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Ammonium fluoride. TOXNET profile from Hazardous Substances Data Bank.


See for Updates: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB

AMMONIUM FLUORIDE
CASRN: 12125-01-8
For other data, click on the Table of Contents

Human Health Effects:

 

Human Toxicity Excerpts:

... THE MAJOR MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRONIC INGESTION OF EXCESSIVE AMT OF FLUORIDE ARE OSTEOSCLEROSIS & MOTTLED ENAMEL. CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO EXCESS FLUORIDE CAUSES INCR OSTEOBLASTIC ACTIVITY. ... DENSITY AND CALCIFICATION OF BONE ARE INCREASED ... THOUGHT TO REPRESENT THE REPLACEMENT OF HYDROXYAPATITE BY THE DENSER FLUOROAPATITE. /FLUORIDE SALTS/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S. Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. 1980. 1546]**PEER REVIEWED**

CHRONIC POISONING: INTAKE OF MORE THAN 6 MG ... /DAY RESULTS IN FLUOROSIS. SYMPTOMS ARE WT LOSS ... ANEMIA, WEAKNESS, GENERAL ILL HEALTH, STIFFNESS OF JOINTS. ... /FLUORIDE/
[Dreisbach, R. H. Handbook of Poisoning. 9th ed. Los Altos, California: Lange Medical Publications, 1977. 207]**PEER REVIEWED**

Ingestion produces nausea, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, muscular weakness, tremors, convulsions, vascular collapse. Incr respiration is followed by depression, death. Chronic toxicity: mottling of enamel, generalized osteosclerosis, calcification in tendons and ligaments, synostoses.
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

SYMPTOMATOLOGY: A. Ingestion of soluble fluoride salts. 1. Salty or soapy taste, salivation, nausea. Repeated small doses (as in drinking water) may produce no other symptoms, but polyuria and polydipsia have also been reported. 2. Large doses lead promptly to burning or crampy abdominal pain, intense vomiting and diarrhea, often with hematemesis and melena. Dehydration and thirst. 3. Muscle weakness, tremors, and rarely transient epileptiform convulsions, preceded or followed by progressive central nervous depression (lethargy, coma and respiratory arrest, even in the absence of circulatory failure). 4. Shock characterized by pallor, weak and thready pulse (sometimes irregular), shallow unlabored respiration, weak heart sounds, wet cold skin, cyanosis, anuria, dilated pupils, followed almost invariably by death in 2 to 4 hours. 5. Even in the absence of shock, arrhythmias may occur, especially multiple episodes of ventricular fibrillation leading eventually to cardiac arrest. 6. If the victim survives a few hours, paralysis of the muscles of deglutition, carpopedal spasm, and painful spasms of the extremities. 7. Occasionally localized or generalized urticaria. 8. The above signs and symptoms are related to a variety of metabolic disorders that may occur in acute fluoride poisoning, including hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic and/or respiratory acidosis and sometimes hyperkalemia. /Fluoride/
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-190]**PEER REVIEWED**

An important effect of fluoride is dental fluorosis (mottled enamel). Numerous studies have examined the relationship between concentrations of fluoride in community drinking water supplies and the occurrence of dental fluorosis. Some studies have determinded that the acceptable level of fluoride in water varies with the mean annual temperature of the area in question, because people drink more water when the environment is warmer. In one study, concentrations of fluoride causing cosmetically "objectionable" dental fluorosis varied from 0.8 mg/l at mean temperature of 70 deg F to 1.7 mg/l at mean temperature of 50 deg F (estimated to equal 0.05 mg kg/day). The Agency, however, has concluded that there is insuficient data to quantitatively incorporate temperature in any future drinking water regulations. Concentrations associated with intentional fluoridation of drinking water (0.7 to 1.2 mg/l) have not shown adverse effects on healthy or longevity. Factors considered include growth, effects on the kidney, cardiovascular system, and thyroid, teratogenicity and mutagenicity. /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.vi-48 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Fluoride has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on bone development and has found application in stimulating new bone growth in patients with osteoporosis. To a lesser degree, fluoride has also been suggested to have possible effects on the cardiovascular system (ie, reduced aortic calcification when drinking water contained 4.0 to 5.8 mg fluoride per liter) and hearing (ie, stabilization of the sensorineural component of hearing loss in patients with active otospongiosin when 40 to 60 mg was administered daily). /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.vi-47 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chronic exposure to either too low or too high a concentration of fluoride may have deleterious effects on the skeletal system. An increased in the incidence of severe osteoporosis was correlated with use of drinking water containing 0.4 mg/l fluoride. Severe skeletal fluorosis has been reported in persons living in areas of naturally high fluoride concentrations (up to 14 mg/l). Radiologically detectable osteosclerosos has been observed in about 10 percent of long term residents using water supplies containing 8 mg/l fluoride. Retardation of skeletal maturity has been observed in children using a water supply containing 3.6 mg/l fluoride. In other situations, skeletal fluorosis has not been described in populations whose water supplies contained less than 4 mg/l fluoride. /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.vi-48 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The beneficial effects of fluoride on human health have been demonstrated, both in terms of general health and in the treatment of specific diseases. Fluoride ingested during childhood results in marked reduction of dental caries. Similarly, fluoride has found application in stimulating substituted bone growth in patients with osteoporosis. The daily intake levels considered to be protective against both dental caries and possibly osteoporosis are established by age category with 1.5 to 4.0 mg/day (0.7 to 2.0 mg/l in drinking water) the range for adults. Fluoride has also been suggested to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system (reduced aortic calcification) and hearing (stabilization of patients with active otospongiosis). /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.I-3 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The National Academy of Sciences has estimated an adequate and safe total intake of fluoride ranging form 0.1 to 0.5 mg/day for infants (less than six months old) to 1.5 to 4.0 mg/day for adults. These estimates are considered protective against dental caries and possibly osteoporosis. /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.I-6 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The mechanism for acute lethality at high fluoride dose levels is not fully defined. It is believed that certain essential enzymatic reactions may be blocked and there may be interference with the origin and transmission of nerve impulses. The metabolic roles of calcium and physical damage to the kidney and the mucosa of the stomach and intestine are also believed to be associated with the acute lethality mechanism. Fluoride interacts with bones and teeth by replacing hydroxyl or bicarbonate ions in hydroxyapatite to form fluorohydroxyapatite. Fluoride may function as an essential key to bring about precipitation or nucleation of the apatite lattice in an oriented fashion on collagen filters. Accretion of new mineral continues, and fluoride, brought to the surfaces of newly formed crystals by the extracellular fluid, replaces the hydroxyl ion. As crystal growth continues, fluoride is incorporated into inner layers of the crystals as well as on the surface. Remodeling of the bone structure takes place by an interplay of osteoclastic resorption of old bone and osteoblastic deposition of new bone. The presence of fluorohydroxyapatite increases the crystalline structure of the bone and reduces its solubility. Available evidence suggests the dental fluorosis results from toxic effects of fluoride on the epithelial enamel organ. Specifically, several investigators have shown that ameloblasts are susceptible to fluoride. Dental staining often accompanies fluorosis but does not itself determine the degree of fluorosis. The staining is believed to be due to the oxidation of organic material in defective enamel or the penetration of hypoplastic sections of enamel by food pigments. /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.VIII-3 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:

Irritating to eyes, nose, and throat.
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Drug Warnings:

Food and Environmental Agents: Effect on Breast-Feeding: Reported Sign or Symptom in Infant or Effect on Lactation: Fluorides: None. /from Table 7/
[Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs in Pediatrics 93 (1): 142 (1994)]**QC REVIEWED**


 

Populations at Special Risk:

Populations that appear to be at increased risk from the effects of fluoride are individuals that suffer from diabetes insipidus or some forms of renal impairment. These high risk populations represent a relatively small segment of the general populations. /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.I-5 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Probable Routes of Human Exposure:

Fluoride enters the body by ingestion and inhalation, and, in extreme cases of acute exposure, through the skin. Not all of the fluoride that is ingested or inhaled is absorbed, and a proportion is excreted by various means. Intake is lowest in rural communities in which there are no fluoride rich soils or waters, and no exposure to industrial, agricultural, dental, or medical sources. Fluoridation of water for the prevention of caries may result in this being the largest source, if there is no exposure to other man-made sources, such as industrial emissions. Consumption of high fluoride foods such as tea or some fish dishes may increase intake significantly. /Fluoride/
[WHO; Environ Health Criteria: Fluorine and Fluorides p.47 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Emergency Medical Treatment:

 

 

Emergency Medical Treatment:

 

EMT Copyright Disclaimer:
Portions of the POISINDEX(R) database are provided here for general reference. THE COMPLETE POISINDEX(R) DATABASE, AVAILABLE FROM MICROMEDEX, SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF SPECIFIC CASES. Copyright 1974-1998 Micromedex, Inc. Denver, Colorado. All Rights Reserved. Any duplication, replication or redistribution of all or part of the POISINDEX(R) database is a violation of Micromedex' copyrights and is strictly prohibited.

