18 replies to this topic

[Arthur Brown]

The Organo Fluorine compounds from burning Fluoro polymers are very toxic by skin absorption they cause bone de-calcification and the effect is cumulative. This has caused much agro in the car recycling industry as there are often hi tech polymers in the engine area.

Do NOT smoke near powder ptfe as the powder gets on the cig and injures you.

[miniskinny]

that article is very interesting...So as usual, the finer particle size = easier to light, more hazardous.

[alany]

Fluorine compounds oxidise metals in much the same way as other Halide compounds, for example the classic Hexachloroethane and Zinc smoke:

C2Cl6 + 3(Zn) => 3(ZnCl2) + 2C

Even something as simple as PVC and Iron can react in this manner:

(C2H3Cl)n + Fe => FeCl3 + FeCl2 + [other stuff]

Note the production of both Ferric and Ferrous chlorides. The other stuff is typically burnt to Water and Carbon Dioxide using a Nitrate or Perchlorate oxidiser. When you use Fluorine containing compounds elemental Fluorine is sometimes released, especially when the composition is over-oxidised and particular metal Trifluorides are involved. The sample Shidlovskiy gives is:

6(CoF3) + 2(Mg) => 2(MgF2) + 6(CoF2) + F2

Pretty exotic stuff, Cobalt Trifluoride isn't cheap so this composition isn't very practical, but it is said that Manganese and Lead Trifluorides react similarly. I'd say most metals that have a +3 state and can form Trifluorides react like that too.

The Teflon Mg/reaction is:

(C2F2)n + Mg => MgF2 + 2©

I wouldn't take the risk that in such reactions elemental Fluorine isn't released. Small amounts are probably generated, especially if there is moisture present which will form HF vapor.

Elemental Fluorine is not something you want to be near, it is so insanely reactive it will burn with just about anything, including water. It is also very toxic, it replaces Calcium which upsets the ionic balance in your cells, stopping nerve conduction, respiration, repair, mineralisation of bone, etc. Nasty, nasty stuff, even tiny exposures will leave you dead very quickly. Calcium Glutamate is normally given as an antidote to Fluorine poisoning, but the structural damage will already be done. If you have breathed in Fluorine your chances for survival are very small.

[miniskinny]

True sir, though flourine would hardly give you the chance! It is to my understanding, though limited, that flourine immidiately embarks on a mad quest of creating flourine compounds the moment any pure stuff is around.