tetrafluoroethylene

H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 59.3% (481 of 811) of all reports.

H220 (30.7%): Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

H280 (36.6%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H350 (36%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

H371 (32.2%): May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P203, P210, P222, P260, P264, P270, P280, P308+P316, P318, P377, P381, P403, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 811 reports by companies from 12 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 481 of 811 reports by companies.

There are 11 notifications provided by 330 of 811 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

H231: May react explosively even in the absence of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature [Danger Flammable gases]

H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P210, P222, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P318, P319, P337, P337+P317, P377, P381, P403, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P203, P210, P222, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P318, P319, P337+P317, P377, P381, P403, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H350i: May cause cancer by inhalation [Danger Carcinogenicity]

Fresh air, rest. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer immediately for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water. Refer immediately for medical attention.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination. IMMEDIATELY wash affected areas gently with COLD water (and soap, if necessary) while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Dry carefully with clean, soft towels. If symptoms such as inflammation or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician or go to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: This compound is a gas, therefore inhalation is the first route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.

· In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]:

DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray or fog. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Evacuate area, fight fires only from an explosion-resistant location. Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with water spray. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. /Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized/

Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increased in volume and pitch, tank discolors or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position. If cylinders are exposed to excessive heat from fire or flame contact, withdraw immediately to a secure location ... The only respirators recommended for fire fighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full facepieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.

Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. /Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized/

Vapors are heavier than are and may travel to a source of ignition and glash back. /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Remove all ignition sources. Shut off cylinder if possible. Ventilation. Remove gas with fine water spray.

Eliminate all ignition sources. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use appropriate foam to blanket release and suppress vapors. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel. Approach release from upwind. Absorb in noncombustible material for proper disposal. /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Any possibility of leaks from polymerization vessels should be carefully controlled &, where necessary, exhaust ventilation should be applied.

...In view of the high toxicity of certain of decomp products, smoking should be prohibited at workplace.

Because of potential dangers, casual expt with tetrafluoroethylene should not be undertaken by the unskilled.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Tetrafluoroethylene (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 [Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Cool. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper storage conditions. Separated from : see Chemical Dangers.

/Cylinders containing tetrafluoroethylene under high pressure/ ... should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area & protected against accidental impacts.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials, air, sulfur trioxide, halogen compounds. Outside or detached storage is preferred. /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: ppm)

AEGLs Status: Final

22 [ppm]

55 [ppm]

330 [ppm]

2.0 [ppm]

8 hr Time Weighted Average (TWA): 2 ppm

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.

8.2 mg/m

2 ppm [1997]

carcinogen category: 2

· DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical or CO2.

Large Fire

· Water spray or fog.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

ERPG-1: 200 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 1 = mild transient health effects or objectionable odor [AIHA]

ERPG-2: 1,000 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 2 = impaired ability to take protective action [AIHA]

ERPG-3: 10,000 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 3 = life threatening health effects [AIHA]

Emergency Response Planning Guidlines (ERPGs) for tetrafluoroethylene: [Table#2278]

On loss of containment this substance can cause serious risk of suffocation when in confined areas.

Asphyxiation. The liquid may cause frostbite.

The substance may have effects on the kidneys, liver and blood. This may result in impaired functions of organs. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.

Self-contained breathing apparatus for high gas concentrations (USCG, 1999)

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen from contact with the evaporating liquid or from contact with vessels containing the liquid ... Wear gas-proof chemical goggles and face shield unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with air. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.

AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized appears as a colorless odorless gas. Easily ignited. Vapors are heavier than air. May asphyxiate by the displacement of air. May violently polymerize under prolonged exposure to fire or heat, violently rupturing the container. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Water insoluble.

Gas Vapor; Liquid

Colorless, odorless gas; [ACGIH]

COLOURLESS ODOURLESS GAS.

Colorless, odorless gas.

