9
F
Fluorine

Fluorine

Element 9 • Halogen
Atomic Mass 18.998000
Electron Config [He] 2s² 2p⁵
Group/Period 17/2

Table of Contents

Overview Physical Properties Special Properties Applications Common Uses Natural Occurrence Discovery Safety Information Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

ANALYZED

The Most Reactive Element

Fluorine is the most electronegative and reactive element on the periodic table, earning its reputation as the "king of reactivity." This pale yellow, highly

toxic gas attacks virtually every other element, including noble gases like xenon and krypton, which were once thought to be completely inert.

Discovered by Henri Moissan in 1886 after decades of

dangerous attempts by chemists, Fluorine defied isolation for so long that it was nicknamed "the element that refuses to be discovered.
" Its extreme reactivity makes pure Fluorine incredibly
dangerous to handle, yet its compounds have revolutionized modern life.

Fun Fact: Fluorine is so reactive that it can make water burn! When Fluorine gas meets water vapor, it can ignite hydrogen gas produced in the reaction, creating an eerie flame.

Despite its fearsome reputation in elemental form, Fluorine compounds are essential to modern society. From the non-stick coating on cookware (Teflon) to the fluoride in toothpaste that prevents tooth decay, controlled Fluorine chemistry has provided countless benefits while requiring extreme safety pre

cautions.

Fluorine's unique properties stem from its small atomic size and highest electronegativity (4.0 on the Pauling scale). This makes it the ultimate electron thief, forming incredibly strong bonds with other elements and creating some of the most stable compounds known to chemistry, including the greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆).

Physical Properties

MEASURED
Atomic Mass
18.998000 u
Density
0.0017 g/cm³
Melting Point
53.48 °C
Boiling Point
85.03 °C
Electronegativity
3.98
Electron Configuration
[He] 2s² 2p⁵
Ionization Energy
17.42 kJ/mol

Special Properties

CLASSIFIED
HIGHLY REACTIVE Reacts violently with air/water
Earth Abundance: 5.85e-4
Universe Abundance: 4.00e-8

Applications

CATALOGUED

Industrial Applications and Manufacturing

Uranium Enrichment and Nuclear Industry

The largest industrial use of Fluorine is in uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) production for nuclear fuel enrichment:

  • Gas diffusion method - UF₆ is processed through selective barriers to concentrate U-235
  • Gas centrifuge enrichment - High-speed centrifuges separate isotopes based on mass differences
  • Nuclear fuel fabrication - Enriched uranium is converted back to uranium dioxide for reactor fuel
  • Fluorine gas production - Electrolysis of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride produces pure Fluorine
  • Nuclear waste processing - Fluorine compounds help recover valuable materials from spent fuel

Fluoropolymer Manufacturing

Fluorine creates exceptionally durable and chemically resistant polymers:

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon) - Non-stick cookware, gaskets, and chemical-resistant linings
  • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) - Wire insulation and chemical processing equipment
  • Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) - High-purity semiconductor manufacturing equipment
  • Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) - Architectural membranes and chemical plant piping
  • Fluoroelastomers (Viton) - High-temperature seals for aerospace and automotive applications

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Fluorinated compounds revolutionized cooling technology:

  • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - R-134a, R-410A, and other refrigerants for HVAC systems
  • Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) - Next-generation low-GWP refrigerants like R-1234yf
  • Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) - Specialized refrigerants for extreme low-temperature applications
  • Foam blowing agents - Create insulating foams for refrigerators and building insulation
  • Heat pump applications - Enable efficient heating and cooling systems

Electronics and Semiconductor Industry

Fluorine compounds are essential for modern electronics manufacturing:

  • Plasma etching - CF₄, SF₆, and NF₃ etch silicon wafers with atomic precision
  • Chamber cleaning - Fluorine-based gases clean chemical vapor deposition reactors
  • Dielectric materials - Fluorinated polymers provide electrical insulation in microchips
  • Lithium battery electrolytes - Fluorinated solvents improve battery performance and safety
  • Photolithography - Fluorinated resists enable extreme ultraviolet (EUV) semiconductor manufacturing

Pharmaceutical and Agrochemical Industry

Fluorine dramatically enhances drug and pesticide properties:

  • Fluorinated pharmaceuticals - 20% of drugs contain Fluorine, including antidepressants and antibiotics
  • Positron emission tomography - Fluorine-18 isotope enables medical imaging
  • Anesthetics - Sevoflurane and desflurane provide safe surgical anesthesia
  • Agricultural pesticides - Fluorinated compounds improve pesticide effectiveness and selectivity
  • Veterinary medicines - Fluoroquinolone antibiotics treat animal infections

Metal Surface Treatment

Fluorine compounds provide superior surface protection:

  • Aluminum anodizing - Hydrofluoric acid creates protective oxide layers
  • Stainless steel pickling - Removes oxide scales and improves corrosion resistance
  • Glass etching - Hydrogen fluoride creates decorative and functional glass surfaces
  • Silicon wafer polishing - Fluorine-based solutions create atomically smooth surfaces
  • Metal cleaning - Removes rust, scale, and contaminants from metal surfaces

Aerospace and Defense Applications

Fluorine compounds enable extreme-environment technologies:

  • Rocket propellants - Fluorine provides the highest specific impulse for space missions
  • Hypersonic vehicle cooling - Fluorocarbon coolants withstand extreme temperatures
  • Satellite components - Fluoropolymers resist radiation and extreme temperature cycling
  • Military applications - Specialized Fluorine compounds for defense technologies
  • Space suit materials - Fluorinated fabrics provide chemical and UV protection

Common Uses

INDEXED

Everyday Consumer Applications

Dental and Oral Health Products

  • Fluoride toothpaste - Sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride prevent tooth decay in 95% of toothpastes worldwide
  • Professional dental treatments - Fluoride varnishes and gels applied by dentists and hygienists
  • Mouthwash and rinses - Sodium fluoride solutions for daily oral care
  • Dental restorations - Fluoride-releasing dental fillings and sealants
  • Municipal water fluoridation - Public health measure reaching 400 million people globally
  • Children's supplements - Fluoride drops and tablets in non-fluoridated areas

Non-Stick Cookware and Kitchen Products

  • Teflon-coated pans - PTFE non-stick surfaces on millions of cooking vessels
  • Baking sheets and molds - Easy-release surfaces for home and commercial baking
  • Kitchen utensils - Spatulas, tongs, and tools with fluoropolymer coatings
  • Food packaging - Grease-resistant paper and cardboard with fluorinated coatings
  • Microwave cookware - Heat-resistant fluoropolymer containers and linings
  • Coffee makers - Non-stick warming plates and brew chambers

Textiles and Outdoor Gear

  • Waterproof clothing - Gore-Tex and similar membranes use expanded PTFE
  • Stain-resistant fabrics - Scotchgard and similar treatments repel liquids and stains
  • Outdoor equipment - Tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks with fluorinated water repellents
  • Upholstery protection - Furniture and car seat treatments resist spills and stains
  • Carpet treatments - Fluorinated coatings protect carpets from soil and stains
  • Athletic wear - Moisture-wicking fabrics with fluoropolymer treatments

Automotive Applications

  • Air conditioning systems - HFC refrigerants like R-134a in most modern vehicles
  • Brake fluids - Fluorinated compounds provide high-temperature stability
  • Fuel hoses and seals - Fluoroelastomers resist gasoline and ethanol corrosion
  • Paint protection - Fluoropolymer clear coats protect automotive finishes
  • Windshield treatments - Fluorinated coatings improve water repellency
  • Engine components - PTFE-coated pistons and bearings reduce friction

Home and Personal Care Products

  • Hair care products - Fluorinated surfactants in shampoos and conditioners
  • Cosmetics - Fluorinated ingredients in long-lasting makeup formulations
  • Cleaning products - Fluorosurfactants in specialized cleaners and degreasers
  • Floor polishes - Fluoropolymer additives provide durable protection
  • Wood treatments - Fluorinated compounds protect outdoor decking and siding
  • Metal polishes - Fluoride compounds in chrome and aluminum cleaners

