H 2 SiF 6 Hexafluorosilicic Acid Transportation & Safety

1. A NPWA/UKCAF Presentation H2SiF6 Hexafluorosilicic Acid Transportation & Safety Compiled by G. Glasser, R. Gentle & R. Jones for the National Pure Water Association and UK Councils Against Fluoridation. 2005

2. H2SiF6 Information and documentation on this CD-ROM were compiled from public domain sources and is not for sale or resale Every attempt was made by the researchers to provide the most current information possible from the most reliable sources This presentation is meant only for educational purposes and in the event of an incident, contact the appropriate agencies and qualified Physicians

3. H2SiF6 All Fluorinated/Fluoride Chemicals can be extremely dangerous when encountered in an emergency situation: • Fire and contact with certain chemicals can cause a release of highly toxic and corrosive vapours • Fluoride-based acids and bases are extremely toxic and can be absorbed through the skin • Acute exposure can result in death • Fluoride vapours can cause permanent damage to the lungs and eyes

4. H2SiF6 All liquid fluoride acids should be classified in an unique category

5. H2SiF6 Hydrofluoric acid is the most corrosive and toxic of the fluoride acids

6. H2SiF6 Toxicological The two mechanisms that cause tissue damage are corrosive burn from the free hydrogen ions and chemical burn from tissue penetration of the fluoride ions

7. H2SiF6 Fluoride ions penetrate the skin and form insoluble salts with calcium and magnesium Soluble salts arealso formed with other cations in the body but dissociate rapidly Consequently, fluoride ions release, and further tissue destruction occurs

8. H2SiF6 Mortality/Morbidity: Local effects include tissue destruction and necrosis Burns may affect underlying bone Systemic fluoride ion poisoning from severe burns is associated with hypocalcemia (low Calcium levels), hyperkalemia (low Potassium levels), hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels), and sudden death

9. H2SiF6 Inhalation of hydrofluoric acid vapours may cause severe throat irritation, cough, dyspnea, cyanosis, lung injury and pulmonary oedema resulting in death

10. H2SiF6 While fluoride acids may not react as rapidly as HF, the end result from exposures will be the same if prompt emergency treatment is not available

11. H2SiF6 NOTICE Treatment for exposures: Fluoride acid burns require immediate and specialised treatment Speed is of the Essence: Delay in first aid or improper medical treatment may result in greater damage or the result may be fatal

12. H2SiF6 Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is the base product used to make any fluoride acid

13. H2SiF6 What is H2SiF6? Hydrofluoric Acid + Silicon Dioxide (Sand) Hexafluorosilicic Acid (H2SIF6)

14. H2SiF6 CHEMICAL NAME OF SUBSTANCE Fluorosilicic Acid SYNONYMS: • Fluorosilicic Acid • Hydrogen hexafluorosilicate 40% • Hydrofluorosilicic acid • Fluosilicic acid • Hexafluosilicic acid • Silicofluoric acid • Sand acid

15. H2SiF6 Sources By-product from the manufacture of phosphate fertiliser and hydrogen fluoride All H2SiF6 is of a technical/commercial grade used for drinking water fluoridation and industrial production

16. H2SiF6 Appearance and Odour Water white to straw yellow, fuming liquid, with pungent odour If you can smell it you are being OVEREXPOSED! Technical Grade H2SiF6 can contain up to 2.0% hydrofluoric acid Typical Concentrations 20% - 36% H2SiF6

17. H2SiF6 Transport and Storage • Transport: TPC class 8.9? b - TPF class 8.9? b - IMCO class 8 - ADR class 8.8 b - RID class 8.8 b • Storage: Polyethylene drums. Rubber-coated tank-trucks or containers with approximately 20 MT capacity

18. H2SiF6 • Uses • Drinking water fluoridation • Cement • Latex Foam Rubber • Ceramics and Glass: Glass etching • Electroplating • Sterilization of equipment • Tanning of animal hides • Commercial Laundry: As a neutralizer for alkalis

19. INCOMPATIBLE PRODUCTS Metal, glass, stoneware, alkali and strong concentrated acids Separate from strong bases, food and foodstuffs H2SiF6

20. H2SiF6 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS • Wear approved self-contained acid suits • Reacts with many metals to produce flammable and explosive hydrogen gas • Decomposition will occur above 22°F and produce toxic and corrosive fumes of silicon tetrafluoride and hydrogen fluoride

21. H2SiF6 SPILL OR LEAK Emergency Action: • Keep unnecessary people away • Stay upwind, keep out of low areas • Isolate hazard area and deny entry

22. H2SiF6 Small Spills • Any personnel in area should wear an approved air supplied acid suit • Dike area to contain material • Do not allow solution to enter sewers or surface water • Neutralize the spill with water and lime (hydrated lime) • Take up with sand or non-combustible absorbent material and place in containers for later disposal • Provide ventilation and be wary of hydrogen generation upon reaction with some metals