Colorless gas

Odorless

-105.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

-75.9 °C

-105.3 °F

-75.9 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-224.5 °F (NTP, 1992)

-131.15 °C

ODORLESS OR FAINT ODOR; CRITICAL TEMP: 92 °F= 33 °C= 306 DEG K; HEAT OF POLYMERIZATION: -450 BTU/LB= 250 CAL/G= -10.5X10+5 JOULES/KG; CRITICAL PRESSURE: 573 PSIA= 38.9 ATM= 3.95 MN/SQ M; HEAT OF COMBUSTION: -4,000 BTU/LB= -2,000 CAL/G= -90X10+5 JOULES/KG /INHIBITED/

-131.2 °C

-224.5 °F

<32 °F (<0 °C) (closed cup) /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/

Insoluble (NTP, 1992)

In water, 1.59X10+2 mg/L at 25 °C

Solubility in water, mg/l at 25 °C: 159 (very slightly soluble)

1.519 at -105 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

1.519 g/cu cm at -76 °C

Critical density = 0.58 g/cu cm; Heat of evaporation = 16,821 J/mol at -75.6 °C

Density (at -76 °C): 1.5 g/cm³

1.519 at -105 °F

1.519 @ -76°C

3.87 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

3.87 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.9

22800 mmHg at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)

2.45X10+4 mm Hg at 25 °C /extrapolated/

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2947

22800 mmHg at 70 °F

750 [mm Hg] @-75.8 °C

1.21 (estimated)

370 °F (USCG, 1999)

370 °F (188 °C) /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/

When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of /fluorine/.

Decomposes explosively under pressures greater than 2025 mm Hg (2.66 atm). /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/

May polymerize explosively. /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/

Flammable. Forms polymeric peroxides that are explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 164].

Halogenated Organic Compounds

Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Unsaturated

Polymerizable Compounds

Highly Flammable

Polymerizable

Peroxidizable Compound

TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE reacts with air (oxygen) to form polymeric peroxides that are explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 164]. Probably susceptible to similar reactions with a number of oxidizing agents.May polymerize violently (inhibitor tends to prevent this reaction). May react violently with aluminum. Contamination of a tetrafluoroethylene gas supply system led to a reaction between the inhibitor, limonene, and the contaminant, iodine pentafluoride. This initiated an explosive polymerization event [MCA Case History No. 1520].

Reacts violently with oxidizing materials. Inhibited monomer can decompose explosively when exposed to materials with which it can react exothermically or when exposed to fire conditions. /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/

A mixture of the two monomers /tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropene/ and air sealed in an ampule formed a gummy peroxide during several weeks. The residue left after opening the ampule exploded violently on warming.

Incompatible with chloroperoxytrifluoromethane, difluoromethylene dihypofluorite, dioxygen difluoride, metal alkoxides, oxygen, sulfur trioxide, and triboron pentafluoride.

Tetrafluoroethylene

A: Compounds that form explosive levels of peroxides without concentration

Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of tetrafluoroethylene were available. There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of tetrafluoroethylene. Overall evaluation: Tetrafluoroethylene is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.

Tetrafluoroethylene: reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

Tetrafluoroethylene

Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans

Volume 19: (1979) Some Monomers, Plastics and Synthetic Elastomers, and Acrolein

Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print)

Volume 71: (1999) Re-evaluation of Some Organic Chemicals, Hydrazine and Hydrogen Peroxide (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

Volume 110: (2017) Some Chemicals Used as Solvents and in Polymer Manufacture

NB Overall evaluation upgraded to Group 2A on the basis of sufficient evidence in experimental animals with a striking and atypical pattern of tumours

TR-450: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Tetrafluoroethylene (CASRN 116-14-3) in F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) (1997 )

12/05/95

Clear Evidence

Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of tetrafluoroethylene in male F344/N rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule neoplasms (mainly adenomas) and hepatocellular neoplasms. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of tetrafluoroethylene in female F344/N rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule neoplasms, liver hemangiosarcomas, hepatocellular neoplasms, and mononuclear cell leukemia. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of tetrafluoroethylene in male and female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of liver hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas, hepatocellular neoplasms, and histiocytic sarcomas.

Slight increases in the incidences of mononuclear cell leukemia and testicular interstitial cell adenomas in male rats may have been related to exposure to tetrafluoroethylene.

Exposure of rats to tetrafluoroethylene resulted in increased incidences of renal tubule hyperplasia and degeneration in males and females, increased severity of kidney nephropathy in males, and increased incidences of liver angiectasis and cataracts in females. Exposure of mice to tetrafluoroethylene resulted in increased incidences of hematopoietic cell proliferation of the liver in females, liver angiectasis in males and females, renal tubule dilatation in males, renal tubule karyomegaly in males and females, and splenic hematopoietic cell proliferation in males and females.

