BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE

Odorless white solid. Denser than water. (USCG, 1999)

none

Water soluble.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic and irritating vapor of unburned material may form in fire. (USCG, 1999)

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)

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.

• Salts, Acidic

No information available.

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

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 the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

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, 2020)

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from 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, 2020)

Respiratory protection; gloves; goggles (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

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)

• BERYLLIUM DIFLUORIDE
• BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE