Fluorine (F2)
Fluorine (F2) – also known as difluorine – is mainly used in the chemical industry as an organic or inorganic synthesis agent. It is also used in the nuclear industry to prepare uranium hexafluoride and to produce chemical or nuclear weapons (sarin gas or atomic bomb). Many fluorinated gases like freons are used in the cooling industry (refrigerant systems and air conditioners).
Fluorine effects on health
Fluorine (F2) is yellowish – almost invisible – and features a repulsive smell that can be detected from 0.02 ppm. This gas is very toxic by inhalation (R26) and corrosive – it might cause burns to the skin and the eyes (R35). As fluorine is a combustion agent, it may ignite fire in contact with combustible material (R8). It reacts with almost any mineral and organic substance, which makes it one of the most reactive chemical elements.