Sports and Recreation

  • Ski and snowboard wax - Fluorinated waxes provide superior glide performance
  • Fishing line - Fluorocarbon lines are nearly invisible underwater
  • Golf ball coatings - Fluoropolymer surfaces improve aerodynamics
  • Bicycle lubricants - PTFE-based chain lubricants reduce maintenance
  • Bowling lane conditioning - Fluorinated oils create consistent playing surfaces
  • Swimming pool chemicals - Specialized Fluorine compounds for water treatment

Medical and Health Devices

  • Medical implants - PTFE vascular grafts and joint replacement components
  • Dental floss - PTFE-coated floss slides easily between teeth
  • Contact lenses - Fluoropolymer materials improve comfort and oxygen permeability
  • Surgical instruments - Non-stick coatings prevent tissue adhesion
  • Drug delivery systems - Fluorinated polymers control medication release rates
  • Diagnostic equipment - Fluorine-18 PET scans for cancer detection

Electronics and Technology

  • Smartphone screens - Fluorinated coatings provide fingerprint resistance
  • Computer cables - PTFE insulation in high-performance data cables
  • Camera lenses - Fluorine-containing glass reduces chromatic aberration
  • Gaming equipment - Low-friction mouse pads with fluoropolymer surfaces
  • Solar panels - Fluorinated backsheet materials protect photovoltaic cells
  • LED lighting - Fluoropolymer lenses and reflectors in high-efficiency fixtures

Natural Occurrence

SURVEYED

Natural Sources and Global Distribution

Mineral Occurrence and Geological Sources

Fluorine never occurs as a free element in nature due to its extreme reactivity, but forms abundant minerals in Earth's crust. With an average crustal abundance of 625 parts per million, Fluorine ranks as the 13th most abundant element in the lithosphere.

Primary Fluorine Minerals
  • Fluorite (CaF₂) - The most important Fluorine ore, forming beautiful cubic crystals in purple, green, blue, and clear varieties
  • Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) - Rare sodium aluminum fluoride, historically mined in Greenland for aluminum production
  • Topaz (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂) - Fluorine-bearing aluminum silicate gemstone
  • Lepidolite (K(Li,Al)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂) - Lithium-bearing mica with Fluorine content
  • Tourmaline group - Complex borosilicates containing Fluorine in some varieties
  • Apatite (Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)) - Calcium phosphate with Fluorine substitution

Major Global Fluorite Deposits

World fluorite production centers around key geological formations:

  • China - Dominates global production with 67% market share, major deposits in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Inner Mongolia provinces
  • Mexico - Las Cuevas deposit in San Luis Potosí produces high-grade acid-grade fluorite
  • Mongolia - Bor Undur and Tsagaan Chuluut deposits supply Asian markets
  • South Africa - Witkop and Vergenoeg mines produce fluorite and byproduct fluorspar
  • Spain - Asturias region historically important for European fluorite supply
  • United States - Illinois-Kentucky district and western states contain significant reserves

Hydrothermal and Geological Formation

Fluorite deposits form through hydrothermal processes in specific geological environments:

  • Epithermal deposits - Low-temperature hydrothermal fluids deposit fluorite in fractures and veins
  • Mississippi Valley-type deposits - Sediment-hosted fluorite associated with lead-zinc mineralization
  • Granite-related deposits - Fluorine-enriched granitic magmas create pegmatites and greisens
  • Carbonatite complexes - Alkaline igneous rocks concentrate Fluorine in unusual mineral assemblages
  • Volcanic environments - Fluorine-rich volcanic gases create surface deposits and hot springs

Seawater and Marine Environment

Oceans contain the largest reservoir of dissolved fluoride, with an average concentration of 1.3 mg/L (1.3 ppm):

  • Total oceanic fluoride - Approximately 1.8 billion tons dissolved in world's oceans
  • Marine organisms - Some sea creatures concentrate fluoride in shells and skeletons
  • Coral reefs - Calcium fluoride precipitates in coral skeletons under specific conditions
  • Deep-sea brines - Hydrothermal vents release fluoride-rich fluids
  • Evaporite deposits - Ancient seawater evaporation concentrates fluoride minerals