23. H2SiF6 Large Spills • Any personnel in area should wear an approved air supplied acid suit • Dike area ahead of spill to contain material. Do not allow solution to enter sewers or surface water • Neutralize the spill with water and lime (hydrated lime) • Provide ventilation and be wary of hydrogen generation upon reaction with some metals

24. H2SiF6 Large Road or Motorway Spill • Notify hospitals and paramedics of need for specialised treatment • Evacuate bystanders upwind 300 yards • Evacuate residents in about an one-half mile radius

25. H2SiF6 DO NOT • Spray water directly onto acid • Attempt to add a neutralising agent directly into the acid

26. H2SiF6 • Respiratory Protection:  • Use an approved cartridge respirator with full- face shield • Chemical cartridge should provide protection against acid fumes (Hydrogen Fluoride) • For concentrations greater than 20ppm, an approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full-face shield should be used PERSONAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

27. H2SiF6 Eye and Face Protection: Use tight-fitting chemical splash goggles and a full-face shield, 8 inch minimum Contact lenses should not be worn PERSONAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

28. H2SiF6 Hand, Arm and Body Protection:  Prevent contact with skin by use of acid- proof clothing, gloves and shoes Use an approved acid proof suit and boots where liquid or high vapour concentration is possible PERSONAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

29. H2SiF6 Symptoms of Exposure Acute: Liquid or vapours can cause severe irritation and burns which may not be apparent for hours Can cause severe irritation to the lungs, nose and throat if swallowed, can cause severe damage to throat and stomach, tetany and death

30. H2SiF6 Symptoms of Exposure Chronic: Prolonged exposure could result in bone changes, corrosive effect on mucous membranes including ulceration of nose, throat and bronchial tubes, cough, shock, pulmonary oedema, Fluorosis

31. H2SiF6 Aggravated Medical Conditions Any skin condition and/or pre-existing respiratory disease including asthma and emphysema

32. H2SiF6 EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES Inhalation: Remove exposed person to an uncontaminated area immediately If breathing has stopped, start artificial respiration at once Oxygen should be provided for an exposed person having difficulty breathing (but only by an authorized person) until exposed person is able to breathe easily by themselves Exposed person should be examined by a physician

33. H2SiF6 EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES Skin Contact: Exposed person should be removed to an uncontaminated area and subjected immediately to a drenching shower of water for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes Remove all contaminated clothing while under shower Medical attention should be given as soon as possible for all burns, regardless of how minor they seem

34. H2SiF6 EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES Eye Contact: Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes with large amounts of water Eyelids should be held apart during flushing to ensure contact of water with all accessible tissue of the eyes and lids Medical attention should be given as soon as possible

35. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Beware of late onset of pulmonary oedema for up to 48 hours Treat severe burns and inhalation exposures the same as hydrofluoric acid exposures

36. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Toxicity: Acute and sub-acute exposures to fluorides from whatever source can be extremely dangerous and should be treated with due diligence

37. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Toxicological mechanisms: 1. Fluoride binds to metal-containing enzymes, thereby inactivating them 2. Fluoride binds to calcium, resulting in severe hypocalcemia 3. Fluoride binds to potassium and magnesium ions leading to myocardial irritability and arrhythmia (affects heart function)

38. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Toxicological mechanisms: 4. Fluoride may be directly toxic to the Central Nervous System

39. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Dermal: Removal or inactivation of the fluoride from the site of contact is important and absorbed fluoride must also be inactivated

40. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Dermal: Exposed skin surfaces should be soaked In a calcium or magnesium salt solution, gel or paste Alternatively, quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g. benzalkonium chloride) may be used

41. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Inhalation: For serious inhalation exposures the victim should be placed on a calcium gluconate nebulizer as soon as possible

42. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Patients suffering with serious exposures should have an immediate assessment of serum calcium and electrolytes Intravenous calcium gluconate, magnesium gluconate and potassium to inactivate serum fluoride and replenish electrolyte levels

43. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: Blood calcium and electrolytes should be measured every 6 hrs for at least the first 24 hrs in severe cases

44. H2SiF6 Notes to Physicians: As soon as possible, patients should be placed on continuous electrocardiograph monitoring for signs of hypocalcaemia or dysrhythmia

45. H2SiF6 Example Incidents • 1994 Deltona, Florida • 2001 Port Avonmouth, Bristol • 2005 Phoenix, Arizona

46. H2SiF6 Deltona, Florida, 1994 50 people went to hospital

47. H2SiF6 Some police and emergency workers were in hospital for up to six weeks

48. H2SiF6 In a one mile radius, 2,700 people were evacuated from their homes for up to 24 hours

49. H2SiF6 Clean up required about four days with crews working round the clock

50. H2SiF6 The USEPA advised residents not to drink well water until it had been tested for contamination