selenium

Product Details:

Selenium exists in several allotropic forms. The most stable form, crystalline hexagonal selenium, is metallic gray. Crystalline monoclinic selenium is a deep red color. Amorphous selenium is red in powder form and is black in vitreous form. Gray crystalline ‘metallic’ selenium conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark (photoconductive) and it can convert light directly into electricity (photovoltaic).

Selenium is used in the glass industry to decolorize glass and to make red-colored glasses and enamels.

It is used as a catalyst in many chemical reactions.

Selenium is used in solar cells and photocells – in fact the first solar cell was made using selenium. It is also used as a photographic toner.

Selenium is used with bismuth in brasses and as an additive to stainless steel. When selenium is added to iron and copper based metals it improves their machinability.

Selenium sulfide is used in anti-dandruff shampoos.

Despite the toxicity of its compounds, selenium is also an essential trace element for humans and other animals. Without it, the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPX), which protects against oxidative damage in cells, could not function. Abnormally low selenium in the diet might increase the risk of cancer. Abnormally high levels of selenium compounds can lead to selenium poisoning.

Selenium is used to treat or prevent selenium deficiency.

Selenium has been used in alternative medicine as an aid to treat Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid), and to treat highcholesterol. (Only if approved by Food and Drug Administration).