Agent Name
Tungsten hexafluoride
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Synonyms
Tungsten fluoride (WF6); UN2196; [ChemIDplus]
Description
Colorless gas or light-yellow liquid that decomposes in water; [Hawley]
Sources/Uses
Used in the application of tungsten coatings; Used in chemical synthesis; [NJ-HSFS]
Comments
Hydrolyzes to HF after contact with water or moisture; Corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation can cause acute pulmonary edema; [CHEMINFO MSDS]
BEI
Fluorides in urine = 2 mg/L prior to shift or 3 mg/L at end of shift; (Repeated measurements recommended.)
TLV (ACGIH)
3 mg/m3, as W, respirable particulate matter (2.5 mg/m3, as F)
PEL (OSHA)
2.5 mg/m3, as F
MAK
1 mg/m3, as F, inhalable fraction
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 1,430 mg/m3
Explanatory Notes
See exposure limits for soluble "Tungsten and compounds" and "Hydrogen fluoride"; Boiling point = 67 deg F; Melting point = 37 deg F; [CAMEO]
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: