Selenium and its Inorganic Compounds [BAT Value Documentation, 2011]

The document from 2019 reviews the biological monitoring and toxicological assessment of selenium and its inorganic compounds, highlighting their use in various industries and the varying absorption rates of different selenium forms. It emphasizes selenium's essential role in human health, including antioxidative defense and thyroid hormone metabolism, while noting that both deficiency and excess can lead to health issues such as hair loss. The document summarizes studies on selenium exposure, including a study with 12 workers showing occupational exposure effects, and the SELECT study with 8,752 male participants that indicated increased serum selenium levels after supplementation. It also discusses the increased risk of diabetes with higher selenium levels, as observed in the Stranges et al. study and NHANES data analysis. Serum or plasma selenium concentration is deemed a suitable indicator of selenium intake, but hair and nail levels are not reliable. A Biological Exposure Index (BEI) of 150 µg selenium/l serum is recommended, with the document stressing the importance of knowing initial selenium levels for accurate exposure assessment.