Waste form Solid Selenium is an odourless metalloid (an element which has both metallic and non-metallic properties) like arsenic and antimony but most closely resembling tellurium. It can be a grey (the 'metallic' and most stable form), red or black solid. Physical/ chemical Selenium can be present in sulfide minerals and also iron oxide description minerals. However is among the rarer elements on Earth. Common selenium salts such as selenium dioxide, selenium disulphide and selenium hexafluoride are either slightly water soluble or insoluble. Substances or wastes which if released present or may present immediate or Primary hazard H12: Ecotoxic delayed adverse impacts to the environment by means of bioaccumulation and/or toxic effects upon biotic systems. Why is it Substances or wastes which, if they are hazardous? Secondary H11: Toxic (delayed inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the hazard or chronic) skin, may involve delayed or chronic effects, including carcinogenicity. Other hazard(s) N/A N/A Main likely chemical contaminants As, S and heavy metals Where does it Main sources Inorganic chemical manufacturing, metal smelting, metal recycling. come from? Chemical/ physical treatment to immobilise the hazard, then the How is it stabilised material is usually disposed of in hazardous waste landfill. Main fates managed? Limited recycling and recovery of selenium may occur in Australia. Volume score <1% 1 5% 5 10% 10 20% 20% – – – ≥ (% of national tonnes in 2013) 0.001% How much is generated in TOTAL: 40 ACT: 0 NSW: 32 Australia? Waste arising in NT: 0 Qld: 1 SA: 7 2013 (tonnes) Tas: 0 Vic: 0 WA: 0 Selenium is a trace element essential in a human diet but can be harmful at levels only 5 to 10 times the daily recommended intake. For example, Accidentally swallowing a large quantity of selenium Overview Potential health supplement pills could be life-threatening without immediate medical impacts treatment. Acute toxicity Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed. Acute and fatal toxicities High:
Waste form Solid Physical/ chemical description Selenium is an odourless metalloid (an element which has both metallic and non-metallic properties) like arsenic and antimony but most closely resembling tellurium. It can be a grey (the 'metallic' and most stable form), red or black solid. Selenium can be present in sulfide minerals and also iron oxide minerals. However is among the rarer elements on Earth. Common selenium salts such as selenium dioxide, selenium disulphide and selenium hexafluoride are either slightly water soluble or insoluble. Why is it hazardous? Primary hazard H12: Ecotoxic Substances or wastes which if released present or may present immediate or delayed adverse impacts to the environment by means of bioaccumulation and/or toxic effects upon biotic systems. Secondary hazard H11: Toxic (delayed or chronic) Substances or wastes which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may involve delayed or chronic effects, including carcinogenicity. Other hazard(s) N/A N/A Main likely chemical contaminants As, S and heavy metals Where does it come from? Main sources Inorganic chemical manufacturing, metal smelting, metal recycling. How is it managed? Main fates Chemical/ physical treatment to immobilise the hazard, then the stabilised material is usually disposed of in hazardous waste landfill. Limited recycling and recovery of selenium may occur in Australia. How much is generated in Australia? Volume score (% of national tonnes in 2013) <1% 1 – 5% 5 – 10% 10 – 20% ≥ 20% 0.001% Waste arising in 2013 (tonnes) TOTAL: 40 ACT: 0 NSW: 32 NT: 0 Qld: 1 SA: 7 Tas: 0 Vic: 0 WA: 0 Potential health impacts Overview Selenium is a trace element essential in a human diet but can be harmful at levels only 5 to 10 times the daily recommended intake. For example, Accidentally swallowing a large quantity of selenium supplement pills could be life-threatening without immediate medical treatment. Acute toxicity High: Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed. Acute and fatal toxicities
hazardous-waste-impacts.docx