Groundwater and Surface Water Systems

Natural fluoride occurs in freshwater systems through rock-water interactions:

  • Granite aquifers - Weathering of Fluorine-bearing minerals releases fluoride
  • Volcanic region waters - Geothermal activity creates high-fluoride groundwater
  • Sedimentary aquifers - Ion exchange processes concentrate fluoride over time
  • Hot springs - Geothermal waters often contain elevated fluoride concentrations
  • Artesian wells - Deep groundwater may have high natural fluoride levels

Biological Concentration and Uptake

Living organisms interact with environmental fluoride in complex ways:

  • Plant uptake - Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) concentrate fluoride in leaves
  • Bone and teeth - Vertebrates incorporate fluoride into calcium phosphate structures
  • Marine shells - Mollusks and crustaceans concentrate fluoride from seawater
  • Bioaccumulation - Some organisms concentrate fluoride to levels exceeding their environment
  • Endemic fluorosis - High natural fluoride causes health problems in affected regions

Volcanic and Geothermal Sources

Active geological processes continuously release Fluorine compounds:

  • Volcanic emissions - Volcanoes release hydrogen fluoride gas during eruptions
  • Fumaroles - Volcanic gas vents emit Fluorine-bearing compounds
  • Geothermal fields - Hot springs and geysers contain dissolved fluoride
  • Magmatic processes - Fluorine concentrates in late-stage magmatic fluids
  • Metamorphic reactions - High-temperature processes mobilize Fluorine in crustal rocks

Cosmic and Extraterrestrial Occurrence

Fluorine's cosmic abundance and distribution in space:

  • Solar system abundance - Fluorine ranks 24th in cosmic element abundance
  • Stellar nucleosynthesis - Produced in asymptotic giant branch stars through neutron capture
  • Meteorites - Fluorine-bearing minerals found in some carbonaceous chondrites
  • Cometary material - Hydrogen fluoride detected in some comet tails
  • Interstellar space - Hydrogen fluoride molecules detected in molecular clouds

Discovery

ARCHIVED
1886
Henri Moissan

Safety Information

CRITICAL

Extreme Safety Pre
cautions and Hazard Information

EXTREMELY TOXIC AND CORROSIVE: Fluorine gas is one of the most dangerous substances known.
It causes severe burns, is fatal if inhaled, and reacts
explosively with most materials.
Hydrogen fluoride is equally
dangerous and can cause delayed, potentially fatal poisoning.

Acute
Toxicity and Exposure Hazards

Fluorine and hydrogen fluoride cause severe health effects:

  • Respiratory toxicity - Fluorine gas causes immediate chemical burns to lungs and airways
  • Skin and eye burns - Contact causes severe chemical burns that may not be immediately painful
  • Delayed toxicity - Hydrogen fluoride can cause fatal delayed effects hours after exposure
  • Systemic poisoning - Fluoride ions disrupt cellular metabolism and can cause cardiac arrest
  • Bone and teeth effects - Chronic exposure causes skeletal fluorosis and dental damage

Occupational Exposure Limits

Extremely low exposure limits reflect Fluorine's toxicity:

  • Fluorine gas - OSHA PEL: 0.
1 ppm (8-hour TWA), STEL: 0.3 ppm
  • Hydrogen fluoride - OSHA PEL: 3 ppm (ceiling limit), extremely
    toxic even at low concentrations
  • Fluoride compounds - 2.
    • 5 mg/m³ as fluoride for most inorganic fluoride compounds
  • Medical surveillance - Required for workers exposed to Fluorine compounds
  • Respiratory protection - Self-contained breathing apparatus required for any exposure risk

    • Emergency Response and First Aid

    warning">IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION REQUIRED: Any exposure to Fluorine gas or hydrofluoric acid requires immediate emergency medical treatment.
    Delays can be fatal.

