Interhalogens safety

Safety. Magnesium oxide (fume) has a permissible exposure limit (PEL) (134) (8 hours, TWA), of 10 mg/m total dust and 5 mg/m respirable fraction. Tumorigenic data (intravenous in hamsters) show a TD q of 480 mg/kg after 30 weeks of intermittent dosing (135), and toxicity effects data show a TC q of 400 mg/m for inhalation in humans (136). Magnesium oxide is compatible with most chemicals exceptions are strong acids, bromine pentafluoride, chlorine trifluoride, interhalogens, strong oxidizers, and phosphorous pentachloride. 

The interhalogens, particularly the halogen fluorides, are chemically very reactive materials and hydrolyze easily. The handling and manipulation of these, their derivatives, and cationic or anionic species have to be performed using the safety precautions customary in fluorine chemistry (exclusion of moisture and air, and in vacuum lines constracted from materials that are resistant to fluorine). The properties of the interhalogens are intermediate between those of their parent halogens, and some physical properties are summarized in Table 4. 

SAFETY PROFILE A human poison by an unspecified route. Poison experimentally by inhalation. An eye, mucous membrane, and systemic irritant by inhalation. Mutation data reported. A common air contaminant. Difficult to ignite. Explosion hazard when exposed to flame or in a fire. NH3 + air in a fire can detonate. Potentially violent or explosive reactions on contact with interhalogens (e.g., bromine pentafluoride, chlorine trifluoride), 1,2-dichloroethane (with liquid NH3), boron halides, chloroformamideium nitrate, ethylene oxide (polymerization reaction), magnesium... 

DFG MAK 1.5mg/m3 DOT CLASSIFICATION 4.2 Label Spontaneously Combustible SAFETY PROFILE Moderately toxic by intravenous route. Experimental reproductive effects. It can cause a dust irritation, particularly to the eyes and mucous membranes. See also CARBON BLACK, SOOT. Combustible when exposed to heat. Dust is explosive when exposed to heat or flame or oxides, peroxides, oxosalts, halogens, interhalogens, O2, (NH4NO3 + heat), (NH4CIO4 240°), bromates, Ca(OCl)2, chlorates, (CI2 + Cr(OCl)2), CIO, iodates, IO5, Pb(N03)2, HgNOs, HNO3, (oils + air), (K + air), Na2S, Zn(N03)2. Incompatible with air, metals, oxidants, unsaturated oils. 

SAFETY PROFILE Inhalation of the fumes can produce a febrile reaction and leucocytosis in humans. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. Violent reaction or ignition in contact with interhalogens (e.g., bromine pentafluoride, chlorine trifluoride). Incandescent reaction with phosphorus pentachloride. See also MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS. 

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