Fluoride compounds: Environmental effects
Description
Hydrogen fluoride will exist as a particle in the air if released to the atmosphere. It dissolves when mixed with water. Insufficient data are available to predict the short-term or long term effects of hydrogen fluoride to aquatic life, plants, birds or land animals. Concentrated hydrogen fluoride is very corrosive and would badly burn any plants, birds or land animals exposed to it. The concentrations of hydrogen fluoride found in close proximity to sources may adversely affect some species of plants. Small quantities of hydrogen fluoride will be neutralised by the natural alkalinity in aquatic systems. Larger quantities may lower the pH for extended periods of time. Fluorides are not expected to bioaccumulate.
Entering the environment
Industrial emissions of fluoride compounds can produce elevated concentrations in the atmosphere. Hydrogen fluoride will exist as a particle, which may dissolve in clouds, fog, rain, dew, or snow. In clouds and moist air it will travel along the air currents until it is deposited as wet acid deposition (acid rain, acid fog, etc). In waterways it readily mixes with the water.
Where it ends up
Hydrogen fluoride may enter the air during production, use and transportation. The gas dissolves in clouds, fog, rain, or snow. This impacts the environment as wet acid deposition ('acid rain'). In the environment it will react with other chemicals present (ammonia, magnesium, calcium) to form salts, neutralising the acid.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
Key
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