Germanium Tetrafluoride, Enriched Germanium

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Emergency Overview Color Colorless Physical Form Gas Odor Pungent odor, garlic odor

Health hazards

Toxic gas Product reacts with water vapor in air to form other corrosive, toxic substances (hydrofluoric acid gas) 4 Flammability = 0 Reactivity = 1 4 Flammability = 0 Physical Hazard = 1 4 FLAMMABILITY 0 PHYSICAL HAZARD 1 PERSONAL PROTECTION Carcinogenicity IARC NTP No

NFPA Ratings

(0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe)

HMIS® ratings

(0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe)

Potential health effects

Inhalation Corrosive and irritating to the upper and lower respiratory tracts. It hydrolyzes very rapidly, yielding hydrofluoric acid. Mucosal irritations are like that from exposure to volatile inorganic acids. Symptoms include cough, labored breathing and excessive salivary and sputum formation. Chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema result from exposure to the lower respiratory tract and deep lung. Residual pulmonary malfunction might also occur. Extended low-level systemic absorption of fluorides may cause fluorosis, an abnormal calcification pattern of the skeletal system. Skin Contact Corrosive and irritating to the skin. It hydrolyzes very rapidly, yielding hydrofluoric acid. Skin burns and mucosal irritation are like that from exposure to volatile inorganic acids. Hydrofluoric acid burns exhibit severe pain, redness, possible swelling and early necrosis. Toxic-level exposure to dermal tissue causes hydrofluoric acid burns and skin lesions resulting in early necrosis and scarring. Burns are progressive while any residual active fluorides remain. Eye Contact Corrosive and irritating to the eyes. Mucosal irritation is like that from exposure to volatile inorganic acids. Symptoms include irritation, lacrimation, and hydrofluoric acid burns similar to those of dermal exposure. It is irritating and corrosive to all living tissue. Burns to the eyes result in lesions and possible loss of vision. Ingestion Ingestion is unlikely. However, ingestion would cause irritation, pain and burns similar to that of dermal exposure.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Target Organs Inhalation, eye and skin contact Respiratory tract, skin

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

May aggravate pre-existing eye, skin, and respiratory conditions. May cause asthma.

Environmental effects

Dangerous for the environment. Toxic effects are expected to be similar to those of hydrofluoric acid.