The following Overview, *** FLUORIDE ***, is relevant for this HSDB record chemical.

Life Support:
  o   This overview assumes that basic life support measures
      have been instituted.                           
Clinical Effects:
  SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
   0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Following ingestion, sodium fluoride probably reacts
         with gastric acid to produce highly corrosive HF which
         may cause the nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
         pains, and acute hemorrhagic gastroenteritis reported
         following massive overdose.
     o   In most instances, gastrointestinal signs and symptoms
         predominate.  Other effects include headache, numbness,
         carpopedal spasm, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and
         hyperkalemia.  In severe poisoning hypotension and
         dysrhythmias may develop.  Death usually occurs from
         cardiac failure or respiratory paralysis.
     o   Respiratory and mucous membrane irritation may develop
         after inhalation.
  CARDIOVASCULAR
   0.2.5.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Cardiac arrhythmias consistent with hyperkalemia may be
         noted.  Fatal cardiac arrest occurred in several
         patients with renal failure exposed to fluoride during
         hemodialysis.
  RESPIRATORY
   0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Respirations are first stimulated then depressed.
         Death is usually from respiratory paralysis.  Following
         inhalation, coughing and choking may be noted.
  NEUROLOGIC
   0.2.7.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Hyperactive reflexes, painful muscle spasms, weakness
         and tetanic contractures may be noted due to fluoride
         induced hypocalcemia.
  GASTROINTESTINAL
   0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Epigastric pain, nausea, dysphagia, salivation,
         hematemesis, and diarrhea may be noted.  These effects
         may be delayed for several hours following exposure.
         GI symptoms are noted when 3 to 5 mg/kg of fluoride are
         ingested.
  FLUID-ELECTROLYTE
   0.2.12.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Hyperkalemia may be noted.  Hypocalcemia is likely.
  DERMATOLOGIC
   0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Urticaria and pruritus have been reported following
         exposure to fluoride.
  REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS
    o   Prenatal fluoride supplementation (2.2 mg NaF or 1 mg
        fluoride daily) during the last two trimesters of
        pregnancy has been reported to be safe.
  OTHER
   0.2.23.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   CHRONIC EXPOSURE - Prolonged exposure to fluorinated
         water may cause fluorosis.  Signs and symptoms of
         fluorosis include brittle bones, calcified ligaments,
         and other crippling changes.                        
Laboratory:
  o   Monitor serum calcium, potassium, and magnesium levels
      regularly in symptomatic patients.
  o   No other specific lab work (CBC, electrolyte, urinalysis)
      is needed unless otherwise indicated.
  o   Monitor EKG in significant intoxications.
Treatment Overview:
  ORAL EXPOSURE
    o   ADMINISTER milk, calcium gluconate, or calcium lactate
        to bind fluoride ion in the gastrointestinal tract.
    o   ANTACIDS (aluminum and/or magnesium based) should be
        administered.
    o   IV calcium (gluconate or chloride) and magnesium may be
        necessary to correct serum deficits of these divalent
        metals in serious overdosage.
    o   Monitor EKG and vital signs.
  INHALATION EXPOSURE
    o   INHALATION:  Move patient to fresh air.  Monitor for
        respiratory distress.  If cough or difficulty breathing
        develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation,
        bronchitis, or pneumonitis.  Administer oxygen and
        assist ventilation as required.  Treat bronchospasm with
        beta2  agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.
  EYE EXPOSURE
    o   DECONTAMINATION:  Irrigate exposed eyes with copious
        amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes.  If
        irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia
        persist, the patient should be seen in a health care
        facility.
  DERMAL EXPOSURE
    o   DECONTAMINATION:  Remove contaminated clothing and wash
        exposed  area thoroughly with soap and water.  A
        physician may need to  examine the area if irritation or
        pain persists.                   
Range of Toxicity:
  o   The estimated toxic dose is 5 to 10 mg/kg of fluoride (not
      sodium fluoride).  GI symptoms have occurred following
      ingestion of 3 to 5 mg/kg of fluoride.  Accidental
      ingestion of sodium fluoride by children usually does not
      present serious risk if the amount of fluoride ingested is
      less than 5 mg/kg.  Death has been reported following
      ingestion of 16 mg/kg of fluoride.  Fluoride toothpaste
      typically contains a maximum of 1 milligram of fluoride
      per gram of toothpaste.


[Rumack BH: POISINDEX(R) Information System. Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2001; CCIS Volume 110, edition exp November, 2001. Hall AH & Rumack BH (Eds):TOMES(R) Information System. Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2001; CCIS Volume 110, edition exp November, 2001.] **PEER REVIEWED**

 

EMT Copyright Disclaimer:
Portions of the POISINDEX(R) database are provided here for general reference. THE COMPLETE POISINDEX(R) DATABASE, AVAILABLE FROM MICROMEDEX, SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF SPECIFIC CASES. Copyright 1974-1998 Micromedex, Inc. Denver, Colorado. All Rights Reserved. Any duplication, replication or redistribution of all or part of the POISINDEX(R) database is a violation of Micromedex' copyrights and is strictly prohibited.

The following Overview, *** HYDROFLUORIC ACID ***, is relevant for this HSDB record chemical.

