"February 1969." Includes bibliographic references (page 28). Research conducted by Science Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, under contract no. Contract Number: AF33(615)-1767.

The effects of single experimental exposures of plants, fish and microorganisms to members of a group of inorganic fluoride oxidizing agents have been summarized. The information obtained has enabled estimation of the damage to be expected as a result of single accidental exposures in the field. These agents--nitrogen trifluoride (NFb3s), tetrafluorohydrazine (Nb2sFb4s), oxygen difluoride (OFb2s), chlorine trifluoride (ClFb3s), bromine pentafluoride (BrFb5s), and chlorine pentafluoride (ClFb5s)--vary in chemical behavior and biological effects. NFb3s is relatively innocuous; OFb2s must be avoided absolutely by animals and plants, and both are quite stable chemically. The interhalogens react readily in contact with environmental constituents, and while destructive at the site of initial contact, they are self limiting in effect. Nb2sFb4s also reacts easily, but should cause only moderate damage. Plant injury in all cases would probably be limited to the currently growing crop, with little possibility of carry-over effects in soil.