Beryllium fluoride

Synonyms

Beryllium difluoride; Beryllium fluoride(Be2F4); Beryllium fluoride(BeF2); [ChemIDplus] UN1566

Category

Beryllium Compounds, Inorganic

Description

Hygroscopic solid; Soluble in water; [Merck Index] Grey or colorless chunks; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used to make beryllium, beryllium alloys, glass, and welding/soldering fluxes; Also used in nuclear reactors; [HSDB]

Comments

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [HSDB] Skin contact may cause dermatitis and non-healing ulcers; [CAMEO] A severe skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause beryllium sensitization after prolonged contact; Dust or fume inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause chronic beryllium disease; [ICSC] See "Beryllium" for one additional linked occupational disease.

Biomedical References

Fluorides in urine = 2 mg/L prior to shift or 3 mg/L at end of shift; (Repeated measurements recommended.)

Yes

5E-05 mg/m3, as Be, inhalable fraction (2.5 mg/m3, as F)

0.002 mg/m3, as Be, Ceiling(OSHA) = 0.005 mg/m3, as Be(0.025 mg/m3,as Be,for 30 min.peak per 8-hr shift) [ 2.5 mg/m3, as F]

1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as F

4 mg/m3, as Be

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Beryllium compounds, n.o.s."

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Chronic beryllium disease

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Glass Manufacturing
• Soldering
• Welding