Fluorine - F2
Find here the essential information on fluorine - or difluorine - (F2): characteristics, effects on health, detection devices & systems - fluorine gas detector - and proper respiratory protective equipment (gas mask or powered air purifying respirator with B gas filter).
Fluorine (F2) properties
Fluorine (F2) - also known as difluorine - is mainly used in the chemical industry as an organic or inorganic synthesis agent. It is also used in the nuclear industry to prepare uranium hexafluoride and to produce chemical or nuclear weapons (sarin gas or atomic bomb). Many fluorinated gases like freons are used in the cooling industry (refrigerant systems and air conditioners).
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7782-41-4 | 1 ppm | 2 ppm | - | 15.7 eV | 1.3 | B |
Fluorine effects on health
Fluorine (F2) is yellowish - almost invisible - and features a repulsive smell that can be detected from 0.02 ppm. This gas is very toxic by inhalation (R26) and corrosive - it might cause burns to the skin and the eyes (R35). As fluorine is a combustion agent, it may ignite fire in contact with combustible material (R8). It reacts with almost any mineral and organic substance, which makes it one of the most reactive chemical element.
Fluorine effects on health (F2)
Fluorine gas detector - F2
F2 respiratory protection - Fluorine
As fluorine is irritating to the eyes, it is recommended to wear a full face mask for short interventions or, for long work periods, a much more comfortable powered air filtering respirator equipped with a B filter. If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, a self- contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required.