Agent Name
Cobaltous fluoride
Synonyms
Cobalt difluoride; Cobalt fluoride (CoF2); Cobalt(II) fluoride; [ChemIDplus] UN3288
Category
Metals, Inorganic Compounds
Description
Rose-red solid; Soluble in cold water; Decomposed by hot water; [Hawley] Red odorless powder; Soluble in water; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used as catalyst for organic reactions; [Merck Index] Used as a fluorinating agent; [Ullmann]
Comments
A skin and eye irritant; [HSDB] An irritant; May cause skin sensitization; [MSDSonline] Handle with care because it is toxic and hygroscopic; [Ullmann] See "Cobalt" and "FLUORIDES."
BEI
Fluorides in urine = 2 mg/L prior to shift or 3 mg/L at end of shift; (Repeated measurements recommended.) Cobalt in urine = 15 ug/L; sample at end of shift at end of workweek;
TLV (ACGIH)
2.5 mg/m3, as F (0.02 mg/m3 as Co)
PEL (OSHA)
2.5 mg/m3, as F
MAK
1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as F
Explanatory Notes
Also see TLV for Cobalt and inorganic compounds, as Co = 0.02 mg/m3; The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s."
IARC Carcinogen
Probable (2a)
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: