This guide helps doctors monitor the health of workers exposed to fluorides.  

Fluorine (as F2) (CAS 7782-41-4): 

• is a pale-yellow gas at normal temperature 

• smells like ozone 

• extremely reactive – organic and hydrogen-containing compounds can burn or explode when exposed to it. 

Because of its reactivity, fluorine gas rarely occurs in nature, with fluoride ion more commonly found. 

The major uses of fluorides are in: 

• insecticides 

• floor polishes 

• petroleum 

• aluminium 

• glass and non-metal product etching 

• timber preservation 

• making dietary supplements and toothpastes 

• water treatment 

• semiconductor industry 

• making chemicals, solvents and plastics for laundries 

• corrosion inhibitors 

• electroplating agents 

• flux agents for casting or joining 

• fixing agents 

• welding and soldering agents 

• drilling 

• metal mining and refining 

• metal surface treatments. 

This guide is part of a health monitoring guide collection. 

There are also health monitoring guides for: 

• persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) 

• guide for workers 

• registered medical practitioners 

• hazardous chemicals