 of 2 ppm, noting that this value is higher than a con- centration associated with acute intoxication of five workers (citing Buchan 1947) but well below the 1-h LC50 values of 51-72 ppm in rats (based on Zwart and Arts 1989 and Zwart et al. 1992). The ERPG-2 of 0.2 ppm was based on the statements by Dudley and Miller (1941) that 0.3 ppm was tolerated by healthy workers without irritation for several minutes and that 1.5 ppm was irritating to the eye and nose. An ERPG-1 was not set because the ERPG-2 was below the odor threshold of 0.3 ppm (AIHA 2002, 2013). The current occupational exposure limit reported by the American Confer- ence of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and German Research Association is 0.05 ppm (as selenium) whereas the value reported by The Netherlands is 0.025 ppm (RTECS 2009). Documentation for the ACGIH threshold limit value indicates only that the val- ue was set to “minimize the potential for irritation, gastrointestinal effects, and the onset of chronic hydrogen selenide-related disease” (ACGIH 2001). The

256 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels OSHA standard for hydrogen selenide was derived in 1978, but the supporting documentation (29 CFR 1910.1000 [2006]) does not describe how the value was derived. In addition to the guidelines presented in Table 5-7, the state of California has adopted 0.002 ppm (0.005 mg/m3) as the acute reference exposure level for hydrogen selenide (CalEPA 2007). This concentration is based on data from studies in guinea pigs by Dudley and Miller (1937, 1941). 8.3. Data Adequacy and Research Needs Little human or animal data on hydrogen selenide are available. Although symptoms in humans were well described, case reports did not include reliable exposure concentrations. Two well-conducted animal lethality studies were available, but the study in guinea pigs suffered from a variety of limitations, including potential exposure via multiple routes, use of a more uncertain analyt- ic technique to estimate exposure concentrations, and unexplained control mor- talities (see Section 4.4.1). Thus, it is difficult to draw conclusions regarding species differences (if any). 9. REFERENCES ACGIH (American Conference of Government and Industrial Hygienists). 2001. Hydro- gen selenide (CAS Reg. No. 7783-07-5). Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, 7th Ed. American Conference of Gov- ernment and Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH. ACGIH (American Conference of Government and Industrial Hygienists). 2012. Hydro- gen selenide (CAS Reg. No. 7783-07-5). P. 35 in TLVs and BEIs Based on the Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physi- cal Agents & Biological Exposure Indices. American Conference of Government and Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH. AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association). 1989. P. 20 in Odor Thresholds for Chemicals with Established Occupational Health Standards. Fairfax, VA: Ameri- can Industrial Hygiene Association. AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association). 2002. Emergency Response Planning Guidelines: Hydrogen selenide. Fairfax, VA: American Industrial Hygiene Associa- tion. AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association). 2013. P. 26 in ERPG/WEEL Hand- book. American Industrial Hygiene Association [online]. Available: https://www. aiha.org/get-involved/AIHAGuidelineFoundation/EmergencyResponsePlanningGu idelines/Documents/2013ERPGValues.pdf [accessed Jan. 3, 2014]. Alderman, L.C., and J.J. Bergin. 1986. Hydrogen selenide poisoning: An illustrative case with review of the literature. Arch. Environ. Health 41(6):354-358. ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). 2003. Toxicological Pro- file for Selenium. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA. Sep- tember 2003 [online]. Available: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp92.pdf [accessed Jan. 3, 2014].

