Sodium fluoride

Poisons Schedule: 6 (Poison)

This material is hazardous according to criteria of Safe Work Australia; HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE.

Hazard Category: T: Toxic; Xi: Irritant
Risk Phase(s): R25: Toxic if swallowed

Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) for Transport by
Road and Rail; DANGEROUS GOODS.

Subclasses:
6.1 Category C: Substances which are acutely toxic.
6.3 Category A: Substances that are irritating to the skin.
6.4 Category A: Substances that are irritating to the eye.
6.6B Category III: Substances which cause concern for humans owing to possible mutagenic effects.
6.8 Category B: Substances that are suspected human reproductive or developmental toxicants.
6.9 Category A: Substances that are toxic to human target organs or systems.
9.1 Category D: Substances that are slightly harmful to the aquatic environment or are otherwise designed for biocidal action.
9.3 Category B: Substances that are ecotoxic to terrestrial vertebrates.

Materials Safety Data Sheet

See ORICA Materials Safety Data Sheet

Toxic if swallowed. Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas. Irritating to eyes and skin.

Ingestion: swallowing may result in nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Swallowing large amounts may cause muscle spasms, coma and death from respiratory failure. Irritant to eyes, skin, lungs.

Long Term Effects:
Chronic fluorine poisoning is possible. Intake of more than 1.5 mg/L of fluoride can cause dental fluorosis with amounts of greater than 4 mg/L possibly causing skeletal fluorosis. Symptoms include weight loss, brittle bones, anaemia, weakness, and stiffness of joints.

Do not breathe dust. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible).

If skin or hair contact occurs, immediately remove any contaminated clothing and wash skin and hair thoroughly with running water. If swelling, redness, blistering or irritation occurs seek medical assistance.

Wear overalls, chemical goggles and impervious gloves. Avoid generating and inhaling dusts. If dust exists, wear dust mask/respirator meeting the requirements of AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716. Always wash hands before smoking, eating, drinking or using the toilet. Wash contaminated clothing and other protective equipment before storage or re-use.

Ecotoxicity: Avoid contaminating waterways. If contamination of sewers or waterways has occurred advise local emergency services.

Sodium fluoride was once commonly known as a potent insecticide and rodenticide. How safe is it to put this into drinking water, so that people ingest an uncontrolled amount, with dosage determined by thirst and cooking habits?