Fluorine

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 rust that forms 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.

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. 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.