Chemical Sampling Information

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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)

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General Description

Synonyms: Fluoride; Perfluoride

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 1280

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 16984-48-8; Varies with compound

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: LM6290000

Physical and Chemical Properties: Varies depending on specific compound

Exposure Limits and Health Effects

Exposure Limit	Limit Values	HE Codes	Health Factors and Target Organs
OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) - General Industry See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1	2.5 mg/m³ TWA	HE3	Skeletal fluorosis^*
OSHA PEL - Construction Industry See 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A	2.5 mg/m³ TWA	HE3	Skeletal fluorosis^*
OSHA PEL - Shipyard Employment See 29 CFR 1915.1000	2.5 mg/m³ TWA	HE3	Skeletal fluorosis^*
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) Note: The REL is for sodium fluoride (as F) but also applies to other inorganic, solid fluorides (as F).	2.5 mg/m³ TWA	HE3	Skeletal fluorosis^*
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) (2001)	2.5 mg/m³ TWA A4; BEI	HE3	Skeletal fluorosis^*
	2.5 mg/m³ TWA A4; BEI	HE14	Irritation of the eyes and respiratory system
CAL/OSHA PEL	2.5 mg/m³ TWA	HE3	Skeletal fluorosis^*
CAL/OSHA PEL	2.5 mg/m³ TWA	HE14	Irritation of the eyes and respiratory system

^*Osteosclerosis or increased bone density due to excessive absorption and retention of fluorides.

National Toxicology Program (NTP) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) carcinogenic classification: Group 3 [86 KB PDF, 30 pages] (not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans [inorganic, used in drinking water])

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

EPA Inhalation Reference Concentration (RfC): Not established

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Inhalation Minimal Risk Level (MRL): Not established

NIOSH Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentration: 250 mg/m³

Date Last Revised: 9/6/2012

Notes on Other Potential Health Effects and Hazards

Wheezing and chest tightness, airflow limitation, and decline in lung function have been noted with exposure to fluorides (Abramson et al. 2010).

Literature Basis

ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Fluorides. 2001.
Abramson, M.J. et al.: Is Potroom Asthma Due More to Sulphur Dioxide Than Fluoride? An Inception Cohort Study in the Australian Aluminum Industry. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 67 (10): 679-85. 2010.
NIOSH: Criteria for a Recommended Standard - Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Fluorides. 1975.
NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Sodium Fluoride (as F).

Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:

sampling media: Mixed Cellulose Ester Filter (MCEF) 0.8 microns
maximum volume: 90 Liters
maximum flow rate: 1.5 L/min
current analytical method: Ion Specific Electrode; ISE
method reference: 2 (OSHA ID-110)
sampling analytical error: 0.10
method classification: Fully Validated
note: Submit as a separate sample. If the filter is not overloaded, samples may be collected up to an 8-hour period. Hydrogen fluoride is collected on a Na₂C0₃ impregnated backup pad.

Wipe Sampling Method:

sampling media: Whatman smear tab
analytical solvent: Deionized water

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