trichlorofluoromethane

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 11.6% (8 of 69) of reports.

H312 (56.5%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H420 (84.1%): Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere [Warning Hazardous to the ozone layer]

P280, P302+P352, P317, P321, P362+P364, P501, and P502 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 69 reports by companies from 7 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 8 of 69 reports by companies.

There are 5 notifications provided by 61 of 69 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.

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H420: Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere [Warning Hazardous to the ozone layer]

P203, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P403+P233, P405, P501, and P502 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P203, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

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

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer 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: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim 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: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Water flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

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. Some of these materials, if spilled, may evaporate leaving a flammable residue. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Firefighters should wear self-contained, NIOSH-approved breathing apparatus for protection against suffocation and possible toxic decomposition products. Proper eye and skin protection should be provided. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool and to knock down vapors which may result from product decomposition.

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty). Keep runoff water out of sewers and water sources.

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Contact with certain finely divided metals may cause exothermic reaction and/or explosive combinations under specific conditions (e.g. very high temperatures and/or appropriate pressures and in the presence of oxygen). Decomposition products include hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and carbonyl halides.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

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 500 meters (1/3 mile).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Ventilation.

Always wear recommended personal protective equipment. Immediately evacuate the area and provide maximum ventilation. Try to eliminate all ignition sources. Unprotected personnel should move upwind from spill. Only personnel equipped with proper respiratory and eye/skin protection should be permitted in the area. Dike area to contain the spill. Take precautions as necessary to prevent contamination of ground and surface waters. For large spills, pump material into appropriate containers. For small spills, recover or absorb spilled material using an absorbent designed for chemical spills such as Hazsorb pillows. Place used absorbents into closed DOT approved containers for disposal. After all visible traces have been removed, thoroughly wet vacuum the area. DO NOT flush into sewer. If the area of the spill is porous, removal of contaminated earth/surface may be required.

If fluorotrichloromethane is spilled or leaked, the following steps should be taken: 1) Ventilate area of spill or leak. 2) If gas is leaking, stop the flow of gas. 3) If in liquid form, allow to vaporize.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers U121; F002 must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.

Trichlorofluoromethane is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Incineration, preferably after mixing with another combustible fuel. Care must be exercised to assure complete combustion to prevent the formation of phosgene. An acid scrubber is necessary to remove the halo acids produced.

This compound should be susceptible to removal from waste water by air stripping.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Persons not wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from areas of spills until cleanup has been completed.

Personnel protection: Keep upwind. Avoid breathing vapors. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

If material not on fire or involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard.

Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. 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. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool.

Keep container closed when not in use. DO NOT store in open, unlabeled or mislabeled containers. Store in a cool, well- ventilated area of low fire risk. Protect container and its fittings from physical damage. Storage in subsurface locations should be avoided. Close valve tightly after use and when empty. If container temperature exceeds boiling point, cool the container before opening.

Avoid sources of ignition such as sparks, hot spots, welding flames and lighted cigarettes. At all concentration ranges, exposure of the product to high energy sources may yield toxic and/or corrosive decomposition products.

Separated from incompatible materials. ... Cool.

1000.0 [ppm]

300 [ppm]

1500 [ppm]

10000 [ppm]

1000 ppm (5600 mg/m³)

C 1000 ppm (5600 mg/m3)

TWA 1000 ppm (5600 mg/m3) See Appendix G

2000 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

2000.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Evidence of serious arrhythmia was noted in 1 of 12 conscious dogs exposed for 5 minutes to 5,000 ppm plus intravenous epinephrine [Reinhardt et al. 1971]. However, in another study, endogenous epinephrin was not sufficient to precipitate arrythmia in dogs exposed to 5,000 to 10,000 ppm [Reinhardt et al. 1971].

2000 ppm

See: 75694

Ceiling Limit: 1000 ppm.

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

1000 ppm as STEL; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).

1000 ppm [1992]

