Fluorine

Ecotoxicological Summary

Hazard for aquatic organisms

Freshwater

Hazard assessment conclusion:

PNEC aqua (freshwater)

PNEC value:

0.9 mg/L

Assessment factor:

10

Extrapolation method:

assessment factor

Marine water

Hazard assessment conclusion:

PNEC aqua (marine water)

PNEC value:

0.9 mg/L

Assessment factor:

10

Extrapolation method:

assessment factor

STP

Hazard assessment conclusion:

PNEC STP

PNEC value:

51 mg/L

Assessment factor:

10

Extrapolation method:

assessment factor

Sediment (freshwater)

Hazard assessment conclusion:

PNEC sediment (freshwater)

PNEC value:

3.52 mg/kg sediment dw

Extrapolation method:

equilibrium partitioning method

Sediment (marine water)

Hazard assessment conclusion:

PNEC sediment (marine water)

PNEC value:

3.52 mg/kg sediment dw

Extrapolation method:

equilibrium partitioning method

Hazard for air

Air

Hazard assessment conclusion:

no hazard identified

Hazard for terrestrial organisms

Soil

Hazard assessment conclusion:

PNEC soil

PNEC value:

11 mg/kg soil dw

Assessment factor:

10

Extrapolation method:

sensitivity distribution

Hazard for predators

Secondary poisoning

Hazard assessment conclusion:

no potential for bioaccumulation

Additional information

General approach to addressing the data requirements and read-across

The substance (fluorine) is gaseous at room temperature and pressure, therefore the large majority of the ecotoxicological studies presented were performed on an aqueous solution of the substance (i.e. hydrofluoric acid) or other water-soluble inorganic fluoride salts such as sodium fluoride. Hydrogen fluoride will rapidly and extensively dissociate in the environment to form its constituent ions: hydrogen (hydronium) and fluoride. The toxicity of the hydrogen (hydronium) ion will be apparent only at very high concentrations due to pH effects and is not considered to be relevant for the environmental risk assessment. The fluoride ion is of relatively higher toxicity and therefore it can be predicted that the effects of exposure to the substance at relevant concentrations will be due to the contribution of the fluoride ion. Water-soluble inorganic salts of fluoride will similarly exist in the aqueous environment as their constituent ions, and their toxicity at relevant concentrations and for non-toxic cations will be due to the contribution of fluoride. This is the case for sodium fluoride (water solubility 41300 mg/L). Read-across to the extensive database of aquatic toxicity studies performed with other water-soluble fluoride salts (predominantly sodium fluoride) is therefore appropriate and scientifically justified. It is noted that this read-across approach was also taken for the 2001 EU Risk Assessment Report for hydrogen fluoride.

Conclusion on classification

As no aquatic toxicity studies with fluorine are available or can be performed, classification criteria are compared with the data available on the decomposition product fluoride. The concept of rapid degradability does not apply to inorganic substances. Therefore, the substance and its decomposition products are to be qualified as non-rapidly degradable.

Short-term toxicity EC/LC50 values of fluoride for 3 trophic levels are situated between > 26 mg/L and 51 mg F/L, In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, Table 4.1.0 (a), classification for acute aquatic hazard is not required for fluorine as all EC50/LC50 values are above the classification criteria of 1 mg/L. 

Long-term toxicity data are available for three trophic levels and range from ≥ 4 mg F/L to 50 mg F/L. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, Table 4.1.0 (b) (i), classification for chronic aquatic hazard is not required for fluorine as all chronic EC10/NOEC values are above the classification criteria of 1 mg/L.

Based on the available data it is concluded that no environmental classification for the aquatic compartment is required for fluorine.