FEP Fluoroplastic Resin

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Over View As the material is an inert polymer thus no risk expected for the human health and environment in the normal use of the product. This assessment is based on information available for the components contained in the material. However, some risk may be expected at high temperatures for emission of decomposed noxious compounds which are extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns not immediately visible. Potential effects on long exposure to human health The decomposed chemical products of the material are very dangerous in case of contact with skin and eyes or when inhaled. On inhalation the symptoms may not occur until several hours after the exposure. Eye Effects No effect are expected during normal use. Eye contact with thermally decomposed products causes pain, redness, tearing, irritation, burns and corneal abrasion. Skin Effects No effects are expected during normal use. Skin contact with thermally decomposed products can cause redness, itching, irritation, burns. Ingestion / Oral Effects No effects are expected during normal use. Inhalation Effects No effects expected during normal use. Inhalation of thermally decomposed products can cause headache, cough, chills and fever called polymer fume fever (symptoms are flue like condition with fever, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches etc). These symptoms generally disappear after 24-48 hours without further complication. Depending upon the finished product manufacturing condition, it is possible that small quantities of residual gases, including perfluoroisobutylene (PFIB), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), and hydrogen fluoride (HF) may be trapped and slowly evolves from resins. The Health hazards of the decomposition products are as follows : Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) Inhalation of hydrogen fluoride at higher concentrations may cause : symptoms of choking, coughing and severe eye, nose and throat irritation, possibly followed by fever, chills, difficulty in breathing, cyanosis and pulmonary edema. Hydrogen fluoride is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract and may be absorbed through the skin in toxic amounts. It can cause delayed burns that may not be immediately visible or painful. Acute or chronic overexposure to hydrogen fluoride can injure the liver and kidneys. If a person is highly exposed to hydrogen fluoride, he should seek immediate medical attention. Carbonyl Fluoride (COF )2 The effects of overexposure to COF 2 may initially include : skin irritation with discomfort or rash; eye corrosion with corneal or conjunctival ulceration (destruction of the lens of the eye and surrounding tissues); irritation of the upper of respiratory passage; or temporary lung irritation effects with cough, discomfort, difficulty in breathing, or shortness breath. The effects of exposure may be delayed for several hours. If the effects observed include severe breathing difficulties, including congestion in the chest, seek immediate medical attention, including a period of observation. Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) TFE is flammable, gaseous monomer that may cause acute effects when inhaled. Inhalation of TFE may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, mild central nervous system depression, nausea and vomiting, and dry cough. Massive inhalation of the gas may produce cardiac arrthythmia, cardiac arrest and death. Chronic overexposure may cause toxic effects, primarily to the kidney. Perfluorisobutylene (PFIB) The effects of inhalation exposure to PFIB have been studied in animals. Severe adverse effects occurred, including pulmonary edema, which can lead to death. Observed symptoms include wheezing, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, and abnormally deep or rapid breathing. Animals that survive for 24 hours after exposure apparently recovered with no after-effects. Little human exposure data available. Hexafluoropropylene (HFP) Hexafluoropropylene has a low toxicity after acute exposure. When administered for a long period it may cause toxic effects primarily to the kidney. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, resulting in a decreased capacity to exertion, increased load on the heart and with severe exposure, unconsciousness and death.