Tellurium compounds (as Te)

CAS number: 13494–80–9 (Metal)

NIOSH REL: 0.1 mg/m³ TWA

Current OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m³ TWA

1989 OSHA PEL: Same as current PEL

1993-1994 ACGIH TLV: 0.1 mg/m³ TWA

Description of substance: Varies

Original (SCP) IDLH*: No Evidence [*Note: “Effective” IDLH = 50 mg Te/m³ — see discussion below.]

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: Because no evidence of an IDLH for tellurium is shown in the available toxicological data, respirators have been selected on the basis of the assigned protection factor afforded by each device up to 500 ´ the OSHA PEL of 0.1 mg Te/m³ (i.e., 50 mg Te/m³); only the “most protective” respirators are permitted for use in concentrations exceeding 50 mg Te/m³.

Short-term exposure guidelines: None developed

ACUTE TOXICITY DATA:

Lethal dose data:

Species	Reference	Route	LD50 (mg/kg)	LDLo (mg/kg)	Adjusted LD	Derived value
Te: Rat	Izmerov et al. 1982	oral	83	-----	581 mg Te/m3	58 mg Te/m3
Te: Mouse	Izmerov et al. 1982	oral	20	-----	140 mg Te/m3	14 mg Te/m3
Te: Rabbit	Izmerov et al. 1982	oral	67	-----	469 mg Te/m3	47 mg Te/m3
G. pig	Izmerov et al. 1982	oral	45	-----	315 mg Te/m3	32 mg Te/m3
TeO6H6 Rabbit	Muehlberger &Schrenk 1928	oral	56	-----	392 mg Te/m3	39 mg Te/m3

Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.

Revised IDLH: 25 mg Te/m3 Basis for revised IDLH: No inhalation toxicity data are available on which to base an IDLH for tellurium compounds. Therefore, the revised IDLH for tellurium compounds is 25 mg Te/m3 based on acute oral toxicity data in animals [Izmerov et al. 1982; Muehlberger and Schrenk 1928].

REFERENCES:

1. Izmerov NF, Sanotsky IV, Sidorov KK [1982]. Toxicometric parameters of industrial toxic chemicals under single exposure. Moscow, Russia: Centre of International Projects, GKNT, p. 107.

2. Muehlberger CW, Schrenk HH [1928]. The effect of the state of oxidation on the toxicity of certain elements. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 33:270-271.