Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LEAD FLUORIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Electronic and optical applications, starting materials for growing single crystal solid-
state lasers, high- temperature dry film lubricants in the form of ceramic- bonded
coatings. Regeant

SYNONYMS

F2-Pb, "lead (II) fluoride", "lead (II) fluoride", "lead difluoride", "plumbous fluoride",
"plomb fluorure"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
May cause harm to the unborn child.
Possible risk of impaired fertility.
Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Fluoride causes severe loss of calcium in the blood, with symptoms appearing several hours later including painful and rigid muscle contractions of the limbs. Cardiovascular collapse can occur and may cause death with increased heart rate and other heart rhythm irregularities. The brain and kidneys may be affected. Other toxic effects include headache, increased saliva output, jerking of the eyeball and dilated pupils, lethargy, stupor, coma and rarely, convulsions.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Abrasive damage however, may result from prolonged exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, mayincrease irritant effects.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material, during the course of normalhandling, may be harmful.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Acute effects of fluoride inhalation include irritation of nose and throat, coughing and chest discomfort. A single acute over-exposure may even cause nose bleed. Pre-existing respiratory conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis may be aggravated by exposure. Occupational asthma may result from exposure.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Repeated or long-term occupational exposure is likely to produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Ample evidence exists that developmental disorders are directlycaused by human exposure to the material.  Ample evidence from experiments exists that there is a suspicionthis material directly reduces fertility.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Lead can cross the placenta, and cause miscarriage, stillbirths and birth defects. Exposure before birth can cause mental retardation, behavioral disorders and infant death. Lead can also cause reduced sex drive, impotence, sterility and damage the sperm of males, increasing the potential for birth defects. Periods in women can also be affected.  Extended exposure to inorganic fluorides causes fluorosis, which includes signs of joint pain and stiffness, tooth discoloration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia, weakness and general unwellness. There may also be frequent urination and thirst. Redness, itchiness and allergy-like inflammation of the skin and mouth cavity can occur. The central nervous system may be involved.  Lead can accumulate in the skeleton for a very long time.