Exposure mainly occurs via inhalation.

Dizziness. Headache. Visual disturbances. Suffocation. Unconsciousness.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

Other Poison - Simple Asphyxiant

IARC Carcinogen - Class 3: Chemicals are not classifiable by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

NTP Carcinogen - Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Confirmed Animal.

LC50 (rat) = 40,000 ppm/4H

LC50 Rat inhalation 40,000 ppm/4 hr

LC50 Mouse 35,000 ppm/4 hr /Route not specified/

LC50 Hamster 28,500 ppm/4 hr /Route not specified/

LC50 Guinea pig 28,000 ppm/4 hr /Route not specified/

INHALATION: REMOVE VICTIM FROM EXPOSURE; IF BREATHING IS DIFFICULT, GIVE ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION & CALL PHYSICIAN.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Short Term Exposure: tetrafluoroethylene can affect you when breathed in. Irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Very high exposures can displace the oxygen in the air, causing lightheadedness, dizziness, poor coordination, and unconsciousness. High levels may also damage the liver and/or kidneys and irritate the lungs. Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite. Long Term Exposure: May cause lung irritation; bronchitis may develop. May cause kidney and liver damage.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Toxic by-product gases /of tetrafluoroethylene/ all produce pulmonary edema ...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Doses of > or = 12.5 mg/kg /ip dose of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-L-cysteine (TFEC)/ produced renal tubular necrosis to the pars recta of the proximal tubules within 24 hr in both male and female rats. This was associated with an increased kidney to body weight ratio and plasma urea at doses of > or = 25 mg/kg. No consistent evidence of liver injury was seen at doses up to 50 mg/kg TFEC in rats of either sex, although occasional vacuolation of hepatocytes and a small dose-related increase in liver to body weight ratio was observed. Prior treatment of female rats with probenecid completely prevented the renal injury produced by either 25 or 50 mg/kg TFEC as judged by plasma urea and histopathology. However, prior treatment of female rats with aminooxyacetic acid afforded no protection against the nephrotoxicity produced by either TFEC or the cysteine conjugate of hexachloro-1,3-butadiene. Thus no major sex difference in nephrotoxicity in the rat was seen with TFEC, while accumulation of TFEC, or its N-acetyl derived metabolite, into renal proximal tubular cells via a probenecid sensitive transport system appears to be a key event in the mechanism of nephrotoxicity. /1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-L-cysteine/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Exposure of rats to 6000 ppm tetrafluoroethylene for 6 hr produced marked damage to the proximal tubule of the kidney with no effect on the liver. The toxicity was characterized by very high concentrations of urinary glucose and by marked increases in the concentrations of several urinary enzymes. The no observed effect level for a 6-hr exposure was 2000 ppm. ... When administered po to rats, the synthetic cysteine conjugate of tetrafluoroethylene causes renal damage identical to that caused by tetrafluoroethylene itself. ...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ No gross lesions were noted in any of the organs of male rats exposed to 14 000 mg/cu m /SRP: 3500 ppm)/ tetrafluoroethylene in air for 30 min.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In male Alderley Park rats exposed to a tetrafluoroethylene atmosphere of 6000 ppm [24 600 mg/cu m] for 6 hr, there was marked renal necrosis involving the pars recta of the proximal tubules.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Tetrafluoroethylene (27 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=116-14-3]

16-DAY STUDY IN RATS. Groups of five male and five female F344/N rats were exposed to 0, 312, 625, 1,250, 2,500, or 5,000 ppm tetrafluoroethylene by inhalation for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for a total of 12 exposures during a 16-day period. All rats survived to the end of the study. The final mean body weights and body weight gains of males and females exposed to 5,000 ppm were significantly less than those of the controls. The mean body weight gain of females exposed to 2,500 ppm was also significantly less than that of the controls. There were no exposure-related clinical findings in male or female rats. There were no significant differences in hematology parameters that were considered to be related to tetrafluoroethylene exposure. Absolute and relative kidney weights of all exposed groups of males were significantly greater than those of the controls, as were those of females in the 2,500 and 5,000 ppm groups. The absolute kidney weight of females exposed to 1,250 ppm was also significantly greater than that of the controls. The relative liver weights of all exposed groups of males and the absolute liver weights of males in the 625 and 2,500 ppm groups were significantly greater than those of the controls. Increased incidences of renal tubule degeneration occurred in males and females exposed to 625 ppm or greater; this lesion was located predominantly at the corticomedullary junction. The severity of degeneration increased with increasing exposure concentration and was slightly greater in males than females.