Hydrogen Selenide 257 Banerjee, B.D., S. Dwivedi, and S. Singh. 1997. Acute hydrogen selenide gas poisoning admissions in one of the hospitals in Delhi, India: Case report. Hum. Exp. Toxicol. 16(5):276-278. Buchan, R.F. 1947. Industrial selenosis; A review of the literature, report of five cases and a general bibliography. Occup. Med. 3(5):439-456. CalEPA (California Environmental Protection Agency). 2007. Acute Reference Exposure Level (RELs). Air Toxicology and Epidemiology, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency [online]. Avail- able: http://oehha.ca.gov/air/allrels.html [accessed Jan. 3, 2014] Clinton, M. 1947. Selenium fume exposure. J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 29(4):225. DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft). 2012. Substance Overview for Hydrogen Selenide. The MAK Collection for Occupational Health and Safety. Wiley [online]. Available: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/3527600418.mbe7 78307/full [accessed Jan. 3, 2014]. Ducloux, J.P., B. Ducloux, P. Frantz, and V. Vincent. 1976. Recording a selenium intoxi- cation. Review of the literature. Acta Pharmacol. Toxicol. 41(suppl. 2):427. Dudley, H.C., and J.W. Miller. 1937. Toxicology of selenium. IV. Effects of exposure to hydrogen selenide. Public Health Rep. 52(36):1217-1231. Dudley, H.C., and J.W. Miller. 1941. Toxicology of selenium. VI. Effects of subacute exposure to hydrogen selenide. J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 23(10):470-477. EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1993. Selenium and Compounds (CAS Reg. No. 7782-49-2). Carcinogenicity Assessment, Integrated Risk Information System, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [online]. Available: http://www. epa.gov/iris/subst/0472.htLC [accessed Aug. 17, 2012]. Gasiewicz, T.A., and J.C. Smith. 1978. The metabolism of selenite by intact rat erythro- cytes in vitro. Chem. Biol. Interact. 21(2-3):299-313. Gerhardsson, L., D. Brune, G.F. Nordberg, and P.O. Wester. 1986. Selenium and other trace elements in lung tissue in smelter workers relationship to the occurrence of lung cancer. Acta Pharmacol. Toxicol. 59(suppl. 7):256-259. Glover, J.R. 1970. Selenium and its industrial toxicology. IMS Ind. Med. Surg. 39(1):50- 54. Glover J., O. Levander, J. Parizek, and V. Vouk. 1979. Selenium. Pp. 555-557 in Hand- book on the Toxicology of Metals, L. Friberg, G.F. Norberg, and V. Vouk, eds. Amsterdam: Elsevier/North Holland Biomedical Press. Hall, R.H., S. Laskin, P. Frank, E.A. Maynard, and H.C. Hodge. 1951. Preliminary observa- tions on toxicity of elemental selenium. AMA Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 4(5):458-464. IPCS (International Programme on Chemical Safety). 1987. Selenium. Environmental Health Criteria 58. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland [online]. Avail- able: http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc58.htm [accessed Jan. 2, 2014]. Lee, M., A. Dong, and J. Yano. 1969. Metabolism of 75Se-selenite by human whole blood in vitro. Can. J. Biochem. 47(8):791-797. Lu, J., C. Jiang, M. Kaeck, H. Ganther, S. Vadhanavikit, C. Ip, and H. Thompson. 1995. Dissociation of the genotoxic and growth inhibitory effects of selenium. Biochem. Pharmacol. 50(2):213-219. Malczewska-Toth, B. 2012. Phosphorus, selenium, tellurium, and sulfur. Pp. 841-884 in Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. New York: Wiley. Medinsky, M.A., R.G. Cuddihy, W.C. Griffith, and R.O. McClellan. 1981. A simulation model describing the metabolism of inhaled and ingested selenium compounds. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 59(1):54-63.

258 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels MSZW (Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid). 2004. Nationale MAC-lijst 2004: Seleen en verbindingen. Den Haag: SDU Uitgevers [online]. Available: http://www.lasrook.net/lasrookNL/maclijst2004.htm [accessed Jan. 3, 2014]. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). 1994. Documentation for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLHs): Hydrogen Selenide (as Se). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH [online]. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/77830 75.html [accessed Aug. 17, 2012]. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). 2011. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Hydrogen Selenide. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH [online]. Available: http:// www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0336.html [accessed Aug. 17, 2012]. NRC (National Research Council). 1993. Guidelines for Developing Community Emer- gency Exposure Levels for Hazardous Substances. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. NRC (National Research Council). 2001. P. 43 in Standing Operating Procedures for Developing Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Hazardous Chemicals. Washing- ton, DC: National Academy Press. NTP (National Toxicology Program). 1980a. Bioassay of Selenium Sulfide (Dermal Study) for Possible Carcinogenicity. Technical Report No. 197. NTP No. 80-18. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, and National Toxi- cology Program, Research Triangle Park, NC [online]. Available: http://ntp.niehs. nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/LT_rpts/TR197.pdf [accessed Jan. 2, 2014]. NTP (National Toxicology Program). 1980b. Bioassay of Selsun for Possible Carcino- genicity. Technical Report No. 199. NTP No. 80-19. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, and National Toxicology Program, Research Tri- angle Park, NC [online]. Available: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/LT_rpts/tr1 99.pdf [accessed Jan. 2, 2014]. O’Neil, M.J., P.E. Heckelman, C.B. Koch, and K.J. Roman, eds. 2006. Hydrogen sele- nide. P. 831inThe Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Bio- logicals, 14th Ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck. Rosenfeld, I., and O.A. Beath. 1964. Selenium: Geobotany, Biochemistry, Toxicity, and Nutrition. New York: Academic Press. 411 pp. RTECS (Registry of Toxic Effects of of Chemical Substances). 2009. Hydrogen selenide. RTECS No. MX1050000 [online]. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh-rtecs/MX 100590.html [accessed Jan. 3, 2014]. Ruth, J.H. 1986. Odor thresholds and irritation levels of several chemical substances: A review. Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 47(3):A142-A151. Schecter, A., W. Shanske, A. Stenzler, H. Quintilian, and H. Steinberg. 1980. Acute hy- drogen selenide inhalation. Chest 77(4):554-555. Shepard, T.H. 2010. P. 383 in Catalog of Teratogenic Agents, 13th Ed. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Sunde, R.A. 1990. Molecular biology of selenoproteins. Annu. Rev. Nutr. 10:451-474. ten Berge, W.F., A. Zwart, and L.M. Appelman. 1986. Concentration-time mortality response relationship of irritant and systemically acting vapours and gases. J. Haz- ard. Mater. 13(3):301-309.

Hydrogen Selenide 259 Weissman, S.H., R.G. Cuddihy, and M.A. Medinsky. 1983. Absorption, distribution, and retention of inhaled selenious acid and selenium metal aerosols in beagle dogs. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 67(3):331-337. Yaws, C.L., ed. 2001. Pp. 404-407 in Matheson Gas Data Book, 7th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. Zwart, A., and J.H.E. Arts. 1989. Acute (1-hour) Inhalation Toxicity Study with Hydrogen Selenide in Rats. Report No. V 89.463. Zeist, The Netherlands: TNO-CIVO Insti- tutes. Zwart, A., J.H. Arts, W.J. ten Berge, and L.M. Appleman. 1992. Alternative acute inhala- tion toxicity testing by determination of the concentration-time-mortality relation- ship: Experimental comparison with standard LC50 testing. Regul. Toxicol. Phar- macol. 15(3):278-290.

260 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels APPENDIX A DERIVATION OF AEGL VALUES Derivation of AEGL-1 Values AEGL-1 values for hydrogen selenide are not recommended. No animal or human data on appropriate end points were found. A level of distinct odor awareness could not be calculated because the reported odor threshold of 0.3 ppm was not doc- umented. In addition, AEGL-1 values based on irritation may not account for de- layed onset of pulmonary edema. Derivation of AEGL-2 Values In the absence of relevant data to derive AEGL-2 values and because hydro- gen selenide has a steep concentration-response relationship, AEGL-3 values were divided by 3 to estimate AEGL-2 values (NRC 2001). Calculations: 10-min AEGL-2: 0.67 ppm ÷ 3 = 0.22 ppm 30-min AEGL-2: 0.44 ppm ÷ 3 = 0.15 ppm 1-h AEGL-2: 0.33 ppm ÷ 3 = 0.11 ppm 4-h AEGL-2: 0.19 ppm ÷ 3 = 0.064 ppm 8-h AEGL-2: 0.14 ppm ÷ 3 = 0.048 ppm Derivation of AEGL-3 Key studies: Zwart, A., and J.H.E. Arts. 1989. Acute (1-hour) Inhalation Toxicity Study with Hydrogen Selenide in rats. Report No. V 89.463. Zeist, The Netherlands: TNO-CIVO Institutes. Zwart, A., J.H.E. Arts, W.J. ten Berge, and L.M. Appleman. 1992. Alternative acute inhalation toxicity testing by determination of the concentration-time- mortality relationship: Experimental comparison with standard LC50 testing. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 15(3):278-290. Toxicity end point: 1-h LC01 of 33 ppm, calculated by log-probit analysis of the combined lethality data from the two experiments in rats (1-h LC50 study and C × t study).

