While fluorine is important in dental health, fluorine gas can damage lungs, cause blindness and even death. The word “fluorescent” comes from a 19th century scientist who, while irradiating the mineral fluorite, discovered it emitted a luminescent blue, and named the effect after fluorine. This Element of Surprise segment features the following experts: Richard Oleschuk, Acting Head of Chemistry, Queen's University; Keiko Hattori, Professor, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa; and Ian Douglas, Water Quality Engineer, City of Ottawa.

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