Life Support:
  o   This overview assumes that basic life support measures
      have been instituted.                           
Clinical Effects:
  SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
   0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   SYSTEMIC TOXICITY - Systemic fluoride toxicity from
         ingestion or dermal or injection exposure to
         hydrofluoric acid (HF) may result in severe
         hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, metabolic
         acidosis, cardiac dysrhythmias, and death.  HF may
         produce severe ocular and dermal injury as well as
         acute life threatening systemic toxicity with minimal
         external tissue damage.
     o   INGESTION - may result in nausea, vomiting and
         abdominal pain; painful necrotic lesions, hemorrhagic
         gastritis, and pancreatitis have been reported after
         significant exposure.  Local caustic effects to the
         mouth and gastrointestinal tract may be evident.
         Severe systemic toxicity including hypocalcemia,
         hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, ventricular dysrhythmias,
         and death may occur after ingestion of even low
         concentrations ( 3 ounces of 8 percent HF in adults).
     o   INHALATION - May cause severe throat irritation, cough,
         dyspnea, cyanosis, lung injury and noncardiogenic
         pulmonary edema.
     o   DERMAL - HF readily penetrates the skin and mucous
         membranes, causing deep tissue destruction.  Severity
         and timing of effects depends on the concentration,
         duration of exposure, and penetrability of the exposed
         tissue; pain may be delayed.  Life threatening systemic
         toxicity may follow dermal exposure with minimal
         external tissue damage.
      1.  CONCENTRATIONS LESS THAN 20 percent - Erythema and
          pain may be delayed for 24 hours, often not reported
          until significant tissue injury has occurred.
      2.  CONCENTRATIONS 20 percent TO 50 percent - Erythema and
          pain may be delayed for 8 hours, often not reported
          until tissue injury has occurred.
      3.  CONCENTRATIONS GREATER THAN 50 percent may produce
          immediate pain and erythema, rapid destruction of
          tissues and acute systemic toxicity.
     o   EYE EXPOSURE - HF exposure commonly causes eye
         irritation and may also cause severe ocular damage.
         Signs and symptoms may be delayed.
   0.2.1.2 CHRONIC EXPOSURE
     o   Hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid are extreme
         irritants to any part of the body that they contact.
         The main route of exposure to hydrogen fluoride is
         inhalation, followed by dermal contact for acute
         exposure and ingestion for chronic exposure.  Symptoms
         of the chronic effects of hydrofluoric acid include
         weight loss, malaise, anemia, leukopenia, discoloration
         of teeth, and osteosclerosis.
  HEENT
   0.2.4.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   EYES - Ocular exposure to liquid HF produces rapid
         pain, conjunctival injection, corneal abrasion or
         ulceration, progressive corneal vascularization and
         stroma scarring, and corneal opacification.  Permanent
         visual deficits may occur in severe cases.
      1.  HF fume exposure commonly causes eye and mucous
          membrane irritation and may also cause ocular injury.
          Signs and symptoms may be delayed a few hours.
  CARDIOVASCULAR
   0.2.5.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   QTc prolongation, cardiac dysrhythmias, and cardiac
         arrest have been reported with laboratory abnormalities
         that include hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, and
         hypomagnesemia.  Histologic myocardial damage has been
         described in fatal exposures.
  RESPIRATORY
   0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Dyspnea, bronchospasm (with abnormal PFTs and hypoxia),
         chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema (can be
         hemorrhagic), tracheobronchitis, upper airway
         obstruction, chemical burns (larynx, trachea, bronchi)
         and ARDS may occur following inhalation.
  GASTROINTESTINAL
   0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Ingestion may result in nausea, vomiting and abdominal
         pain; painful necrotic lesions, hemorrhagic gastritis,
         and pancreatitis have been reported after significant
         exposure.  Local caustic effects to the mouth and
         gastrointestinal tract may be evident.  Rectal
         administration has caused acute colitis with
         perforation.
  ACID-BASE
   0.2.11.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Metabolic acidosis has been reported in severe
         poisoning.
  FLUID-ELECTROLYTE
   0.2.12.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, and hypomagnesemia may
         develop after inhalation, dermal or oral exposure and
         have been associated with the development of cardiac
         dysrhythmias.  Animal studies suggest that dysrhythmias
         may also be associated with hyperkalemia.
  DERMATOLOGIC
   0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   The severity of the burn and onset of symptoms depend
         on the concentration, duration of exposure, and
         penetrability of the exposed tissue.  Destruction of
         tissue proceeds under toughened coagulated skin so that
         ulcers extend deeply, heal slowly, and leave a scar.
  MUSCULOSKELETAL
   0.2.15.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
     o   Acute exposure may cause decalcification and corrosion
         of the bone beneath the area of dermal burn.
   0.2.15.2 CHRONIC EXPOSURE
     o   Fluorosis is characterized by skeletal changes such as
         increased bone density of the spin and pelvis,
         calcification of ligaments, and hyperostosis although
         clinical fluorosis is unlikely before 10 years of
         exposure to fluoride.
  ENDOCRINE
   0.2.16.2 CHRONIC EXPOSURE
     o   Fluoride exposure can cause moderate functional changes
         in the hypophysis-thyroid gland system without any
         clinical manifestations.
  GENOTOXICITY
    o   DNA damage and chromosome aberrations have been reported
        in insect studies.
Laboratory:
  o   Obtain at least hourly serum electrolytes including serial
      total or ionized calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels.
      total calcium may not reflect true  hypocalcemia, but
      usually has a more rapid turnaround.  therapy should be
      directed toward signs and symptoms of toxicity.  Serum
      fluoride level may be used to confirm HF exposure.  Obtain
      ABGs and chest X-ray in symptomatic patients.
  o   Obtain serial ECGs looking for signs of hypocalcemia
      (prolonged QTc interval) and hyperkalemia (peaked T
      waves).  Institute continuous cardiac monitoring.
Treatment Overview:
  ORAL EXPOSURE
    o   Attempt immediate administration of a fluoride binding
        substance:  milk (one-half to one glassful), chewable
        calcium carbonate tablets, milk of magnesia or a liquid
        antacid.  Avoid large amounts of liquid, as this may
        induce vomiting.
    o   DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.
    o   HYPOCALCEMIA may occur.  Correct with IV CALCIUM
        CHLORIDE (10 percent solution).  ADULT:  2 to 4 mg/kg
        (0.02 to 0.04 mL/kg) infused slowly and repeated as
        necessary.  PEDIATRIC:  10 to 30 mg/kg (0.1 to 0.3
        mL/kg) infused slowly and repeat as necessary.  Ideally,
        further doses should be based on measured deficits of
        ionized calcium.  It may be necessary to exceed
        manufacturer's recommended rate and dose of
        administration to correct hypocalcemia.
    o   HYPOMAGNESEMIA may occur.  Correct with IV MAGNESIUM
        SULFATE:  ADULT 2 grams is diluted in 50 to 100 mL of
        D5W and administered over 5 minutes.  PEDIATRIC:  100 to
        200 mg/kg diluted to less than 10 mg/mL.  Repeat doses
        may be necessary.
    o   Observe and evaluate patient for oral and GI burns.
        Consider NG suction if less than 90 minutes since
        ingestion.
  INHALATION EXPOSURE
    o   INHALATION:  Move patient to fresh air.  Monitor for
        respiratory distress.  If cough or difficulty breathing
        develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation,
        bronchitis, or pneumonitis.  Administer oxygen and
        assist ventilation as required.  Treat bronchospasm with
        beta2  agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.
    o   PULMONARY EDEMA (NONCARDIOGENIC):  Maintain ventilation
        and oxygenation and evaluate with frequent arterial
        blood gas or pulse oximetry monitoring.  Early use of
        PEEP and mechanical ventilation may be needed.
    o   OBSERVATION - Carefully observe patients with inhalation
        exposure for the development of abnormal systemic signs
        or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as
        necessary.  Signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema may be
        delayed for 24 to 72 hours in some cases.
    o   INITIAL TREATMENT - Administer 100 percent humidified
        supplemental oxygen with assisted ventilation as
        required.  Exposed skin and eyes should be copiously
        washed with water.
  EYE EXPOSURE
    o   Irrigate promptly with crystalloid solution.  Carefully
        evaluate for eye damage; exposure to dilute solutions
        may result in delayed signs and symptoms of ocular
        damage.  The patient should be evaluated by an
        ophthalmologist following appropriate decontamination.
  DERMAL EXPOSURE
    o   DECONTAMINATION - Remove all exposed clothing and
        jewelry taking necessary precautions to prevent
        secondary exposure to health care providers.  Irrigate
        exposed areas promptly with copious amounts of water for
        at least 30 minutes.  Carefully evaluate for eye damage
        and systemic toxicity.
    o   CALCIUM GLUCONATE OR CARBONATE GEL - Use of 2.5 percent
        to 33 percent calcium gluconate or carbonate gel or
        slurry, either placed into a surgical glove into which
        the affected hand is then placed, or applied onto the
        exposed dermis, has been recommended.  This therapy is
        more easily administered and less painful than
        infiltration.  In cases where concentrated HF exposure
        involving the nail and/or nailbed, splitting or removing
        the nail(s) to treat the nailbed injury has been
        advocated.
    o   CALCIUM INFUSION - Regional intravenous infusion of
        calcium gluconate is a therapeutic option in HF burns of
        the forearm, hand, or digits as adjunct to topical
        therapy or if topical therapy is unsatisfactory.
        Intra-arterial calcium infusion for digital HF burn is
        also a therapeutic option and may be considered if
        regional intravenous calcium gluconate is ineffective.
    o   CALCIUM GLUCONATE INFILTRATION - Continued tissue
        destruction and pain may be minimized by SC
        administration of calcium gluconate.  Local infiltration
        with CALCIUM GLUCONATE may be considered if (1) exposure
        results in immediate tissue damage or (2) erythema and
        pain persist following adequate irrigation.  Infiltrate
        each cm(2) of affected dermis and SC tissue with about
        0.5 mL of 10 percent CALCIUM GLUCONATE using a 30 gauge
        needle.  Repeat as needed to control pain.  CAUTION:
        Avoid administering large volumes as this will result in
        decreased tissue perfusion and potential necrosis.
    o   DO NOT USE CALCIUM CHLORIDE - Calcium chloride is
        irritating to the tissues and may cause injury.
Range of Toxicity:
  o   INGESTION - Electrolyte disturbances, dysrhythmias and
      death in adults have been reported after ingestion of 3
      ounces of 6 to 8 percent HF.
  o   INHALATION - Hemorrhagic alveolitis and ARDS have been
      reported following exposure to 8 percent HF for 30 minutes
      in succession several hours apart.
  o   DERMAL - Severe systemic toxicity and death has been
      reported following 2.5 percent body surface area (BSA)
      burns from 100 percent HF, 8 percent BSA burns from 70
      percent HF, and 11 percent BSA burns from 23 percent HF.


