Beryllium fluoride (BeF2)

47.01

47.00900

232-118-5

1355

84264

1566

Tetrahedral crystals or glass|Glassy hygroscopic mass (tetragonal system)|Amorphous, colorless, hexagonal crystals|White salt

0

0.84040

White Powder

1.986 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C

555 °C

1160 °C

Index of refraction: below 1.33

very soluble H2O [MER06]; slightly soluble alcohol [HAW93]

Separated from strong acids, food and feedstuffs . Well closed.

Oral-rat LD50: 98 mg/kg; Oral-Mouse LD50: 100 mg/kg

High-temperature decomposition of toxic fluoride and beryllium-containing fumes

Odorless

Hygroscopic|Sublimes at 1036 °C under 1 mm Hg pressure in presence of beryllium|Specific gravity: 1.986 at 25 °C/4 °C|Heat of solution: -180 btu/lb = -98 cal/g = -4.1X10+5 joules/kg|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Water soluble.

Salts, Acidic

It reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid, a source of fluoride ions. Unlike other halide ions, the fluoride ion is quite reactive, acting as a weak base and participating in some unique reactions. In particular, fluorides react strongly with compounds containing calcium, magnesium, or silicon ions, which means that solutions containing soluble fluorides are corrosive to both living tissue and glass. Hydrofluoric acid can cause severe chemical burns and is one of the few materials that can etch glass. It is also a toxic gas in its anhydrous form.

II

6.1

UN1566

51/53-49-48/23-43-36/37/38-26-25

61-53-45

DS2800000

N-T+,Xi

The warehouse is ventilated, away from open flames, high temperatures, and oxidants, and stored separately from magnesium

Irritant

P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P281, P301+P310, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313, P312, P314, P321, P330, P331, P332+P313, P333+P313, P337+P313, P362, P363, P403+P233, P405, P501

H301

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.|SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Reacts with strong acids .|Interaction of beryllium fluoride with magnesium is violently exothermic.|Acids, caustics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, oxidizers, molten lithium. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be)/

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic and irritating vapor of unburned material may form in fire. (USCG, 1999)|Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

|Danger|H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P201, P202, P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P281, P284, P301+P310, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313, P310, P312, P314, P320, P321, P322, P330, P361, P363, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 4 companies from 1 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P281, P301+P310, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313, P312, P314, P321, P330, P331, P332+P313, P333+P313, P337+P313, P362, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)

Respiratory protection; gloves; goggles (USCG, 1999)|Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.|Protective gloves. Protective clothing.|Closed system and ventilation.|Respiratory protection; gloves; goggles|For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. /Beryllium compound, NOS/

Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.|Response to discharge: Issue warning poison, corrosive; Restrict access; Should be removed; chemical and physical treatment.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.|The insidious nature of physiological action of beryllium even from minute exposures ... requires constant vigilance to minimize exposure, particularly to ... beryllium fluoride fume ...|SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.|SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. /Beryllium compounds, NOS/|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Beryllium ... fluoride ... causes acute irritation of skin, eyes, & resp tract when ... exposed to /its/ dusts.|The substance is severely irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract .

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 2 ug/cu m. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds/|Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 Acceptable Ceiling Concentration: 5 ug/cu m. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds/|Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 Acceptable maximum peak above the acceptable ceiling concentration for an 8-hour shift. Concentration: 25 ug/cu m. Maximum Duration: 30 minutes. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds/

NIOSH considers beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be) to be potential occupational carcinogens. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be)/|Recommended Exposure Limit: Ceiling Value: 0.0005 mg/cu m. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be)/|NIOSH usually recommends that occupational exposures to carcinogens be limited to the lowest feasible concentration.

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong acids and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of dust or fume may cause chemical pneumonitis. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure could cause death.

Sensitization to the substance, through repeated or prolonged inhalation or skin contact, may result in serious granulomatous lung disease (chronic beryllium disease). This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Use closed system.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Beryllium compounds are included on this list. /Beryllium Compounds/

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of beryllium fluoride stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact), exposure to this odorless, colorless-to-white solid may occur from its use (in finely divided dust or solution form) as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of beryllium metal, and as a glass former in glass manufacture. Effects from exposure may include contact burns of the skin and eyes, headache, fever, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, and possibly death from heart failure. The OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV are set at a TWA of 2 ug/cu m. Engineering control of process equipment (eg, enclosure and local exhaust ventilation) should be used to prevent inhalation and skin contact with beryllium fluoride. In activities or situations where over-exposure is possible, workers should wear gloves, goggles, a self-contained breathing apparatus, and protective clothing. Work clothes should not be taken home. Should contact occur, immediately remove contaminated clothing and flush affected skin and eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. While beryllium fluoride does not ignite easily, it may burn with the possible formation of irritating and poisonous gases or fumes. For small fires involving beryllium fluoride, extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, Halon, water spray, or standard foam, and for large fires, use water spray, fog, or standard foam. Wear an appropriate respirator and protective clothing when fighting such fires. Shipping regulations and other DOT regulatory requirements should be consulted before transport. Containers should be protected from physical damage, and stored in dry areas, away from acids, caustics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and oxidizing materials. Small dry spills of beryllium fluoride may be shovelled into a clean, dry, covered container for latter disposal (solutions are first absorbed in sand or other noncombustible absorbant). Large liquid spills are diked far ahead of the spill for later disposal and to prevent runoff from causing pollution. Before implementing land disposal of beryllium fluoride waste, consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).

highly toxic

Exposure to beryllium fluioride enhanced the toxic response to beryllium sulfate.

LD50 Mice oral 20 mg Be/kg /as BeF2/

Soluble beryllium salts, such as BeCl2 and BeF2, are hydrolyzed to form insoluble beryllium hydroxides. Oxidation is not expected to be important under environmental conditions(1). In water, beryllium hydroxide is amphoteric; cationic beryllium salts, when dissolved in water, undergo hydrolysis, and the pH of these solutions is acidic. In aqueous alkaline solutions (pH8 and above) beryllates are formed(2).

... Skeletal deposition of beryllium from the fluoride ... inhaled for 40 to 100 days by dogs, showed 17% ... retained in lung; 27% ... in liver; & 199% ... in the pulmonary lymph nodes.|Accumulation, distribution, and excretion of inhaled aerosol beryllium fluoride soln was related to the animal's age; 15 min after the exposure, 26.3-33.5% of the inhaled metal was found in the body of adult rats and 2-4 week old rats, and 12.5% in the body of 1 wk old rats. The organ and tissue content varied in animals of different age. Be clearance from the nasal passages, oral cavity, and trachea was slower and Be retention period in the stomach and small and large intestine was longer in 1 wk old rats than in adult rats.|The effects of type of cmpd administered, isotope carrier, and animal development were studied on beryllium absorption from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of rats. Isotope (7)Be labeled salts, with and without isotope carrier (9)Be (0.25-6 mg/kg), were administered via the stomach. Beryllium accumulation in the liver was 4-12 fold and in the kidney 16-37 fold less than that in the skeleton. The accumulation of beryllium depended on the type of cmpd In 1, 2, and 4 wk old and adult rats, the major amt of beryllium was observed in the skeleton, liver, and kidney. Beryllium chloride administration (with and without the carrier) showed 8 fold higher organ accumulation than that in 1 mo old and adult rats, and beryllium fluoride accumulation was 1.5 fold higher in 1, 2, and 4 wk old rats than that in the adult animals. The isotope carrier had no effect on the level of accumulation in rats of different age groups. Beryllium oxide absorption was higher than that of the hydroxide and beryllium fluoride was absorbed approx 15-20 fold higher than the chloride, sulfate, and nitrate and 210-260 fold higher than the hydroxide. Easily sol cmpd of beryllium are less absorbed presumably due to their hydrolysis in the alk medium of the GI tract. Beryllium fluoride absorption was higher in young animals than that in the adult rats.

Beryllium fluoride-purity: 99.5%; impurities (mg/kg): Al, 75; Fe, 75; Ni, 40; Cu, 10.|Typical chemical composition & impurity limits for certain beryllium: anhydrous beryllium fluoride discs: beryllium 19.0%; aluminum 75 mg/kg; iron 75 mg/kg; nickel 40 mg/kg; copper 10 mg/kg. /From table/

Any dramatic weight loss should be considered as possible first indication of beryllium disease. Inhalation causes irritation of nose, throat, and lungs, severe pneumonitis, and/or pulmonary edema. Ingestion causes fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite. Contact with eyes causes severe irritation and burns. Contact with skin causes dermatitis and non-healing ulcers. (USCG, 1999)|Carcinogens

INHALATION: move to fresh air; chest x-ray should be taken immediately to detect pneumonitis, if exposure has been severe. INGESTION: induce vomiting; get medical attention. EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min.; get medical attention. SKIN: flush with water; get medical attention if skin has been broken. (USCG, 1999)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Beryllium and Related Compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Beryllium and Related Compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Beryllium and Related Compounds/|/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Fluorine and related compounds/|For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Acute pulmonary lesions have resulted from few min inhalation of air containing the fluoride ... of beryllium.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Beryllium ... fluoride ... causes acute irritation of skin, eyes, & resp tract when ... exposed to /its/ dusts ... ocular irritation ... has not been serious, consisting of conjunctivitis, but scarcely ever involving cornea.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Hyperemia of conjunctiva & edema of lids which result from exposure to dust or direct contamination by particles are said to cause rather persistent burning sensation & photophobia, but recovery is usually complete in 5-10 days.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Acute contact dermatitis usually arises during extraction of beryllium by fluoride ... processes, not from contact with beryllium oxide powder.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

beryllium fluoride

The substance can be absorbed into the body in hazardous amounts by inhalation of its aerosol, by ingestion and through the skin.

Cough. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed.

Redness. Pain. MAY BE ABSORBED!

Redness. Pain.

Beryllium fluoride-purity: 99.5%|Quarter inch pieces and smaller, 99.5% grades

Primary metal manufacturing|Beryllium fluoride (BeF2): ACTIVE|Beryllium metal is obtained by reducing beryllium fluoride with a stoichiometric deficiency of magnesium; excess beryllium fluoride acts as flux permitting reaction @ lower temp; at 1300 °C beryllium floats on molten slag, from which it is poured; excess beryllium fluoride is recycled; ammonium fluoroberyllate is intermediate in prepn of beryllium fluoride from ammonium fluoride & impure beryllium oxide.

Health Hazards -> Carcinogens