Page 94 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

ALUMINUM FLUORIDE

Interesting Facts

Controversy exists about the stream. On the other hand,
health hazards of aluminum it can cause health problems
fluoride. On the one hand, if inhaled or deposited on
the compound would appear the skin. Opponents of
to pose a relatively minor water fluoridation argue
risk when ingested because that aluminum fluoride is
it is so insoluble in water sufficiently toxic to humans
and other solvents. If it does that it should not be added
not dissolve in the body, it to public water supplies.
can not get into the blood

• In the manufacture of ceramics and glass; and
• As a flux in the preparation of glazes, enamels and in
metallurgical processes.
Most authorities agree that aluminum fluoride does not
pose a health hazard when ingested in moderate amounts
because of its low solubility. The compound may pose a
threat if inhaled or deposited on the skin, however. In mod-
est amounts, it may produce skin and eye irritations that
range from moderate to severe; irritation of the nose, throat,
and lungs, that may include nosebleeds; and asthma-like

Words to Know

FLUX A material that lowers the melting point SYNTHESIS A chemical reaction in which
of another substance or mixture of some desired chemical product is made
substances or that is used in cleaning from simple beginning chemicals, or
a metal. reactants.

HYDRATE A chemical compound formed WATER OF HYDRATION Water that has
when one or more molecules of water is combined with a compound by some
added physically to the molecule of some physical means.
other substance.

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS 43