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NIOSH

FLUORINE

ICSC: 0046

F2
Molecular mass: 38.0
(cylinder)
ICSC # 0046 		CAS # 7782-41-4
RTECS # LM6475000
UN # 1045
EC # 009-001-00-0
October 17, 2001 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.
NO contact with water, combustibles and reducing agents (see Chemical Dangers).
NO water. In case of fire in the surroundings: powder, carbon dioxide (see Notes).
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with many substances (see Chemical Dangers).

In case of fire: cool cylinder by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. (See Notes).
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness. Pain. Skin burns. ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.
First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION


SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof if in building. Cool.

T+ symbol
C symbol
R: 7-26-35
S: 1/2-9-26-36/37/39-45
UN Hazard Class: 2.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 5.1, 8
ICSC: 0046 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

FLUORINE

ICSC: 0046

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
YELLOW COMPRESSED GAS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials. Reacts violently with water producing toxic and corrosive vapours: ozone (see ICSC0068) and hydrogen fluoride (see ICSC0283). Reacts violently with ammonia, metals, oxidants, and many other materials, causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1 ppm as TWA; 2 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available); (DFG 2005).
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 ppm (0.2 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 ppm (0.2 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 25 ppm See: 7782414


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this gas may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The liquid may cause frostbite. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -188°C
Melting point: -219°C
Solubility in water: reaction
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.3

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Do NOT spray water on leaking cylinder (to prevent corrosion of cylinder). Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G1TOC

NFPA Code: H 4; F 0; R 4; W

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0046 FLUORINE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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