Even very low concentrations irritate the respiratory tract, and brief exposure to 50 ppm can be intolerable. High concentrations can cause severe damage to the respiratory system and can result in the delayed onset of pulmonary edema, which may be fatal. Fluorine is highly irritating to the eyes, and high concentrations cause severe injury and can lead to permanent damage and blindness. Fluorine is extremely corrosive to the skin, causing damage similar to second-degree thermal burns. Fluorine is not considered to have adequate warning properties.
Chronic toxicity is unlikely to occur due to the corrosive effects of fluorine exposure.
Fluorine has not been found to be carcinogenic or to show reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans. Flammability and Explosibility Fluorine is not flammable, but is a very strong oxidizer, reacting vigorously with most oxidizable materials at room temperature, frequently with ignition. Water should not be used to fight fires involving fluorine. The reaction with water produces HF and ozone. Fluorine reacts explosively or forms explosive compounds, often at very low temperatures, with chemicals as diverse as graphite, sodium acetate, stainless steel, perchloric acid, and water or ice.