Hydrogen Selenide 261 Time scaling: Cn × t = k (n = 2.5, based on probit analysis of the combined lethality data) Uncertainty factors: 10 for interspecies differences 10 for intraspecies variability Modifying factor: None Calculations: 10-min AEGL-3: C2.5 × 0.167 h = 6,255.829 ppm-h C = (6,255.829 ppm-h ÷ 0.167 h)1/2.5 = 67.04 ppm 67.04 ÷ 100 = 0.67 30-min AEGL-3: C2.5 × 0.5 h = 6,255.829 ppm-h C = (6,255.829 ppm-h ÷ 0.5 h)1/2.5 = 43.54 ppm 43.54 ÷ 100 = 0.44 1-h AEGL-3: C = 33 ppm 33 ÷ 100 = 0.33 ppm 4-h AEGL-3: C2.5 × 4 h = 6,255.829 ppm-h C = (6,255.829 ppm-h ÷ 4 h)1/2.5 = 18.95 18.95 ÷ 100 = 0.19 ppm 8-h AEGL-3: C2.5 × 8 h = 6,255.829 ppm-h C = (6,255.829 ppm-h ÷ 8 h)1/2.5 = 14.36 ppm 14.36 ÷ 100 = 0.14

262 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels APPENDIX B DERIVATION SUMMARY FOR HYDROGEN SELENIDE AEGL-1 VALUES AEGL-1 values for hydrogen selenide are not recommended because of insuf- ficient data. No animal or human data on appropriate end points were found. A level of distinct odor awareness could not be calculated because the reported odor thresh- old of 0.3 ppm was not documented. In addition, AEGL-1 values may not account for pulmonary edema, which may occur from exposures resulting in irritation after a latency period. AEGL-2 VALUES 10 min 30 min 1h 4h 8h 0.22 ppm 0.15 ppm 0.11ppm 0.064 ppm 0.048 ppm Data adequacy: No data with appropriate end points for deriving AEGL-2 values were available. Therefore, one-third of the AEGL-3 values were used to estimate AEGL-2 values (NRC 2001). AEGL-3 VALUES 10 min 30 min 1h 4h 8h 0.67 ppm 0.44 ppm 0.33 ppm 0.19 ppm 0.14 ppm Key references: Zwart, A., and J.H.E. Arts. 1989. Acute (1-h) Inhalation Toxicity Study with Hydrogen Selenide in Rats. Report No. V 89.463. Zeist, The Netherlands: TNO-CIVO Institutes. Zwart, A., J.H.E. Arts, W.J. ten Berge, and L.M. Appleman. 1992. Alternative acute inhalation toxicity testing by determination of the concentration-time-mortality relationship: Experimental comparison with standard LC50 testing. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 15(3):278-290. Test species/Strain/Number: Rat (males and females), Wistar, 2-10 per group Exposure route/Concentrations/Durations: Nose-only; 39-870 ppm; 4-120 min Effects: Mortality (incidence); clinical signs of irritation occurred at all concentrations ≥ 423 ppm for ≥4 min: 2/2 117 ppm for 4 min: 0/2 117 ppm for 7.5 min: 1/2 117 ppm for 15 min: 0/2 117 ppm for 30 min: 2/2 78 ppm for 30 min: 2/2 39 ppm for 30 min: 0/2 39 ppm for 42 min: 0/2 117 ppm for 60 min: 2/2 78 ppm for 60 min: 2/2 74 ppm for 60 min: 6/10

Hydrogen Selenide 263 71 ppm for 60 min: 2/10 47 ppm for 60 min: 0/10 39 ppm for 60 min: 0/2 78 ppm for 60 min: 2/2 78 ppm for 84 min: 2/2 39 ppm for 84 min: 1/2 39 ppm for 120 min: 1/2 78 ppm for 120 min: 2/2 End point/Concentration/Rationale: LC01 of 33 ppm, calculated by log-probit analysis of combined data from the two studies Uncertainty factors/Rationale: Total uncertainty factor: 100 Interspecies: 10; data are available in only two species, and the rat is not the most sensitive species Intraspecies: 10; although the steepness of concentration-response relationship indicates little individual variation, this factor was applied to account for the uncertainty with respect to the mechanism for and long-term implications of marked body weight loss in surviving rats Modifying factor: None Animal-to-human dosimetric adjustment: Not applicable Time scaling: Cn × t = k where n = 2.5. Empirical value of n calculated from log probit analysis of rat lethality data combined from the two studies. Data adequacy: Limited data are available for hydrogen selenide. AEGL-3 values were based on a well-conducted and documented study. Exposures were by nose-only administration, which eliminated potential confounding exposure routes.

