1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA EMERGENCY OVERVIEW CAUTION! Liquid and gas under pressure. Harmful if inhaled. Can cause rapid suffocation. Liquid can cause frostbite. May cause dizziness and drowsiness. Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing may be required by rescue workers. Under ambient conditions, this is a colorless gas with a slight ethereal odor. OSHA REGULATORY STATUS: This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Potential health effects

Effects of a Single (Acute) Overexposure Inhalation. Asphyxiant. High concentrations can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Very high concentrations may cause suffocation. Lack of oxygen can kill. Skin Contact. Vapors may irritate the skin. Liquid tetrafluoroethane may cause frostbite; harmful amounts may be absorbed if skin contact is prolonged or widespread. Swallowing. An unlikely route of exposure. This product is a gas at normal temperature and pressure, but frostbite of the lips and mouth may result from contact with the liquid. Eye Contact. Vapors may irritate the eyes. The liquid may cause severe corneal injury due to frostbite. Effects of Repeated (Chronic) Overexposure. No harm expected. Copyright © 1997, 2001, 2007, Praxair Technology, Inc. Other Effects of Overexposure. At high concentrations, tetrafluoroethane may produce cardiac arrhythmias or arrest due to sensitization of the heart to adrenaline and noradrenalin. Exposure to fluorocarbon thermal decomposition products may produce flu-like symptoms including chills, fever, weakness, muscular aches, headache, chest discomfort, sore throat, and dry cough. Complete recovery usually occurs within 24 hours after exposure.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Overexposure. Overexposure may aggravate preexisting disorders of the heart and central nervous system. CARCINOGENICITY: Tetrafluoroethane is not listed by NTP, OSHA, or IARC.

Environmental effects

None known. For further information, see section 12, Ecological Information.