Tellurium
Synonyms & Trade Names
Aurum paradoxum, Metallum problematumExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [*Note: The REL also applies to other tellurium compounds (as Te) except Tellurium hexafluoride and Bismuth telluride.]OSHA PEL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [*Note: The PEL also applies to other tellurium compounds (as Te) except Tellurium hexafluoride and Bismuth telluride.]Physical Description
Odorless, dark-gray to brown, amorphous powder or grayish-white, brittle solid.Molecular Weight
127.6Boiling Point
1814°FMelting Point
842°FSolubility
InsolubleVapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)Ionization Potential
NASpecific Gravity
6.24Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NAIncompatibilities & Reactivities
Oxidizers, chlorine, cadmiumExposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
Garlic breath, sweating; dry mouth, metallic taste; drowsiness; anorexia, nausea, no sweating; dermatitis; In Animals: central nervous system, red blood cell changesTarget Organs
Skin, central nervous system, bloodPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:No recommendation
Eyes:No recommendation
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:No recommendation
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 0.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Up to 1 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 2.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
Up to 5 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 25 mg/m3:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division