FLUORINE

Fluorine
CAS 7782-41-4

F₂

Pale yellow gas
bp -188 °C, mp -219 °C
Reacts with water

Strong ozone-like odor detectable at 0.1 to 0.2 ppm

1.695 (air = 1.0)

>760 mmHg at 20 °C

LC₅₀ inhal (rat) 185 ppm (300 mg/m³; 1 h)

PEL (OSHA) 0.1 ppm (0.2 mg/m³)

TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 1 ppm (1.6 mg/m³)

STEL (ACGIH) 2 ppm (3.1 mg/m³)

Dangerously reactive gas; contact with many materials results in ignition or violent reactions; highly irritating and corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.

The acute toxicity of fluorine is high. Even very low concentrations irritate the respiratory tract, and brief exposure to 50 ppm can be intolerable. High concentrations can cause severe damage to the respiratory system and can result in the delayed onset of pulmonary edema, which may be fatal. Fluorine is highly irritating to the eyes, and high concentrations cause severe injury and can lead to permanent damage and blindness. Fluorine is extremely corrosive to the skin, causing damage similar to second-degree thermal burns. Fluorine is not considered to have adequate warning properties.

Chronic toxicity is unlikely to occur due to the corrosive effects of fluorine exposure. Fluorine has not been found to be carcinogenic or to show reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans.

Fluorine is not flammable, but is a very strong oxidizer, reacting vigorously with most oxidizable materials at room temperature, frequently with ignition. Water should not be used to fight fires involving fluorine.

Fluorine is an extremely powerful oxidizing agent that reacts violently with a great many materials, including water, most organic substances (including greases, many plastics, rubbers, and coatings), silicon-containing compounds, and most metals. The reaction with water produces HF and ozone. Fluorine reacts explosively or forms explosive compounds, often at very low temperatures, with chemicals as diverse as graphite, sodium acetate, stainless steel, perchloric acid, and water or ice. Fluorine ignites in contact with ammonia, ceramic materials, phosphorus, sulfur, copper wire, acetone, and many other organic and inorganic compounds. The literature on incompatibilities of fluorine should be carefully reviewed before attempting work with this substance.

Because of its extreme reactivity, toxicity, and gaseous nature, fluorine should be handled using the "basic prudent practices" of Chapter 5.C, supplemented by the additional precautions for work with reactive or explosive chemicals (Chapter 5.G) and work with compressed gases (Chapter 5.H). Work with fluorine requires special precautions and protective equipment and should be carried out only by specially trained personnel. Fluorine will react with many materials normally recommended for handling compressed gases.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If large amounts of fluorine are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

In the event of a small leak, stop flow of gas if possible, or move cylinder to a fume hood or to a safe location in the open air. Accidental releases of fluorine require evacuation of the affected area and should be handled only by trained personnel equipped with proper protective clothing and respiratory protection.

Excess fluorine should be returned to the manufacturer if possible, according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.