Product Identification

Product Name

Calcium fluoride

Synonyms

Calcium difluoride
Fluorite
Fluorspar

CAS

7789-75-5

Formula

CaF2

Molecular Weight

78.08

EINECS

232-188-7

RTECS

EW1760000

RTECS Class

Mutagen; Reproductive Effector

Merck

13,1669

Beilstein/Gmelin

18380 (G)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Odorless gray powder or granules.

Solubility in water

1.6 mg/L (18 C)

Melting Point

1418

Boiling Point

2500

Vapor Pressure

16 (1910 C)

Density

3.18 g/cm3

Heat Of Vaporization

336.1 kJ/mol

Usage

Main primary source of fluorine & its compd, in ferrous metallurgy as flux to incr fluidity of slag, synthetic fluorspar is used in optical industry (transmits uv rays), pure form used as catalyst in dehydration & dehydrogenations, used to fluoridate drinking water.

Refractive Index

1.4328

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.

Skin

Get medical aid immediately. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.

Eyes

Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Keep containers tightly closed.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Use with adequate ventilation. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Wash clothing before reuse.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause heart disturbances, possibly leading to cardiac arrest and death. May cause hyperactive reflexes and muscular spasms. May cause respiratory arrest.

Skin

Causes skin irritation. Chronic inhalation may cause lung damage, bronchitis, and silicosis. May decrease blood clotting.

Eyes

Causes eye irritation.

Ingestion

May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Ingestion of large amounts of fluoride may include salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, labored breathing. Exposure to fluoride compounds can result in systemic toxic effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. It may also deplete calcium levels in the body leading to hypocalcemia and death. May cause bone structure abnormalities.

EC Safety Phrase

S 22 24/25

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to minimize contact with skin.

Respirators

Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Exposure Effects

Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause permanent bone structure abnormalities. May cause kidney injury. Chronic inhalation may cause lung damage, bronchitis, and silicosis. May decrease blood clotting. Chronic exposure to fluoride compounds may cause systemic toxicity.

Exposure limit(s)

TLV (as fluoride): 2.5 mg/m3 A4 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1998)

Poison Class

5

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use extinguishing media appropriate to the surrounding fire. Substance is noncombustible. Extinguishing media: Substance is noncombustible; use agent most appropriate to extinguish surrounding fire.

Fire Potential

Nonflammable.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Reacts with hot concentrated sulfuric acid to liberate hydrogen fluoride.

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Decomposition

Irritating and toxic fumes and gases, fluoride fumes.

Transport Information

HS Code

2826 19 00