Fluoride Ion

Other Classes -> Fluorides, Inorganic

Other Classes -> Fluorides, Inorganic

Major ion

CBI

The main fluoride minerals are fluorspar (CaF2) and cryolite (Na3AlF6). [ACGIH]

Liquid

Varies depending on specific compound

Hazard Traits - Musculoskeletal Toxicity

Hazard Traits - Musculoskeletal Toxicity; Respiratory Toxicity

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)

Fluoride is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Fluoride are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Fluoride: Does not have an individual approval but may be used as a component in a product covered by a group standard. It is not approved for use as a chemical in its own right.

50% of absorbed fluoride is excreted in urine within 24 hours; 99% of the remainder is taken up by bone with a 1/2 life of up to 8 years; tooth mottling is caused by 2-4 mg/day; skeletal changes are rare at 8 mg/day, but can be crippling at 20 to 80 mg/day; [Rosenstock, p. 544] Fluorides (inorganic, used in drinking water) are not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans. [IARC] The PEL and IDLH apply to sodium fluoride and other inorganic, solid fluorides. [NIOSH] Abnormal liver enzymes have been reported in cases of sodium fluoride toxicity. In acute poisoning cases, patients may have hyperactive reflexes and tetanic contractures from fluoride-induced hypocalcemia and cardiac arrhythmias from hyperkalemia; Ingestion can cause hemorrhagic gastroenteritis; [HSDB] The TLV applies to inorganic fluorides; [ACGIH] In the US, no skeletal fluorosis observed after exposure to 4 mg/L in drinking water, but uptake of 20 mg/day for more than 20 years can cause skeletal fluorosis; Dental caries are reduced in adults after uptake of up to 4 mg/day; BEIs are not applicable to non-metal fluorides or organic compounds containing fluorine; [ACGIH BEI]

See Fluorine. See FLUORIDES.

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Fluorides in urine = 2 mg/L prior to shift or 3 mg/L at end of shift; (Repeated measurements recommended.) [ACGIH]

1.0 [mg/m3], as F, inhalable fraction[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

2.5 [mg/m3], as F

2.5 mg/m³ [1979]

2.5 [mg/m3], as F

2.5 mg/m³

7.5 [mg/m3]

83 [mg/m3]

500 [mg/m3]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: No data on acute inhalation toxicity are available on which to base the IDLH for fluorides. The chosen IDLH, therefore, has been estimated from the human acute lethal dose of 5 grams of sodium fluoride. . . . Skin rashes and complaints of the gastric, intestinal, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems have been reported in workers exposed chronically to concentrations ranging from 11 to 24 mg F/m3 [NIOSH]

250 mg/m³

Exposure to high levels of fluoride can result in denser bones. However, if exposure is high enough, these bones may be more fragile and brittle and there may be a greater risk of fracture. Chronic exposure may also cause dental fluorosis, which alters the appearance of children's teeth during tooth development. (L963, L969)

Fluoride ions are incorporated into bone by substituting for hydroxyl groups in the carbonate-apatite structure to produce hydroxyfluorapatite, thus altering the mineral structure of the bone. Alteration in mineralization increases hardness and bone mass, but also decreases mechanical strength. A portion of the circulating inorganic fluoride acts as an enzyme inhibitor because it forms metalfluoride-phosphate complexes that interfere with the activity of those enzymes requiring a metal ion cofactor. In addition, fluoride may interact directly with the enzyme or the substrate. It is a general inhibitor of the energy production system of the cell. Fluorine may bind calcium and decrease its concentration. This is thought to indirectly inhibit amelogeninase activity, resulting in altered crystal growth and subsequently causing dental fluorosis. (L963)

Fluorine is very irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Symptoms of fluoride exposure include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysphagia, hypersalivation, mucosal injury, nausea, vomiting. Electrolyte abnormalities including hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, and hypomagnesemia may occur. Neurological symptoms include headache, muscle weakness, hyperactive reflexes, muscular spasms, paresthesia seizures, tetanic contractions, and tremors. In severe cases, multiorgan failure will occur. Death typically results from cardiac arrest, shock, widening of QRS, and various arrhythmias occur. (L963, L969)

Fluorides (inorganic, used in drinking-water)

Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans

Volume 27: (1982) Some Aromatic Amines, Anthraquinones and Nitroso Compounds, and Inorganic Fluorides Used in Drinking-water and Dental Preparations

1987

1987

Inorganic fluorides used in drinking-water are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3). (L135)

0.013

CALEPA

0.04

CALEPA

Fluoride

00950

Major ion

4000

Fluorine (soluble)

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

3.10e+03

4.70e+04

1.40e+01

5.70e+01

8.00e+02

4.00e+03

9.40e+03

1.40e+05

4.10e+01

1.70e+02

2.40e+03

4.00e+03

Fluorides may be absorbed following inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure. Once in the body, the fluoride ion is transported in the blood and accumulates in the bones and teeth. Fluoride is believed to replace the hydroxyl ion (OH-) and possibly the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) associated with hydroxyapatite—a mineral phase during formation of bone. The resultant material is hydroxyfluorapatite. Once absorbed, a portion of the fluoride is deposited in the skeleton, and most of the remainder is excreted in the urine, with smaller amounts in feces, and sweat, and saliva. (L963)

Used in the primary production of aluminum, smelting operations (flux), welding (welding rods), and water treatment; [Levy, p. 409] Fluorosis was first recognized in the 1930s in factories processing cryolite. Today, occupational fluoride exposure occurs in factories manufacturing aluminum, glass, and fertilizer. Exposure also occurs in workers mining and processing cryolite, fluorspar, and apatite. [Rosenstock, p. 544] Used mainly as hydrogen fluoride to make fluoropolymers and hydrofluorocarbons; Also used as AlF3 to make aluminum, refined petroleum, herbicides, and uranium fluorides; The main sources of fluorides are diet, drinking water, and dentifrices; [ACGIH BEI]

Aluminum Producing [Category: Industry]

Ceramics making [Category: Hobbies]

Inorganic salts of hydrofluoric acid, HF, in which the fluorine atom is in the -1 oxidation state. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed). [ChemIDplus]

Fluoride compounds are used in making steel, chemicals, ceramics, lubricants, dyes, plastics, and pesticides. Fluorides are often added to drinking water supplies and to a variety of dental products, including toothpaste and mouth rinses, to prevent dental cavities. (L963)