    Critical emergency procedures:

    Fire and Explosion Hazards

    Fluorine creates extreme fire and explosion risks:

    Personal Protective Equipment

    Maximum protection required for Fluorine handling:

    Laboratory and Industrial Safety

    Specialized safety measures for Fluorine work:

    Environmental and Community Safety

    Fluorine compounds require careful environmental management:

    Transportation and Storage Regulations

    Strict regulations govern Fluorine transport and storage:

    Chronic Health Effects

    Long-term exposure can cause permanent health damage:

    Knowledge Database

    Essential information about Fluorine (F)

    Fluorine is unique due to its atomic number of 9 and belongs to the Halogen category. With an atomic mass of 18.998000, it exhibits distinctive properties that make it valuable for various applications.

    Its electron configuration ([He] 2s² 2p⁵) determines its chemical behavior and bonding patterns.

    Fluorine has several important physical properties:

    Density: 0.0017 g/cm³

    Melting Point: 53.48 K (-220°C)

    Boiling Point: 85.03 K (-188°C)

    State at Room Temperature: Gas

    Atomic Radius: 50 pm

    Fluorine has various important applications in modern technology and industry:

    Industrial Applications and Manufacturing

    Uranium Enrichment and Nuclear Industry

    The largest industrial use of Fluorine is in uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) production for nuclear fuel enrichment:

    • Gas diffusion method - UF₆ is processed through selective barriers to concentrate U-235
    • Gas centrifuge enrichment - High-speed centrifuges separate isotopes based on mass differences
    • Nuclear fuel fabrication - Enriched uranium is converted back to uranium dioxide for reactor fuel
    • Fluorine gas production - Electrolysis of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride produces pure Fluorine
    • Nuclear waste processing - Fluorine compounds help recover valuable materials from spent fuel

    Fluoropolymer Manufacturing

    Fluorine creates exceptionally durable and chemically resistant polymers:

    • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon) - Non-stick cookware, gaskets, and chemical-resistant linings
    • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) - Wire insulation and chemical processing equipment
    • Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) - High-purity semiconductor manufacturing equipment
    • Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) - Architectural membranes and chemical plant piping
    • Fluoroelastomers (Viton) - High-temperature seals for aerospace and automotive applications

    Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

    Fluorinated compounds revolutionized cooling technology:

    • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - R-134a, R-410A, and other refrigerants for HVAC systems
    • Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) - Next-generation low-GWP refrigerants like R-1234yf
    • Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) - Specialized refrigerants for extreme low-temperature applications
    • Foam blowing agents - Create insulating foams for refrigerators and building insulation
    • Heat pump applications - Enable efficient heating and cooling systems

    Electronics and Semiconductor Industry

    Fluorine compounds are essential for modern electronics manufacturing:

    • Plasma etching - CF₄, SF₆, and NF₃ etch silicon wafers with atomic precision
    • Chamber cleaning - Fluorine-based gases clean chemical vapor deposition reactors
    • Dielectric materials - Fluorinated polymers provide electrical insulation in microchips
    • Lithium battery electrolytes - Fluorinated solvents improve battery performance and safety
    • Photolithography - Fluorinated resists enable extreme ultraviolet (EUV) semiconductor manufacturing

    Pharmaceutical and Agrochemical Industry

    Fluorine dramatically enhances drug and pesticide properties:

    • Fluorinated pharmaceuticals - 20% of drugs contain Fluorine, including antidepressants and antibiotics
    • Positron emission tomography - Fluorine-18 isotope enables medical imaging
    • Anesthetics - Sevoflurane and desflurane provide safe surgical anesthesia
    • Agricultural pesticides - Fluorinated compounds improve pesticide effectiveness and selectivity
    • Veterinary medicines - Fluoroquinolone antibiotics treat animal infections

    Metal Surface Treatment

    Fluorine compounds provide superior surface protection:

    • Aluminum anodizing - Hydrofluoric acid creates protective oxide layers
    • Stainless steel pickling - Removes oxide scales and improves corrosion resistance
    • Glass etching - Hydrogen fluoride creates decorative and functional glass surfaces
    • Silicon wafer polishing - Fluorine-based solutions create atomically smooth surfaces
    • Metal cleaning - Removes rust, scale, and contaminants from metal surfaces

    Aerospace and Defense Applications

    Fluorine compounds enable extreme-environment technologies:

    • Rocket propellants - Fluorine provides the highest specific impulse for space missions
    • Hypersonic vehicle cooling - Fluorocarbon coolants withstand extreme temperatures
    • Satellite components - Fluoropolymers resist radiation and extreme temperature cycling
    • Military applications - Specialized Fluorine compounds for defense technologies
    • Space suit materials - Fluorinated fabrics provide chemical and UV protection
    1886
    Henri Moissan

    Discovered by: Henri Moissan

    Year of Discovery: 1886

    Natural Sources and Global Distribution

    Mineral Occurrence and Geological Sources

    Fluorine never occurs as a free element in nature due to its extreme reactivity, but forms abundant minerals in Earth's crust. With an average crustal abundance of 625 parts per million, Fluorine ranks as the 13th most abundant element in the lithosphere.

    Primary Fluorine Minerals
    • Fluorite (CaF₂) - The most important Fluorine ore, forming beautiful cubic crystals in purple, green, blue, and clear varieties
    • Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) - Rare sodium aluminum fluoride, historically mined in Greenland for aluminum production
    • Topaz (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂) - Fluorine-bearing aluminum silicate gemstone
    • Lepidolite (K(Li,Al)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂) - Lithium-bearing mica with Fluorine content
    • Tourmaline group - Complex borosilicates containing Fluorine in some varieties
    • Apatite (Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)) - Calcium phosphate with Fluorine substitution

    Major Global Fluorite Deposits

    World fluorite production centers around key geological formations:

    • China - Dominates global production with 67% market share, major deposits in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Inner Mongolia provinces
    • Mexico - Las Cuevas deposit in San Luis Potosí produces high-grade acid-grade fluorite
    • Mongolia - Bor Undur and Tsagaan Chuluut deposits supply Asian markets
    • South Africa - Witkop and Vergenoeg mines produce fluorite and byproduct fluorspar
    • Spain - Asturias region historically important for European fluorite supply
    • United States - Illinois-Kentucky district and western states contain significant reserves

    Hydrothermal and Geological Formation

    Fluorite deposits form through hydrothermal processes in specific geological environments:

    • Epithermal deposits - Low-temperature hydrothermal fluids deposit fluorite in fractures and veins
    • Mississippi Valley-type deposits - Sediment-hosted fluorite associated with lead-zinc mineralization
    • Granite-related deposits - Fluorine-enriched granitic magmas create pegmatites and greisens
    • Carbonatite complexes - Alkaline igneous rocks concentrate Fluorine in unusual mineral assemblages
    • Volcanic environments - Fluorine-rich volcanic gases create surface deposits and hot springs

    Seawater and Marine Environment

    Oceans contain the largest reservoir of dissolved fluoride, with an average concentration of 1.3 mg/L (1.3 ppm):

    • Total oceanic fluoride - Approximately 1.8 billion tons dissolved in world's oceans
    • Marine organisms - Some sea creatures concentrate fluoride in shells and skeletons
    • Coral reefs - Calcium fluoride precipitates in coral skeletons under specific conditions
    • Deep-sea brines - Hydrothermal vents release fluoride-rich fluids
    • Evaporite deposits - Ancient seawater evaporation concentrates fluoride minerals

    Groundwater and Surface Water Systems

    Natural fluoride occurs in freshwater systems through rock-water interactions:

    • Granite aquifers - Weathering of Fluorine-bearing minerals releases fluoride
    • Volcanic region waters - Geothermal activity creates high-fluoride groundwater
    • Sedimentary aquifers - Ion exchange processes concentrate fluoride over time
    • Hot springs - Geothermal waters often contain elevated fluoride concentrations
    • Artesian wells - Deep groundwater may have high natural fluoride levels

    Biological Concentration and Uptake

    Living organisms interact with environmental fluoride in complex ways:

