Difference between revisions of "Fluorine"
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The element is used in producing isotopically fractionated uranium from uranium hexafluoride (UF<sub>6</sub>). Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is extensively used for etching the glass of light bulbs, and other glass products. | The element is used in producing isotopically fractionated uranium from uranium hexafluoride (UF<sub>6</sub>). Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is extensively used for etching the glass of light bulbs, and other glass products. | ||
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| + | == Controversy == | ||
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| + | Despite being toxic and having a negligible, if not harmful, effect on public health, the [[United States]] government insists on the fluoridation of public drinking water. Fluoridation of water has been linked to kidney and brain disorders, Alzheimer's disease, lower IQ, bone decay, and cancer<ref>http://www.fluoridealert.org/50-reasons.htm</ref>. The only reason fluoridation programs are continued are to provide false legitimacy to [[socialized medicine]], as most Americans falsely believe that fluoridated water improves public health. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 03:21, July 6, 2011
| Fluorine | |
|---|---|
| Properties | |
| Atomic symbol | F |
| Atomic number | 9 |
| Classification | Halogen |
| Atomic mass | 19.0 amu |
| Other Information | |
| Date of discovery | 1886 |
| Name of discoverer | Joseph Henri Moissan |
| Name origin | From the Latin word fluo (flow) |
| Uses | Refrigerants |
| Obtained from | Mineral fluorite |
Fluorine is the lightest member of the halogen elements, or Group VIIa of the periodic table. It is also the most reactive chemical element. Fluorine is so dangerous that it must be stored in steel containers, and even then it reacts with the steel. Fortunately, the layer of fluoride that is formed is unreactive, and prevents it from reacting further. Fluorine is a component of many drugs, and its radioisotope is used in functional brain imaging and bone scans. Under ordinary conditions, pure fluorine is a gas with a pale yellow color. [1]
Uses
The element is used in producing isotopically fractionated uranium from uranium hexafluoride (UF6). Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is extensively used for etching the glass of light bulbs, and other glass products.
Controversy
Despite being toxic and having a negligible, if not harmful, effect on public health, the United States government insists on the fluoridation of public drinking water. Fluoridation of water has been linked to kidney and brain disorders, Alzheimer's disease, lower IQ, bone decay, and cancer[2]. The only reason fluoridation programs are continued are to provide false legitimacy to socialized medicine, as most Americans falsely believe that fluoridated water improves public health.