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Tellurium compounds (as Te)
May 1994
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH)
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/m3Basis 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.