[Rumack BH: POISINDEX(R) Information System. Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2001; CCIS Volume 110, edition exp November, 2001. Hall AH & Rumack BH (Eds):TOMES(R) Information System. Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2001; CCIS Volume 110, edition exp November, 2001.] **PEER REVIEWED**

 

Animal Toxicity Studies:

 

 

Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:

/ACUTE POISONING/ IF SUFFICIENT FLUORIDE IS ABSORBED ... FLUORIDE ION INCREASES CAPILLARY PERMEABILITY AND ALSO PRODUCES A COAGULATION DEFECT. THESE ACTIONS LEAD TO HEMORRHAGIC GASTROENTERITIS & HEMORRHAGES, CONGESTION, & EDEMA IN VARIOUS ORGANS INCL THE BRAIN. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS ... INCLUDE EXCITABILITY, MUSCLE TREMORS, WEAKNESS, URINATION, DEFECATION, SALIVATION, EMESIS, SUDDEN COLLAPSE, CLONIC CONVULSIONS, COMA, & DEATH DUE TO RESP & CARDIAC FAILURE. CYANOSIS & EARLY RIGOR MORTIS. ... /FLUORIDE/
[Booth, N.H., L.E. McDonald (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 5th ed. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press, 1982. 1014]**PEER REVIEWED**

The visible effects of toxic concentrations of fluoride on plants are well documented. They may include chlorosis, peripheral necrosis, leaf distortion, and malformation or abnormal fruit development. None of these symptoms are specific to fluoride, and the effects of many other stresses may appear very similar. The diagnosis of fluoride injury normally involves both visual and chemical evidence, and comparison of a number of species of known tolerance growing around the source. Factors relating to the frequency of exposure have also to be taken into account. /Fluoride/
[WHO; Environ Health Criteria: Fluoride p.46-7 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The susceptibility of different plant species to excessive atmospheric fluoride varies considerably. Many conifers are very susceptible during the short period of needle growth, but they then become much more resistant. Some monocotyledons, such as gladiolus and tulip, are similarly susceptible, though there is a great varietal variation. In some species, there is a great difference in susceptibility between leaves and fruits. For example, peach fruit are extremely sensitive to very low concentrations of fluoride, but leaves are at least an order of magnitude more resistant.
[WHO; Environ Health Criteria: Fluorine and Fluorides p.47 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Typical symptoms of acute toxicity are reduction or loss of appetite, local or general congestion, and submucosal hemorrhages of the gastrointestinal track.
[WHO; Environ Health Criteria: Fluorine and Fluorides p.49 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chronic exposure of cattle to fluoride added to their ration caused symptoms of dental and skeletal fluorosis. Fluoride added to the ration at 27 ppm (approximately 0.64 mg/kg/day) on a dry weight basis was tolerated with only minor effect. Higher concentrations, 49 and 93 ppm (1.17 and 2.08 mg/kg/day, respectively) produced serious symptoms of dental and skeletal fluorosis. The appearance of dental fluorosis preceded that of skeletal fluorosis. Milk production was impaired only after lameness and loss of appetite were apparent. Weight gain was not affected and there was no effect on reproductive performance. /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.v-34 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Growth in most species is unaffected by dietary concentrations of fluoride of 100 ppm or less. Cattle appear to be more sensitive, and growth has been reported to be affected slightly at 50 ppm. However, one investigation found no adverse effects at 100 ppm. The kidney responds to acutely toxic doses of fluoride by failure to properly resorb water, leading to polyuria. Renal injuries do not develop when drinking water contains less than 100 ppm fluoride. Structural and/or functional changes of the thyroid gland in animals are not produced at fluoride concentrations of 50 mg/l in the drinking water. /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.v-35 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:

 

 

Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:

FLUORIDES ARE ABSORBED FROM GI TRACT, LUNG, & SKIN. GI TRACT IS MAJOR SITE OF ABSORPTION. THE RELATIVELY SOL CMPD, SUCH AS SODIUM FLUORIDE, ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY ABSORBED ... FLUORIDE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN ALL ORGANS & TISSUES EXAMINED ... THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT IT IS CONCENTRATED IN ANY TISSUES EXCEPT BONE, THYROID, AORTA, & PERHAPS KIDNEY. FLUORIDE IS PREPONDERANTLY DEPOSITED IN THE SKELETON & TEETH, & THE DEGREE OF SKELETAL STORAGE IS RELATED TO INTAKE AND AGE. ... A FUNCTION OF THE TURNOVER RATE OF SKELETAL COMPONENTS, WITH GROWING BONE SHOWING GREATER FLUORIDE DEPOSITION THAN BONE IN MATURE ANIMALS. ... MAJOR ROUTE OF ... EXCRETION IS BY WAY OF KIDNEYS ... ALSO EXCRETED IN SMALL AMT BY SWEAT GLANDS, LACTATING BREAST, & GI TRACT. ... ABOUT 90% OF FLUORIDE ION FILTERED BY GLOMERULUS IS REABSORBED BY RENAL TUBULES. /FLUORIDE/
[Gilman, A. G., L. S. Goodman, and A. Gilman. (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. 1980. 1546]**PEER REVIEWED**

/RENAL CLEARANCE/ 1. VIRTUALLY ALL FLUORIDE IN PLASMA ... IS ULTRAFILTERABLE. 2. RENAL EXCRETION OF RADIOFLUORIDE DEPENDS ON GLOMERULAR FILTRATION & VARIABLE TUBULAR REABSORPTION. 3. PROBABLY, REABSORPTION IS LARGELY PASSIVE ... 4. FLUORIDE EXCRETION INCR WHEN PLASMA CONCN IS INCREASED. 5. PROCEDURES THAT INCREASE URINARY FLOW RATE (EG, ADMIN OF OSMOTIC DIURETICS, HYPERTONIC SALINE, OR DIURETIC DRUGS) INCREASE THE CLEARANCE OF FLUORIDE. /FLUORIDE/
[National Research Council. Drinking Water & Health Volume 1. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1977. 376]**PEER REVIEWED**