Tetrafluoroethylene's production and use in the production of fluoropolymers may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 2.45X10+4 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates tetrafluoroethylene will exist solely as a gas in the atmosphere. Gas-phase tetrafluoroethylene will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 17 hours. Gas-phase tetrafluoroethylene will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone and nitrate. The Global Warming Potential is considered to be negligible. Tetrafluoroethylene does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, tetrafluoroethylene is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 95. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.63 atm-cu m/mole. Tetrafluoroethylene may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Biodegradation data were not available. If released into water, tetrafluoroethylene is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3 hours and 4 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to tetrafluoroethylene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where tetrafluoroethylene is produced or used. (SRC)

Tetrafluoroethylene's production and use in the production of fluoropolymers(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 95(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tetrafluoroethylene is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of tetrafluoroethylene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.63 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 2.45X10+4 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 159 mg/L(4). Tetrafluoroethylene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2010).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 95(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tetrafluoroethylene is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.63 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 2.45X10+4 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 159 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 1.21(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2010).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), tetrafluoroethylene, which has a vapor pressure of 2.45X10+4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase tetrafluoroethylene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 17 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.13X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(3). Gas-phase tetrafluoroethylene will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone(3,4) and nitrate radicals(3). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrafluoroethylene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.13X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(1). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrafluoroethylene with ozone has been reported as 4.8X10-21 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(1). The Global Warming Potential is considered to be negligible(5). Tetrafluoroethylene does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(6), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrafluoroethylene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.13X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 17 hours(SRC) at an atmospheric concentration of 1X10+6 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrafluoroethylene with ozone has been reported as 4.8X10-21 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(1). Carbonyl fluoride and oxygen have been observed as products of the vapor-phase ozonolysis of tetrafluoroethylene at room temperature; carbonyl fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene oxide and traces of perfluorocyclopropane have been identified as ozonolysis products when the olefin is in excess(2). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrafluoroethylene with photochemically-produced nitrate radicals has been estimated as <3X10-15 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(1). Tropospheric lifetimes of 1 day, 9 years, and >156 days have been reported for hydroxyl, ozone, and nitrate reactions, respectively. Carbonyl fluoride is also a product of the hydroxyl and nitrate radical reactions and is rapidly incorporated into aerosols and raindrops, eventually being converted to HF and CO2(1). An atmospheric lifetime of 1.9 days has been reported and the Global Warming Potential is considered to be negligible(3). Tetrafluoroethylene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(4). Tetrafluoroethylene does not contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for tetrafluoroethylene(SRC), using an estimated/ log Kow of 1.21(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of tetrafluoroethylene can be estimated to be 95(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that tetrafluoroethylene is expected to have high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for tetrafluoroethylene is estimated as 0.63 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 2.45X10+4 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 159 mg/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that tetrafluoroethylene is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(3). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 3 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 4 days(SRC). Tetrafluoroethylene's estimated Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of tetrafluoroethylene from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(1).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Report, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use for tetrafluoroethylene is 1000 or greater; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 14,963 workers (325 of these were female) were potentially exposed to tetrafluoroethylene in the US(1). Occupational exposure to tetrafluoroethylene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where tetrafluoroethylene is produced or used(SRC).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/GUIDE 116P: GASES - FLAMMABLE (UNSTABLE)/ Fire or Explosion: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. ... Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized/

/GUIDE 116P: GASES - FLAMMABLE (UNSTABLE)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be toxic if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. /Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized/

/GUIDE 116P: GASES - FLAMMABLE (UNSTABLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas. /Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized/

/GUIDE 116P: GASES - FLAMMABLE (UNSTABLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. /Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Tetrafluoroethylene (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

1081 116P

UN 1081; Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized

IMO 2.1; Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Flammable Gas

Transport only if stabilized.

UN Hazard Class: 2.1