Hafnium

Agent Name
Hafnium
CAS Number
7440-58-6
Formula
Hf
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Celtium; Elemental hafnium; Hafnium metal; [NIOSH]
Category
Elements, Metallic
Description
Highly lustrous, ductile, grayish solid; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used to make high-temperature alloys, control rods for nuclear reactors, light bulb filaments, capacitors, cemented carbide tools, coatings for rocket engine parts, TV tubes, and x-ray tubes; [Reference #1]
Comments
The liver and lungs may be affected by heavy or prolonged exposures; [ICSC]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
0.5 mg/m3, as Hf
PEL (OSHA)
0.5 mg/m3, as Hf
IDLH (NIOSH)
50 mg/m3, as Hf
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
No inhalation toxicity data are available on which to base an IDLH for hafnium compounds. Therefore, the revised IDLH for hafnium compounds is 50 mg Hf/m3 based on acute oral toxicity data in animals . . .
Explanatory Notes
Hafnium powder is spontaneously combustible. [CAMEO] The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "hafnium powder, dry."

Adverse Effects

Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: