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URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE
ICSC: 1250
Peer-Review Status: 09.06.2011 Validated
Uranium fluoride 
CAS #: 7783-81-5 RTECS #: YR4720000
UN #: 2978
EC #: 092-002-00-3
EINECS #: 232-028-6
 		    Formula: UF6
Molecular mass: 352.0

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.    NO water. Use powder, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT! PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!  IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
Inhalation Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.  Use closed system, ventilation and breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Apply calcium gluconate to the burn areas. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Eyes Pain. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Burns in mouth and throat. Sore throat. Abdominal pain. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Vacuum with specialist equipment (See Notes) or carefully sweep into dry or sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.  Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: T+, N; R: 26/28-33-51/53; S: (1/2)-20/21-45-61; Note: A 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 7; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8 
GHS Classification
Signal: Danger
May be corrosive to metals
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Causes damage to respiratory tract 
corrcancer;health haz

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
  Store only in original container. Separated from acids and organic compounds. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS-TO-WHITE DELIQUESCENT CRYSTALS. 

Physical dangers
No data. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride (see ICSC 0283). Reacts violently with water, strong acids and organic compounds. This generates fire and explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV (as U): 0.2 mg/m³ as TWA; 0.6 mg/m³ as STEL; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2010). 

Routes of exposure
Serious local effects and systemic effects by all routes of exposure. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
Corrosive. Inhalation may cause severe swelling of the throat. This may result in asphyxia. Inhalation may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest. Exposure at high levels could cause death. Exposure could cause severe lung damage. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Cumulative effects are possible. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Sublimation point: 56°C
Relative density (water = 1): 5.1
Solubility in water at 20°C: reaction
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 14.2   		 

NOTES
The health effects on this card apply to uranium hexafluoride of low radiologic activity.
NEVER use a domestic-type vacuum cleaner to vacuum the substance, only use specialist equipment.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Shipping name: UN 2978: radioactive material, uranium hexafluoride, non fissile or fissile-excepted; UN 2977: radioactive material, uranium hexafluoride, fissile. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations