RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE, FISSILE
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The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number |
|---|---|
|
|
| DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|
none |
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
Uranium (soluble compounds, as U)
|
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A colorless volatile white crystalline solid. Highly toxic and corrosive. Radioactive. Emits high energy rays which may be harmful and are detectable only by special instruments. Chemically irritates skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Used to make fuel for nuclear power plants.
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The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Water-Reactive
- Radioactive Material
Air & Water Reactions
Reacts vigorously with water to form uranyl fluoride (UO2F2) and corrosive hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid).
Based on a scenario where the chemical is spilled into an excess of water (at least 5 fold excess of water), half of the maximum theoretical yield of Hydrogen Fluoride gas will be created in 1.2 minutes. Experimental details are in the following: "Development of the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Distances for the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook", ANL/DIS-09-2, D.F. Brown, H.M. Hartmann, W.A. Freeman, and W.D. Haney, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, June 2009.
Based on a scenario where the chemical is spilled into an excess of water (at least 5 fold excess of water), half of the maximum theoretical yield of Hydrogen Fluoride gas will be created in 1.2 minutes. Experimental details are in the following: "Development of the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Distances for the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook", ANL/DIS-09-2, D.F. Brown, H.M. Hartmann, W.A. Freeman, and W.D. Haney, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, June 2009.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 166 [Radioactive Materials - Corrosive (Uranium Hexafluoride / Water-Sensitive)]:
Substance does not burn. The material may react violently with fuels. Product will decompose to produce toxic and/or corrosive fumes. Containers in protective overpacks (horizontal cylindrical shape with short legs for tie-downs), are identified with "AF", "B(U)F" or "H(U)" on shipping papers or by markings on the overpacks. They are designed and evaluated to withstand severe conditions including total engulfment in flames at temperatures of 800°C (1475°F) for a period of 30 minutes. Bare filled cylinders, identified with UN2978 as part of the marking (may also be marked H(U) or H(M)), may rupture in heat of engulfing fire; bare empty (except for residue) cylinders will not rupture in fires. Radioactivity does not change flammability or other properties of materials. (ERG, 2020)
Substance does not burn. The material may react violently with fuels. Product will decompose to produce toxic and/or corrosive fumes. Containers in protective overpacks (horizontal cylindrical shape with short legs for tie-downs), are identified with "AF", "B(U)F" or "H(U)" on shipping papers or by markings on the overpacks. They are designed and evaluated to withstand severe conditions including total engulfment in flames at temperatures of 800°C (1475°F) for a period of 30 minutes. Bare filled cylinders, identified with UN2978 as part of the marking (may also be marked H(U) or H(M)), may rupture in heat of engulfing fire; bare empty (except for residue) cylinders will not rupture in fires. Radioactivity does not change flammability or other properties of materials. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 166 [Radioactive Materials - Corrosive (Uranium Hexafluoride / Water-Sensitive)]:
Radiation presents minimal risk to transport workers, emergency response personnel and the public during transportation accidents. Packaging durability increases as potential radiation and criticality hazards of the content increase. Chemical hazard greatly exceeds radiation hazard. Substance reacts with water and water vapor in air to form toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride gas, hydrofluoric acid, and an extremely irritating and corrosive, white-colored, water-soluble residue. If inhaled, may be fatal. Direct contact causes burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Low-level radioactive material; very low radiation hazard to people. Runoff from control of cargo fire may cause low-level pollution. (ERG, 2020)
Radiation presents minimal risk to transport workers, emergency response personnel and the public during transportation accidents. Packaging durability increases as potential radiation and criticality hazards of the content increase. Chemical hazard greatly exceeds radiation hazard. Substance reacts with water and water vapor in air to form toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride gas, hydrofluoric acid, and an extremely irritating and corrosive, white-colored, water-soluble residue. If inhaled, may be fatal. Direct contact causes burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Low-level radioactive material; very low radiation hazard to people. Runoff from control of cargo fire may cause low-level pollution. (ERG, 2020)
Reactivity Profile
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE, FISSILE has been enriched in the fissile isotope of uranium. Naturally occurring uranium contains 0.7% U-235 (higher radioactivity) and 99.3% U-238 (lower radioactivity). Emits fumes of highly toxic metallic uranium and uranium fluorides when heated to decomposition [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1301]. Reacts vigorously with aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylenes), undergoes a violent reaction with water or alcohols (methanol, ethanol) [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1439]. Reacts with most metals.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Sand
- Dirt/Earth
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The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 166 [Radioactive Materials - Corrosive (Uranium Hexafluoride / Water-Sensitive)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2977 datasheet.