    • Plant uptake - Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) concentrate fluoride in leaves
    • Bone and teeth - Vertebrates incorporate fluoride into calcium phosphate structures
    • Marine shells - Mollusks and crustaceans concentrate fluoride from seawater
    • Bioaccumulation - Some organisms concentrate fluoride to levels exceeding their environment
    • Endemic fluorosis - High natural fluoride causes health problems in affected regions

    Volcanic and Geothermal Sources

    Active geological processes continuously release Fluorine compounds:

    • Volcanic emissions - Volcanoes release hydrogen fluoride gas during eruptions
    • Fumaroles - Volcanic gas vents emit Fluorine-bearing compounds
    • Geothermal fields - Hot springs and geysers contain dissolved fluoride
    • Magmatic processes - Fluorine concentrates in late-stage magmatic fluids
    • Metamorphic reactions - High-temperature processes mobilize Fluorine in crustal rocks

    Cosmic and Extraterrestrial Occurrence

    Fluorine's cosmic abundance and distribution in space:

    • Solar system abundance - Fluorine ranks 24th in cosmic element abundance
    • Stellar nucleosynthesis - Produced in asymptotic giant branch stars through neutron capture
    • Meteorites - Fluorine-bearing minerals found in some carbonaceous chondrites
    • Cometary material - Hydrogen fluoride detected in some comet tails
    • Interstellar space - Hydrogen fluoride molecules detected in molecular clouds

    Earth's Abundance: 5.85e-4

    Universe Abundance: 4.00e-8

    ⚠️ Danger: Fluorine is highly reactive and can react violently with air, water, or other substances. Requires specialized storage and handling.

    Extreme Safety Pre
    cautions and Hazard Information

    EXTREMELY TOXIC AND CORROSIVE: Fluorine gas is one of the most dangerous substances known.
    It causes severe burns, is fatal if inhaled, and reacts
    explosively with most materials.
    Hydrogen fluoride is equally
    dangerous and can cause delayed, potentially fatal poisoning.

    Acute
    Toxicity and Exposure Hazards

    Fluorine and hydrogen fluoride cause severe health effects:

    • Respiratory toxicity - Fluorine gas causes immediate chemical burns to lungs and airways
    • Skin and eye burns - Contact causes severe chemical burns that may not be immediately painful
    • Delayed toxicity - Hydrogen fluoride can cause fatal delayed effects hours after exposure
    • Systemic poisoning - Fluoride ions disrupt cellular metabolism and can cause cardiac arrest
    • Bone and teeth effects - Chronic exposure causes skeletal fluorosis and dental damage

    Occupational Exposure Limits

    Extremely low exposure limits reflect Fluorine's toxicity:

    • Fluorine gas - OSHA PEL: 0.
    1 ppm (8-hour TWA), STEL: 0.3 ppm
  • Hydrogen fluoride - OSHA PEL: 3 ppm (ceiling limit), extremely
    toxic even at low concentrations
  • Fluoride compounds - 2.
    • 5 mg/m³ as fluoride for most inorganic fluoride compounds
  • Medical surveillance - Required for workers exposed to Fluorine compounds
  • Respiratory protection - Self-contained breathing apparatus required for any exposure risk

    • Emergency Response and First Aid

    warning">IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION REQUIRED: Any exposure to Fluorine gas or hydrofluoric acid requires immediate emergency medical treatment.
    Delays can be fatal.

    Critical emergency procedures:

    Fire and Explosion Hazards

    Fluorine creates extreme fire and explosion risks:

    Personal Protective Equipment

    Maximum protection required for Fluorine handling:

    Laboratory and Industrial Safety

    Specialized safety measures for Fluorine work:

    Environmental and Community Safety

    Fluorine compounds require careful environmental management:

    Transportation and Storage Regulations

    Strict regulations govern Fluorine transport and storage:

    Chronic Health Effects

    Long-term exposure can cause permanent health damage:

    Related Elements

    17
    Cl
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    35
    Br
    Bromine
    53
    I
    Iodine
    85
    At
    Astatine
    117
    Ts
    Tennessine
    3
    Li
    Lithium
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