Following ingestion, soluble fluorides are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract at least to the extent of 97%. Absorbed fluoride is distributed throughout the tissues of the body by the blood. Fluoride concentrations in soft tissues fall to pre-exposure levels within a few hours of exposure. Fluoride exchange with hydroxyl radicals of hydroxyapatite (the inorganic constituent of bone) to form fluorohydroxyapatite. Fluoride that is not retained is excreted rapidly in urine. In adults under steady state intake conditions, the urinary concentration of fluoride tends to approximate the concentration of fluoride in the drinking water. This reflects the decreasing retention of fluoride (primarily in bone) with increasing age. Under certain conditions perspiration may be an important route of fluoride excretion. The concentration of fluoride retained in bones and teeth is a function of both the concentration of fluoride intake and the duration of exposure. Periods of excessive fluoride exposure will result in increased retention in the bone. However, when the excessive exposure is eliminated, the bone fluoride concentration will decrease to a concentration that is again reflective of intake. /Fluoride/
[USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.III-19 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Mechanism of Action:

INHIBITION OF ONE OR MORE ENZYMES CONTROLLING CELLULAR RESPIRATION AND GLYCOLYSIS MAY RESULT IN CRITICAL BIOCHEMICAL DEFECTS. ... FLUORIDE POISONING CAN LEAD TO SEVERE HYPOCALCEMIA IN WHICH REDUCTIONS OCCURR IN THE PLASMA LEVELS OF BOTH TOTAL CALCIUM AND IONIC CALCIUM. ... ITS MOST SPECTACULAR CONSEQUENCE IS TETANY, IE, PAINFUL, INVOLUNTARY MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS, INITIALLY IF THE DISTAL EXTREMITIES ... . FLUORIDE IN CONCENTRATIONS AS LOW AS 0.5 MMOL FACILITATES NEUROMUSCULAR TRANSMISSIONS AT VERTEBRATE MOTOR END PLATES, APPARENTLY BY INCREASING THE SENSITIVITY OF CHOLINERGIC RECEPTORS TO ACETYLCHOLINE. ... TETANY IS NEVER THE FIRST SIGN IN ACUTE FLUORIDE POISONING; IT MAY NOT APPEAR FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND SOMETIMES NOT AT ALL, IN SPITE OF SEVERE HYPOCALCEMIA.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. III 187]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Interactions:

... PRETREATMENT OF RATS WITH FLUORIDE INCR THEIR SENSITIVITY TO SUCCINYLCHOLINE DIMETON & PARATHION. /FLUORIDE/
[Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 4th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1976.,p. II-78]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Pharmacology:

 

 

Drug Warnings:

Food and Environmental Agents: Effect on Breast-Feeding: Reported Sign or Symptom in Infant or Effect on Lactation: Fluorides: None. /from Table 7/
[Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs in Pediatrics 93 (1): 142 (1994)]**QC REVIEWED**


 

Interactions:

... PRETREATMENT OF RATS WITH FLUORIDE INCR THEIR SENSITIVITY TO SUCCINYLCHOLINE DIMETON & PARATHION. /FLUORIDE/
[Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 4th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1976.,p. II-78]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Environmental Fate & Exposure:

 

 

Probable Routes of Human Exposure:

Fluoride enters the body by ingestion and inhalation, and, in extreme cases of acute exposure, through the skin. Not all of the fluoride that is ingested or inhaled is absorbed, and a proportion is excreted by various means. Intake is lowest in rural communities in which there are no fluoride rich soils or waters, and no exposure to industrial, agricultural, dental, or medical sources. Fluoridation of water for the prevention of caries may result in this being the largest source, if there is no exposure to other man-made sources, such as industrial emissions. Consumption of high fluoride foods such as tea or some fish dishes may increase intake significantly. /Fluoride/
[WHO; Environ Health Criteria: Fluorine and Fluorides p.47 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Environmental Standards & Regulations:

 

 

Clean Water Act Requirements:

Designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance.
[40 CFR 116.4 (7/1/88)] **QC REVIEWED**


 

FDA Requirements:

Bottled water packaged in the USA to which no fluoride is added shall not contain fluoride in excess of 1.8 mg/l at 63.9-70.6 deg F. Bottled water packaged in the USA to which fluoride is added shall not contain fluoride in excess of 1.2 mg/l at 63.9-70.6 deg F. Imported bottled water to which no fluoride is added and imported bottled water to which fluoride is added shall not contain fluoride in excess of 1.4 mg/l and 0.8 mg/l, respectively. /Fluoride/
[21 CFR 103.35 (4/1/88)]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Chemical/Physical Properties:

 

 

Molecular Formula:

F-H4-N
**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Molecular Weight:

37.04
[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 69th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1988-1989.,p. B-70]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Color/Form:

Leaflets or needles; hexagonal prisms by sublimation
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

Colorless hexagonal crystals
[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 69th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1988-1989.,p. B-67]**PEER REVIEWED**

White crystals
[Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 67]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Odor:

Odorless
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Corrosivity:

Corrodes glass
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

At fire temp corrodes metals
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1986.,p. 49-16]**PEER REVIEWED**

May corrode cement
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Density/Specific Gravity:

1.015
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**QC REVIEWED**


 

Solubilities:

100 g/100 ml of water at 0 deg C
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

Slightly sol in alcohol
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

Insol in ammonia
[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 69th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1988-1989.,p. B-70]**PEER REVIEWED**

82.780 lb/100 lb of water at 70 deg F
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

45.3 g/100 g water at 25 deg C
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 10(80) 675]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Other Chemical/Physical Properties:

Aq soln is acid
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

Granular powder /Commercial/
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

Heat of Solution: 72 Btu/lb= 40 cal/g= 1.7X10+5 J/kg; Specific Gravity: 1.32 at 25 deg C (solid)
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Deliquescent
[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 69th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1988-1989.,p. B-67]**PEER REVIEWED**

Heat of formation: -466.9 kJ/mol (-116 kcal/mol)
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 10(80) 675]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Chemical Safety & Handling:

 

 

DOT Emergency Guidelines:

Health: TOXIC, inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-154]**QC REVIEWED**

Fire or explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-154]**QC REVIEWED**

Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-154]**QC REVIEWED**

Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing which is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. Structural firefighters' protective clothing is recommended for fire situations ONLY, it is not effective in spill situations.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-154]**QC REVIEWED**

Evacuation: Spill: See the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for highlighted substances. For non-highlighted substances, increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown under "PUBLIC SAFETY". Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-154]**QC REVIEWED**

Fire: Small fires: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray. Large fires: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from the ends of tanks.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-154]**QC REVIEWED**

Spill or leak: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-154]**QC REVIEWED**

First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-154]**QC REVIEWED**


 

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:

Irritating to eyes, nose, and throat.
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

NFPA Hazard Classification:

Health: 3. 3= Materials extremely hazardous to health, but areas may be entered with extreme care. Full protective clothing, incl self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber gloves, boots and bands around legs, arms and waist should be provided. No skin surface should be exposed.
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1986.,p. 49-16]**PEER REVIEWED**

Flammability: 0. 0= Materials that will not burn.
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1986.,p. 49-16]**PEER REVIEWED**

Reactivity: 0. 0= Materials which are normally stable even under fire exposure conditions and which are not reactive with water. Normal fire fighting procedures may be used.
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1986.,p. 49-16]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Flammable Limits:

Not flammable
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Fire Fighting Procedures:

Attack fires freely with water. Water spray will effectively reduce fume and irritant gases.
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1986.,p. 49-16]**PEER REVIEWED**

Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.)
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, D.C.: Assoc. of American Railroads,Hazardous Materials Systems (BOE), 1987. 34]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Toxic Combustion Products:

Toxic ammonia and hydrogen fluoride gases are formed in fires.
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**


 

Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:

Incompatibilities: Chlorine trifluoride
[Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984. 262]**PEER REVIEWED**

The reaction gases /of chlorine trifluoride & ammonium fluoride/ (containing chlorodifluoramine) must be handled at below -5 deg C to avoid explosion.
[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 3rd ed. Boston, MA: Butterworths, 1985. 896]**PEER REVIEWED**


