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Selenium

CAS Number

7782-49-2

Synonym

Caswell No, 732; CI 77805; Elemental selenium; Gray selenium; Selenium alloy; Selenium base; Selenium compounds; Selenium dust; EPA Pesticide Code: 072001

Occurrence/Use

Power rectifiers and surge protection, photographic toner, anti-dandruff shampoos; production of glass (tinting), alloys, photoelectric cells, rubber, pharmaceuticals, fungicides, insecticides; component of tobacco smoke. Naturally occurring in small amounts in water and some foods.

Selenium

Soil Screening

Last CHHSL revision: 
1/2005
CHHSL Comments: 

For chemical-specific screening levels for use in assessing contaminated sites, please see HHRA Note 3 (DTSC HERO). https://www.dtsc.ca.gov/assessingrisk/humanrisk2.cfm

Cancer Potency Information

Latest Criteria: 
California Public Health Goals

Air

Chronic REL

Chronic Inhalation REL (μg/m3): 
20 (inhalation); 5 μg/kg BW-day (oral)
Chronic Target Organs: 
Inhalation and oral: Alimentary system (liver), cardiovascular system, nervous system
Human Data: 
Yes
Last Chronic REL Revision: 
2001
Chronic Reference Exposure Levels Comments: 

OEHHA 2008. Technical Supporting Document for Noncancer RELs, Appendix D3. Listing is for Selenium and selenium compounds (other than hydrogen selenide). REL for hydrogen selenide listed separately.

Water

California Public Health Goals Data

Health Risk Category: 
Integumentary toxicity (causes hair loss and nail damage)
Public Health Goal (mg/L): 
0.03
Public Health Goal - Download: 
Cancer Risk at PHG: 
n/a
MCL value (mg/L): 
0.05
Cancer Risk at MCL: 
n/a
Last PHG Revision : 
2010
California PHG Comments: 

Listing is for water-soluble and bioavailable selenium compounds.