264 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels APPENDIX C CATEGORY PLOT FOR HYDROGEN SELENIDE FIGURE C-1 Category plot of toxicity data and AEGL values for hydrogen selenide. Note: There are no documented human data on hydrogen selenide; anectodal information reported by Dudley and Miller (1941) is considered unreliable because no citation was provided nor did the authors indicate sampling or analysis methods to supporting their statements. Guinea pig data are not included because a large number of deaths occurred in the control groups for this study.

TABLE C-1 Data Used in Category Plot for Hydrogen Selenide Source Species Sex No. exposures ppm Minutes Category Effect AEGL-1 NR 10 AEGL AEGL-1 NR 30 AEGL AEGL-1 NR 60 AEGL AEGL-1 NR 240 AEGL AEGL-1 NR 480 AEGL AEGL-2 0.22 10 AEGL AEGL-2 0.14 30 AEGL AEGL-2 0.11 60 AEGL AEGL-2 0.064 240 AEGL AEGL-2 0.048 480 AEGL AEGL-3 0.67 10 AEGL AEGL-3 0.44 30 AEGL AEGL-3 0.33 60 AEGL AEGL-3 0.19 240 AEGL AEGL-3 0.14 480 AEGL Rat M/F 1 117 7.5 SL Mortality 1/2 Rat M/F 1 117 15 2 Pilerection, red discoloration of fur, blue discoloration of limbs, half-closed eyes, red nasal discharge, mouth breathing, moist or dry rales, apnea, body weight loss (Continued) 265

266 TABLE C-1 Continued Source Species Sex No. exposures ppm Minutes Category Effect Rat M/F 1 39 30 2 Clinical signs as above Rat M/F 1 78 30 3 Mortality 2/2 Rat M/F 1 39 42 2 Clinical signs as above Rat M/F 1 78 42 SL Mortality1/2 Rat M/F 1 47 60 2 Clinical signs as above Rat M/F 1 72 60 SL LC50 Rat M/F 1 78 60 3 Mortality 2/2 Rat M/F 1 39 84 SL Mortality 1/2 Rat M/F 1 78 84 3 Mortality 2/2 Rat M/F 1 39 120 SL Mortality 1/2 Rat M/F 1 78 120 3 Mortality 2/2 For category: 0 = no effect, 1 = discomfort, 2 = disabling, SL = some lethality, 3 = lethal

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Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals: Volume 16 Get This Book
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Extremely hazardous substances can be released accidentally as a result of chemical spills, industrial explosions, fires, or accidents involving railroad cars and trucks transporting EHSs. Workers and residents in communities surrounding industrial facilities where these substances are manufactured, used, or stored and in communities along the nation's railways and highways are potentially at risk of being exposed to airborne extremely hazardous substances during accidental releases or intentional releases by terrorists. Pursuant to the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified approximately 400 extremely hazardous substances on the basis of acute lethality data in rodents.

Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals, Volume 16 identifies, reviews, and interprets relevant toxicologic and other scientific data for selected aliphatic nitriles, benzonitrile, methacrylonitrile, allyl alcohol, hydrogen selenide, ketene, and tear gasin order to develop acute exposure guideline levels (AEGLs) for these high-priority, acutely toxic chemicals.

AEGLs represent threshold exposure limits (exposure levels below which adverse health effects are not likely to occur) for the general public and are applicable to emergency exposures ranging from 10 minutes (min) to 8 h. Three levels - AEGL-1, AEGL-2, and AEGL-3 - are developed for each of five exposure periods (10 min, 30 min, 1 h, 4 h, and 8 h) and are distinguished by varying degrees of severity of toxic effects. This report will inform planning, response, and prevention in the community, the workplace, transportation, the military, and the remediation of Superfund sites.

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