FIRE: When a large quantity of this material is involved in a major fire, consider an initial evacuation distance of 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 2977 datasheet.
FIRE: When a large quantity of this material is involved in a major fire, consider an initial evacuation distance of 300 meters (1000 feet) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 166 [Radioactive Materials - Corrosive (Uranium Hexafluoride / Water-Sensitive)]:
DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM ON MATERIAL ITSELF. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. If this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM ON MATERIAL ITSELF. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. If this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 166 [Radioactive Materials - Corrosive (Uranium Hexafluoride / Water-Sensitive)]:
Do not touch damaged packages or spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. Without fire or smoke, leak will be evident by visible and irritating vapors and residue forming at the point of release. Use fine water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on point of material release from container. Residue buildup may self-seal small leaks. Dike far ahead of spill to collect runoff water. (ERG, 2020)
Do not touch damaged packages or spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. Without fire or smoke, leak will be evident by visible and irritating vapors and residue forming at the point of release. Use fine water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on point of material release from container. Residue buildup may self-seal small leaks. Dike far ahead of spill to collect runoff water. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from ERG Guide 166 [Radioactive Materials - Corrosive (Uranium Hexafluoride / Water-Sensitive)]:
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Excerpt from ERG Guide 166 [Radioactive Materials - Corrosive (Uranium Hexafluoride / Water-Sensitive)]:
Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical problems take priority over radiological concerns. Use first aid treatment according to the nature of the injury. In case of skin contact with hydrogen fluoride gas and/or Hydrofluoric acid, if calcium gluconate gel is available, rinse 5 minutes, then apply gel. Otherwise, continue rinsing until medical treatment is available. Do not delay care and transport of a seriously injured person. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)
Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical problems take priority over radiological concerns. Use first aid treatment according to the nature of the injury. In case of skin contact with hydrogen fluoride gas and/or Hydrofluoric acid, if calcium gluconate gel is available, rinse 5 minutes, then apply gel. Otherwise, continue rinsing until medical treatment is available. Do not delay care and transport of a seriously injured person. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)
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The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: data unavailable
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH:
10 mg U/m3
; A potential occupational carcinogen.
(NIOSH, 2023)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
| Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 3.6 mg/m3 | 28 mg/m3 | 216 mg/m3 |
| 30 minutes | 3.6 mg/m3 | 19 mg/m3 | 72 mg/m3 |
| 60 minutes | 3.6 mg/m3 | 9.6 mg/m3 | 36 mg/m3 |
| 4 hours | NR | 2.4 mg/m3 | 9 mg/m3 |
| 8 hours | NR | 1.2 mg/m3 | 4.5 mg/m3 |
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data
(NAC/NRC, 2023)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
| Chemical | ERPG-1 | ERPG-2 | ERPG-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium Hexafluoride (7783-81-5) | 5 mg/m3 | 15 mg/m3 | 30 mg/m3 |
(AIHA, 2022)
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium hexafluoride; (Uranium fluoride) (7783-81-5) | 3.6 mg/m3 | 9.6 mg/m3 | 36 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2018)
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The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
No regulatory information available.CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
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This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- HEXAFLUOROURANIUM
- RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE, FISSILE
- URANIUM FLUORIDE (238UF6)
- URANIUM FLUORIDE (U2F12)
- URANIUM FLUORIDE (UF6)
- URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE, [FISSILE, CONTAINING MORE THAN 1% U-235]
- URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE-238U
- URANIUM(VI) FLUORIDE
- URANIUM-238 HEXAFLUORIDE
Version 3.0.0