Hazardous Decomposition:

At fire temp ammonium fluoride may dissociate into ammonia and hydrogen fluoride. In the presence of acids, hydrogen fluoride is evolved; in the presence of alkalis, ammonia is evolved.
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1986.,p. 49-16]**PEER REVIEWED**


Prior History of Accidents:

A remarkable mass poisoning, involving 263 victims of whom 47 died, occurred at the Oregon State Hospital when a sodium fluoride roach powder mistaken for powdered milk was added to scrambled eggs. The prepared dish was rejected by some because of a salty or soapy taste and produced numbness of the mouth in others. Toxic signs and symptoms consisted of abrupt and severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, followed promptly by abdominal burning and cramps. In many cases blood was noted in the vomitus and feces. General collapse was evidenced by pallor, weakness, shallow pulse and respirations, weak heart sounds, wet cold skin, cyanosis, mydriasis and coma. Some victims also experienced a thick, mucoid discharge from the mouth and nose, paralysis of the muscles of deglutition, painful carpopedal spasms of the extremities and localized or generalized urticaria.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-186]**PEER REVIEWED**


Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:

500 mg/cu m /Fluorides (as F)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 90-117. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, June 1990 116]**QC REVIEWED**


Protective Equipment & Clothing:

WEAR SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS; WEAR GOGGLES IF EYE PROTECTION NOT PROVIDED.
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials. 7th ed. Boston, Mass.: National Fire Protection Association, 1978.,p. 49-265]**PEER REVIEWED**

/NIOSH approved respirator;/ goggles or face shield; rubber gloves
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Wear appropriate chemical protective ... boots. ...
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, D.C.: Assoc. of American Railroads,Hazardous Materials Systems (BOE), 1987. 34]**PEER REVIEWED**


Preventive Measures:

If material not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, D.C.: Assoc. of American Railroads,Hazardous Materials Systems (BOE), 1987. 34]**PEER REVIEWED**

Keep upwind. Avoid breathing vapors or dusts. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, D.C.: Assoc. of American Railroads,Hazardous Materials Systems (BOE), 1987. 34]**PEER REVIEWED**

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers.
**PEER REVIEWED**

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
**PEER REVIEWED**


Stability/Shelf Life:

Decomp by heat
[Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 67]**PEER REVIEWED**

It tends to lose ammonia gas to revert to the more stable ammonium bifluoride.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 10(80) 675]**PEER REVIEWED**


Shipment Methods and Regulations:

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./
[49 CFR 171.2 (7/1/96)]**QC REVIEWED**

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.
[IATA. Dangerous Goods Regulations. 38th ed. Montreal, Canada and Geneva, Switzerland: International Air Transport Association, Dangerous Goods Board, January, 1997. 97]**QC REVIEWED**

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.
[IMDG; International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; International Maritime Organization p.6059 (1988)]**QC REVIEWED**


Storage Conditions:

SOLN /USP TOPICAL FLUORIDE SOLN/ SHOULD BE STORED IN PLAX (PLASTIC), PARAFFIN LINED, OR PYREX BOTTLES.
[Osol, A. (ed.). Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 16th ed. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Co., 1980. 1890]**PEER REVIEWED**

May be stored in iron vessels.
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

Protect against physical damage. Store in dry locations. Separate from acids and alkalis.
[National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials. 9th ed. Boston, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1986.,p. 49-16]**PEER REVIEWED**


Cleanup Methods:

Environmental considerations- land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, D.C.: Assoc. of American Railroads,Hazardous Materials Systems (BOE), 1987. 34]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental considerations- water spill: Neutralize with agricultural lime (CaO), crushed limestone (CaCO3), or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Adjust pH to neutral (pH= 7). Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, D.C.: Assoc. of American Railroads,Hazardous Materials Systems (BOE), 1987. 34]**PEER REVIEWED**


Disposal Methods:

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
**PEER REVIEWED**


Occupational Exposure Standards:

OSHA Standards:

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 2.5 mg/cu m. /Fluorides, as F/
[29 CFR 1910.1000 (7/1/98)]**QC REVIEWED**

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 2.5 mg/cu m. /Fluoride as dust/
[29 CFR 1910.1000 (7/1/98)]**QC REVIEWED**


Threshold Limit Values:

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 2.5 mg/cu m /Fluorides (as F)/
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents Biological Exposure Indices for 1998. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1998. 39]**QC REVIEWED**

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed three times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 min during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed five times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Fluorides (as F)/
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents Biological Exposure Indices for 1998. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1998. 6]**QC REVIEWED**

Biological Exposure Index adoption (1990 edition): Fluorides in urine prior to shift is 3 mg/g creatinine. Fluorides in urine at end of shift is 10 mg/g creatinine. The determinant is usually present in a significant amt in biological specimens collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed. Such background levels are incl in the BEI value. The determinant is nonspecific, since it is observed after exposure to some other chemicals. These nonspecific tests are preferred because they are easy to use and usually offer a better correlation with exposure than specific tests. In such instances, a BEI for a specific, less quantitative biological determinant is recommended as a confirmatory test. /Fluorides (as F)/
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents Biological Exposure Indices for 1998. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1998. 100]**QC REVIEWED**

A4. A4= Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Fluorides, as F/
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents Biological Exposure Indices for 1998. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1998. 39]**QC REVIEWED**


NIOSH Recommendations:

Time weighted avg (TWA) 2.5 mg/cu m/10 hr. /Fluorides (as fluoride)/
[NIOSH. Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. 2nd Printing. DHHS (NIOSH) Publ. No. 85-114. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, NIOSH/Supt.of Documents, GPO, February 1987. 126]**PEER REVIEWED**


Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:

500 mg/cu m /Fluorides (as F)/
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 90-117. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, June 1990 116]**QC REVIEWED**


Manufacturing/Use Information:

Major Uses:

Etching and frosting glass, as antiseptic in brewing beer; preserving wood; in printing and dyeing textiles; as mothproofing agent
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

FLUORIDES; ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY.
[Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 67]**PEER REVIEWED**


Manufacturers:

Chemtech Industries, Inc, Hq, 1655 Des Peres Rd, PO Box 31000, St. Louis, MO, 63131, (314) 966-9900; Division: Fluoride Manufacturing Division; Production site: E St. Louis, IL, 62202
[SRI. 1988 Directory of Chemical Producers - United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International, 1988. 82]**PEER REVIEWED**

General Electric Company, Hq, 3135 Easton Tpk, Fairfield, CT, 06431, (203) 373-2211; Division: Components/Quartz Marketing & Sales Operation, 24400 Highland Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44143; Production site: Cleveland, OH, 44143
[SRI. 1988 Directory of Chemical Producers - United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International, 1988. 157]**PEER REVIEWED**

The Henley Group Inc, Hq, 11255 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, (619) 455-9494; Division: General Chemical Corporation, 90 E Halsey Rd, PO Box 393, Parsippany, NJ, 07054-0393; Production site: Claymont, DE, 19703
[SRI. 1988 Directory of Chemical Producers - United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International, 1988. 184]**PEER REVIEWED**

Kerley Enterprises, Inc, Hq, PO Box 11589, 2801 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85061, (602) 252-8728; Production site: Phoenix, AZ, 85061
[SRI. 1988 Directory of Chemical Producers - United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International, 1988. 225]**PEER REVIEWED**

The Procter & Gamble Company, Hq, 301 E Sixth St, PO Box 599, Cincinnati, OH 45201, (513) 983-2641; Subsidiary: Richardson-Vicks, Inc, 10 Westport Rd, Wilton, CT 06897, (203) 762-2222; Subsidiary: JT Baker Inc; Division: MOS/Electronic Chemicals; Production site: Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
[SRI. 1988 Directory of Chemical Producers - United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International, 1988. 314]**PEER REVIEWED**


Methods of Manufacturing:

Prepd by passing ammonia gas into ice cooled 40% hydrofluoric acid or by heating 1 part ammonium chloride with 2.25 parts sodium fluoride and separating the ammonium fluoride by sublimation. ...
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

INTERACTION OF AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE AND HYDROFLUORIC ACID WITH SUBSEQUENT CRYSTALLIZATION
[Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 67]**PEER REVIEWED**

EVAPORATION OF A SOLUTION OF HYDROFLUORIC ACID AND EXCESS OF AMMONIA OVER LIME
[HASZELDINE RN, SHARPE AG; FLUORINE AND ITS COMPOUNDS p.29 (1951)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... In large quantities, one mole of aq ammonia can be mixed with one mol of the more readily available ammonium bifluoride.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 10(80) 675]**PEER REVIEWED**

FLUORIDE SOLUTION /MADE ON SITE NEAR OIL WELL BORES, FROM AMMONIUM BIFLUORIDE AND AMMONIA MIXED WITH METHYL FORMATE/ IS USED TO ACIDIZE WELLS AND IN SILICIOUS ROCKS TO REGENERATE OIL.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 10(80) 676]**PEER REVIEWED**


General Manufacturing Information:

Incompatibilities: Quinine salts; soluble calcium salts.
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 78]**PEER REVIEWED**

Method of purification: Recrystallization.
[Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 67]**PEER REVIEWED**

Hydrofluoric acid was removed from waste gas from the mfr of fertilizers, phosphates, aluminum and enamels by 2 stage absorption with aqueous ammonium fluoride and ammonium bifluoride.
[Myczka S et al; Pol Patent No.104851 (01/15/80) Instytut Chemii Nieorganicznej]**PEER REVIEWED**

AVAILABLE PRINCIPALLY AS A LAB REAGENT; IF NEEDED IN LARGE QUANTITIES, ONE MOLE OF AQUEOUS AMMONIA CAN BE MIXED WITH ONE MOLE OF AMMONIUM BIFLUORIDE.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.,p. 10(80) 675]**PEER REVIEWED**


Formulations/Preparations:

Grades: Technical; CP.
[Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 67]**PEER REVIEWED**

GRADES OR PURITY: TECHNICAL, 96.0%; REAGENT; ELECTRONICS; LOW SODIUM MOS
[WEISS. HDBK HAZARD CHEM p.82]**PEER REVIEWED**

-6 mesh particle size, 99.9% purity grade; 40% soln grade; electronic, ACS reagent grade
[Kuney, J.H. and J.N. Nullican (eds.) Chemcyclopedia. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1988. 173]**PEER REVIEWED**


Laboratory Methods:

Clinical Laboratory Methods:

MATRIX: URINE: PROCEDURE: ION SPECIFIC ELECTRODE; RANGE: LOWER LIMIT URINE 0.19 MG/L. /TOTAL FLUORIDE/
[U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual ofAnalytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present.,p. V1 114-1]**PEER REVIEWED**

CHARGED PARTICLE ACTIVATION TECHNIQUE IS USEFUL IN NONDESTRUCTIVELY DETERMINING CONCN PROFILES OF F- IN EXTRACTED TEETH. /FLUORIDE/
[RAJAN KS ET AL; J DENT RES 55 (4): 671 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**

NIOSH 8308: Analyte: fluoride ion (F-); Specimen: urine, pre- and post-shift; Vol: 50 ml in chemically clean polyethylene bottles; Preservative: 0.2 g EDTA added to bottles before collection; Stability: 2 wk @ 4 deg C, longer if frozen; Technique: ion selective electrode; Quality control: spike urine pools, correct for creatinine content; Range: 1-100 mg/l urine; Est LOD: 0.1 mg/l urine; Precision(Sr): 0.04; Interferences: Hydroxide, the only positive interference, is eliminated by use of the buffer /Fluoride in urine/
[U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSHManual of Analytical Methods, 3rd ed. Volumes 1 and 2 with 1985 supplement, and revisions. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, February 1984.,p. V1 8308-1]**PEER REVIEWED**


Analytic Laboratory Methods:

Nesslerization Method (Direct and Following Distillation) for the Determination of Ammonia Nitrogen. Direct Nesslerization is used for purified drinking waters, natural water, and highly purified wastewater effluents. This colorimetric method is sensitive to 20 ug/l. Interferences such as turbidity, color, and precipitates are corrected through distillation. At ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 200, 800, and 1500 ug/l, relative standard deviation is 38.1, 11.2, and 11.6% respectively and relative error is 0, 0, and 0.6% respectively. /Ammonia nitrogen/
[Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater p.379-82 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Phenate Method for the Determination of Ammonia Nitrogen. This manual colorimetric technique is used to determine ammonia concentrations in wastewater effluent from 10-500 ug/l. The blue compound, indophenol, is formed by the reaction of ammonia, hypochlorite, and phenol catalyzed by a manganous salt. For ammonia concentrations of 200, 800, and 1500 ug/l, relative standard deviation is 39.2, 15.8, and 26.0% respectively, and relative error is 2.4, 1.5, and 10.0% respectively. /Ammonia nitrogen/
[Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater p.383-3 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Titrimetric Method for the Determination of Ammonia Nitrogen. This method is applicable to ammonia concentrations in wastewater effluent greater than 5 mg/l. After distillation, the sample is titrated with 0.02 N sulfuric acid until a lavender color forms. For concentrations of 200, 800, and 1500 ug/l, relative standard deviation is 69.8, 28.6, and 21.6% respectively, and relative error is 20.0, 5.0, and 2.6% respectively. /Ammonia nitrogen/
[Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater p. 383-4 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Ammonia - Selective Electrode Method This method is applicable for the measurement of 0.03-1400 mg nitrogen ammonia/l in potable and surface waters and domestic and industrial wastes. The ammonia-selective electrode uses a hydrophobic gas-permeable membrane to separate the sample solution from an electrode internal solution of ammonium chloride. Ammonia diffuses through the membrane and changes the internal solution pH, which is sensed by a pH electrode. In an inter-laboratory study (12 laboratories) using effluent water samples at 0.04, 0.10, 0.80, 20, 100, and 750 mg/l, mean recovery was 100, 470, 105, 95, 97, and 99% respectively. /Ammonia nitrogen/
[Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater p.384-6 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Fluoride- Electrode Method. This method is suitable for fluoride concn from 0.1 to more than 10 mg/l. The fluoride electrode is a selective ion sensor. The key element in the fluoride electrode is the laser-type doped lanthanum fluoride crystal across which a potential is established by fluoride soln of different concn. The crystal contacts the sample soln at one face and an internal reference soln at the other. The fluoride electrode measures the ion activity of fluoride in soln rather than concn. Fluoride ion activity depends on the soln total ionic strength and pH, and on fluoride complexing species. Adding an appropriate buffer provides a uniform ionic strength background, adjusts pH, and breaks up complexes so that, in effect, the electrode measures concn. A synthetic sample containing 0.850 mg fluoride ion/l in distilled water was analyzed in 111 laboratories with relative standard deviation of 3.6% and relative error of 0.7%. /Total fluoride/
[Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater p.357-9 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

MATRIX: AIR; PROCEDURE: ION SPECIFIC ELECTRODE; RANGE: 0.05 TO 475 MG/CU M FLUORIDE. /TOTAL FLUORIDE/
[U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual ofAnalytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present.,p. V1 117-1]**PEER REVIEWED**

FLUORIDES (EG URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE) IN AIR ARE PHOTOMETRICALLY DETECTED WITH AN APPARATUS WITH A VERTICAL AIR PASSAGE DUCT EQUIPPED WITH A FLOW REGULATOR, A FLOW METER, A UNIT CONTAINING A TRANSPARENT BEDDING MATERIAL (EG SIO2), & AN AIR PUMP, IN SEQUENCE. THE MAGNITUDE OF LIGHT TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE MATERIAL DURING & AFTER PASSAGE OF THE FLUORIDE-CONTAMINATED AIR IS MONITORED & COMPARED WITH STD VALUE. /FLUORIDES/
[DETECTION OF FLUORIDES IN AIR; JPN KOKAI TOKKYO KOHO PATENT NUMBER 80136942 (10/25/80) HITACHI, LTD]**PEER REVIEWED**

ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, PREPN CONTAINING FLUORIDES. /FLUORIDES/
[Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 10th ed. and supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 1965. New editions through13th ed. plus supplements, 1982.,p. 12/72 5.004]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 340.3 is an automated complexone colorimetric method for the determination of fluoride in drinking, surface, and saline waters, and domestic and industrial wastes. The applicable range is 0.05 to 1.5 mg/l fluoride. For total or total dissolved fluoride, the Bellack Distillation must be performed on the samples prior to analysis. In a single laboratory using surface water samples concentrations of 0.06, 0.15, and 1.08 mg/l fluoride the standard deviation was + or - 0.018, and at concentrations of 0.14 and 1.25 mg/l fluoride, recoveries were 89% and 102% respectively. /Fluoride/
[USEPA; Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes p.340.3 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 340.1 is a colorimetric method using sodium 2-(parasulfophenylazo)- 1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalene disulfonate with Bellack distillation for the measurement of total fluoride in drinking, surface, and saline waters, and domestic and industrial wastes. It covers a range from 0.1 to about 1.4 mg/l fluoride. On samples containing 0.57, 0.68, and 0.83 mg/l fluoride, the mean obtained was 0.60, 0.72, and 0.81, respectively with a standard deviation of + or - 0.103, + or - 0.092, and + or - 0.089 mg/l respectively. /Total fluoride/
[USEPA; Methods of Chemical Analysis or Water and Wastes p.340.1 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 340.2 is a potentiometric method using an ion selective electrode for the measurement of fluoride in drinking, surface, and saline waters, and domestic and industrial wastes. Concentration of fluoride from 0.1 up to 1000 mg/l may be measured. For total or total dissolved fluoride, the Bellack distillation is required for National Pollutent Discharge Elimination System monitoring, but is not required for Safe Drinking Water Act. A synthetic sample prepared by the Analytical Reference Service containing 0.85 mg/l fluoride and no interferences had a mean of 0.84 mg/l with a standard deviation of + or - 0.03. A synthetic sample containing 0.75 mg/l fluoride, 2.5 mg/l polyphosphate and 300 mg/l alkalinity had a mean of 0.75 mg/l fluoride with a standard deviation of + or - 0.036. /Fluoride/
[USEPA; Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes p.340.2 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Method 413B: Electrode Method. This method is suitable for fluoride concn from 0.1 to more than 10 mg/l. The fluoride electrode is a selective ion sensor. The key element in the fluoride electrode is the laser-type doped lanthanum fluoride crystal across which a potential is established by fluoride soln of different concn. The crystal contacts the sample soln at one face and an internal reference soln at the other. The fluoride electrode measures the ion activity of fluoride in soln rather than concn. Fluoride ion activity depends on the soln total ionic strength and pH, and on fluoride complexing species. Adding an appropriate buffer provides a uniform ionic strength background, adjusts pH, and breaks up complexes so that, in effect, the electrode measures concn. A synthetic sample containing 0.850 mg fluoride ion/l in distilled water was analyzed in 111 laboratories with relative standard deviation of 3.6% and relative error of 0.7%. /Total fluoride/
[Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater p.357-9 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Method 413C: SPADNS Method. This method is suitable only for concn in the range of 0.05 to 1.4 mg/l. /This is a colorimetric method based on the color developed upon addition of SPADNs solution and Zirconyl-acid reagent to fluoride containing sample/. The reaction rate between fluoride and zirconium ion is influenced greatly by the acidity of the reaction mixture. If the proportion of acid in the reagent is incr, the reaction can be made almost instantaneous. Under such conditions, however, the effect of various ions differs from that in the conventional alizarin method. The selection of dye for this rapid fluoride method is governed largely by the resulting tolerance to these ions. A synthetic sample containing 0.830 mg fluoride ion/l and no interference in distilled water was analyzed in 53 laboratories with a relative standard deviation of 8.0% and a relative error of 1.2%. After direct distillation of the sample, the relative standard deviation was 11.0% and the relative error 2.4%. /Total fluoride/
[Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater p.359-61 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Method 413E: Complexone Method. This method is applicable to potable, surface, and saline waters as well as domestic and industrial wastewaters. The range of the method, which can be modified by using the adjustable colorimeter, is 0.1 to 2.0 mg fluoride/l. The sample is distilled and the distillate is reacted with alizarin fluorine blue-lanthanum reagent to form a blue complex that is measured colorimetrically at 620 nm. In a single laboratory, four samples of natural water containing from 0.40 to 0.82 mg fluoride/l were analyzed in septuplicate. Average precision was + or - 0.03 mg fluoride/l. To two of the samples, additions of 0.20 and 0.80 mg fluoride/l were made. Average recovery of the additions was 98%. /Total fluoride/
[Franson MA (Ed); Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater p.362 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**


Sampling Procedures:

Analyte: Fluoride ion (F-); Specimen: urine, pre- and post- shift; Vol: 50 ml in chemically clean polyethylene bottles; Preservative: 0.2 g EDTA added to bottles before collection; Stability: 2 wks @ 4 deg C, longer if frozen; Controls: collect 3 sets of specimens from unexposed workers pre- and post-shift /Total fluoride in urine/
[U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSHManual of Analytical Methods, 3rd ed. Volumes 1 and 2 with 1985 supplement, and revisions. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, February 1984.,p. V1 8308-1]**PEER REVIEWED**


Special References:

Special Reports:

Steele, "Ammonium Fluoride" in Mellor's vol VIII, supplement I, Nitrogen (part 1), 370-377 (1964).

Indian Chemical Manufacturers Association (1986). Chemical safety information

USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Fluoride p.vi-48 (1985)

WHO; Environ Health Criteria: Fluoride (1984)


Synonyms and Identifiers:

Related HSDB Records:

480 [AMMONIUM BIFLUORIDE] (Analog)

Synonyms:

Ammonium fluoride ((NH4)F)
**PEER REVIEWED**

Ammonium fluorure (French)
**PEER REVIEWED**

Fluorure d'ammonium (French)
**PEER REVIEWED**

Fluoruro amonico (Spanish)
**PEER REVIEWED**

Neutral ammonium fluoride
**PEER REVIEWED**


Formulations/Preparations:

Grades: Technical; CP.
[Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 67]**PEER REVIEWED**

GRADES OR PURITY: TECHNICAL, 96.0%; REAGENT; ELECTRONICS; LOW SODIUM MOS
[WEISS. HDBK HAZARD CHEM p.82]**PEER REVIEWED**

-6 mesh particle size, 99.9% purity grade; 40% soln grade; electronic, ACS reagent grade
[Kuney, J.H. and J.N. Nullican (eds.) Chemcyclopedia. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1988. 173]**PEER REVIEWED**


Shipping Name/ Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO:

UN 2505; Ammonium fluoride

IMO 6.1; Ammonium fluoride


Standard Transportation Number:

49 441 05; Ammonium fluoride


RTECS Number:

NIOSH/BQ6300000


Administrative Information:

Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 6287

Last Revision Date: 20010809

Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 6/2/1987


Update History:

Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/16/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/12/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/12/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/28/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/08/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/27/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/29/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/17/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/11/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/03/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/10/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/01/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/08/1997, 3 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/28/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/11/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/21/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/21/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/31/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/21/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/09/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/26/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/12/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/16/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/18/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/05/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/04/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/10/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/07/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/25/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 01/12/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/27/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/28/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 03/06/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/19/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/05/1989, 56 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 05/05/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/22/1988, 41 fields added/edited/deleted.