Hafnium Oxide Toxicty
Identification
Synonym: Hafnium Dioxide
Formula: HfO2
CAS # 12055-23-1
Source
Hafnium (Hf) is found in association with zirconium ores, production based on zircon (ZrSiO4) concentrates which contain 0.5% to 2% hafnium. This metal has outstanding corrosion resistance accounting for some of its major applications.
Compounds used in Ceramics
- Hafnium Boride
- Hafnium Carbide
- Hafnium Nitride
- Hafnium Oxide
- Hafnium Silicate
- Hafnium Titanate
Toxicology of Hafnium Oxide
Routes of Entry
Inhalation, skin, and ingestion.
Effects of Overexposure
- Inhalation
May cause pulmonary irritation. Coughing or sneezing may occur.
- Dermal/Eye Contact
May cause irritation, inflammation may occur.
- Ingestion
Ingestion may cause some discomfort. Hafnium is considered relatively non-toxic due to poor absorption of it in the alimentary tract of mammals.
Chronic Exposure
It may cause liver damage. It may also cause a benign pneumoconiosis by dust accumulation, without fibrosis and ventilatory effect, and without special predisposition to tuberculosis and/or lung cancer as encountered in silicosis and abestosis.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure
Previous respiratory and eye disorders.
Carcinogenicity
Hafnium oxide is not considered a carcinogen by official regulatory bodies.
Quebec039;s Exposure Limits
VEMP : 0.5 mg/m³
References
- Occupational Medicine,Carl Zenz, last edition.
- Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures, Sullivan & Krieger; last edition.
- Sax039;s Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Lewis C., last edition.
- Toxicologie Industrielle et Intoxications Professionnelles, Lauwerys R.R. last edition.
- Chemical Hazards of the Workplace, Proctor & Hughes, 4th edition
By Edouard Bastarache
Related Information
Links
| Typecodes |
Article by Edouard Bastarache
Edouard Bastarache is a well known doctor that has written many articles on the subject of toxicity of ceramic materials and books on technical aspects of ceramics. He writes in both English and French. |