5700 mg/m

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was designed to reduce the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances in order to reduce their abundance in the atmosphere, and thereby protect the earth's fragile ozone Layer. The original Montreal Protocol was agreed on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989. The Montreal Protocol includes a unique adjustment provision that enables the Parties to the Protocol to respond quickly to new scientific information and agree to accelerate the reductions required on chemicals already covered by the Protocol. These adjustments are then automatically applicable to all countries that ratified the Protocol. Since its initial adoption, the Montreal Protocol has been adjusted five times. Specifically, the Second, Fourth, Seventh, Ninth, Eleventh and Nineteenth Meetings of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted, in accordance with the procedure laid down in paragraph 9 of Article 2 of the Montreal Protocol, certain adjustments and reductions of production and consumption of the controlled substances listed in the Annexes of the Protocol. These adjustments entered into force, for all the Parties, on 7 March 1991, 23 September 1993, 5 August 1996, 4 June 1998, 28 July 2000 and 14 May 2008, respectively. In addition to adjusting the Protocol, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol have amended the Protocol to enable, among other things, the control of new chemicals and the creation of a financial mechanism to enable developing countries to comply. Specifically, the Second, Fourth, Ninth and Eleventh Meetings of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted, in accordance with the procedure laid down in paragraph 4 of Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, four Amendments to the Protocol - the London Amendment (1990), the Copenhagen Amendment (1992), the Montreal Amendment (1997) and the Beijing Amendment (1999). Unlike adjustments to the Protocol, amendments must be ratified by countries before their requirements are applicable to those countries. The London, Copenhagen, Montreal and Beijing Amendments entered into force on 10 August 1992, 14 June 1994, 10 November 1999 and 25 February 2002, respectively, only for those Parties which ratified the particular amendments. In addition to adjustments and amendments to the Montreal Protocol, the Parties to the Protocol meet annually and take a variety of decisions aimed at enabling effective implementation of this important legal instrument. Through the 22nd Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, the Parties have taken over 720 decisions.

On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and central nervous system. This may result in cardiac disorders and central nervous system depression. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Fluorotrichloromethane:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:

• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.

• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)

Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face-shields (eight-inch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent repeated or prolonged of skin contact with liquid fluorotrichloromethane. Employees should be provided with and required to use splash-proof goggles where liquid fluorotrichloromethane may contact the eyes.

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possbility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 2000 ppm:

(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:

Trichlorofluoromethane appears as a clear light colored liquid. Nearly odorless. Denser than water. Poses low acute health hazard to humans. Primary hazard is to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Easily penetrates the soil to contaminate groundwater and nearby waterways.

Colorless to water-white, nearly odorless liquid or gas (above 75 degrees F); [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS GAS OR HIGHLY VOLATILE LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Colorless to water-white, nearly odorless liquid or gas (above 75 °F).

Volatile liquid or gas

Liquid at temperatures below 23.7 °C

Colorless liquid

Colorless to water-white ... liquid or gas (above 75 degrees F)

In concentration of less than 20% (by volume in air), trichlorofluoromethane is odorless, in higher concentration, its odor is mild and somewhat ethereal.

Faint ethereal and sweetish odor

Characteristic; quality: sweet, pleasant to unpleasant

74.7 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

23.7 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-168 °F (NTP, 1992)

-110.44 °C

10 to 50 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)

Insoluble in water

In water, 1,100 mg/L at 25 °C

In water, 1300 mg/L at 20 °C

Soluble in alcohol, ether, other organic solvents

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.1

(75 °F): 0.1%

1.49 at 63 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

1.494 at 17.2 °C/4 °C /Liquid/

Liquid density: 1.476 g/ml at 25 °C

Critical density: 0.548 g/cu m

Relative density (water = 1): 1.49

1.494 @ 17.2°C

1.47 (Liquid at 75 °F)

4.74(relative gas density)

5.04 at 77 °F (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

5.04 at 25 °C (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.7

792 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)

803.0 [mmHg]

803 mm Hg at 25 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 89.0

690 mmHg

750 [mm Hg] @23.3 °C

log Kow = 2.53

Water soluble. Hydrolyzed slowly.

Fluorinated Organic Compounds

TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE is incompatible with alkali or alkaline earth metals, powdered aluminum, zinc and beryllium. It reacts violently with barium and lithium. (NTP, 1992)

Chemically-active metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc, magnesium and lithium shavings; granular barium.

Granular barium in contact with fluorotrichloromethane ... is susceptible to detonation.

Mixtures of lithium shavings and several halocarbon derivatives /including fluorotrichloromethane/ are impact-sensitive and will explode, sometimes violently.

Strong oxidizing agents.

Chemically-active metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc, magnesium & lithium shavings; granular barium

Trichlorofluoromethane

Cardiovascular

Respiratory

3 x 10 ^-1 mg/kg-day

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Trichlorofluoro-methane

TR-106: Bioassay of Trichlorofluoromethane for Possible Carcinogenicity (CASRN 75-69-4) (1978 )

03/06/78

Inadequate Experiment

No Evidence

The results of the bioassay of trichlorofluoromethane in Osborne-Mendel rats for possible carcinogenicity are not conclusive because inadequate numbers of rats survived sufficiently long enough to be at risk from late-developing tumors. Under the conditions of this bioassay, trichlorofluoromethane was not carcinogenic to male or female B6C3F1 mice.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Irregular heartbeat. Confusion. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE. Dry skin.

Redness. Pain.

incoordination, tremor; dermatitis; cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest; asphyxia; liquid: frostbite

Skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

1 mg/m^3

PDF Document

Inadequate information to assess carcinogenic potential

HEAST Archive

PPRTV Current

IRIS Current

LC50 (rat) = 130,000 ppm/15 min

LD50 Guinea pig inhalation 25,000 parts per hundred (pph)/30 min

LD50 Rat inhalation 130,000 ppm/15 min

LC50 Rabbit inhalation 25,000 parts per hundred (pph)/30 min

LD50 Mouse intraperitoneal 1743 mg/kg

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The minimal concn that elicited cardiac arrhythmia in the anesthetized monkey was 5% CFC 11 inhaled for less than 5 min. In a group of seven monkeys, two developed ventricular premature beats and atrioventricular block. The sensitivity of the heart to arrhythmia was increased by infusion of epinephrine.

... Focal myocardial necrosis /observed/ in dogs exposed for 2 consecutive days to aerosols containing FC 11 as propellant, & isoproterenol as the bronchodilator drug.

The minimal conc that increases /airway/ resistance in anesthetized mouse is 1%, which is blocked by pretreatment with atropine.

The induction of pentobarbital anesthesia reduced the incidence of arrhythmia and increased the threshold concentration to 10%. CFC 11 Rats that developed cardiac necrosis elicited by isoproterenol injections showed a reduction in threshold concentration to 5%. Likewise, those that developed pulmonary arterial thrombosis showed a similar increase in the proarrhythmic activity of CFC 11. The induction of pulmonary emphysema did not increase cardiac sensitivity. Adrenalectomy or injection of drugs that block cardiac adrenergic receptors protected the heart from CFC 11 induced arrhythmia.

/In humans/ a 10 to 90% mixture of CFC-11 & CFC-12, respectively, caused more severe respiratory effects than either fluorocarbon inhaled singly.

Victims of freon inhalation require management for hypoxic, CNS anesthetic, & cardiac symptoms. Patients must be removed from the exposure environment, & high flow supplemental oxygen should be utilized. The respiratory system should be evaluated for injury, aspiration, or pulmonary edema & treated appropriately. CNS findings should be treated supportively. A calm environment with no physical exertion is imperative to avoid increasing endogenous adrenegic levels. Exogenous adrenergic drugs must not be used to avoid inducing sensitized myocardial dysrhythmias. Atropine is ineffective in treating bradyarrhythmias. For ventricular dysrhythmias, diphenylhydantoin & countershock may be effective. Cryogenic dermal injuries should be treated by water bath rewarming at 40-42 °C until vasodilatory flush has returned. Elevation of the limb & standard frostbite management with late surgical debridement should be utilized. Ocular exposure requires irrigation & slit lamp evaluation for injury. /Freons/

2.30e+04

3.50e+05

5.20e+03

5.00e+00

3.30e+00

3.00e-01

Volatile

1.23e+03

7.00e+04

1.10e+06

1.50e+04

Avoid release to the environment because of its impact on the ozone layer.

Trichlorofluoromethane's production and use as a refrigerant, solvent, in fire extinguishers, chemical intermediate, and blowing agent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Aerosol propellant use was banned in the US on December 15, 1978. Trichlorofluoromethane has been identified in emissions from volcanoes. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 803 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates trichlorofluoromethane will exist solely as a gas in the atmosphere. Trichlorofluoromethane is very stable in the troposphere having a half-life of 52-207 yrs. As a result of its stability, trichlorofluoromethane is transported long distances and its concentration is fairly uniform around the globe away from known sources. Once in the upper stratosphere, it is dissociated through photolysis, reaction with hydroxyl radical and excited atomic oxygen resulting in the release of chlorine. These chlorine atoms then become part of a catalytic process that contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer. If released to soil, trichlorofluoromethane is expected to have moderate mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 16. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 9.70X10-2 atm-cu m/mole. Trichlorofluoromethane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Biodegradation in soil and water is not expected under aerobic conditions, but may proceed slowly under anaerobic conditions. If released into water, trichlorofluoromethane 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 Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.4 hours and 4.6 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 22 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since the rate of chlorodifluoromethane hydrolysis is very low, <0.005 g/L-yr at 30 °C. Occupational exposure to trichlorofluoromethane may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where trichlorofluoromethane is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may have been exposed to trichlorofluoromethane via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of drinking water, and dermal contact with consumer products containing trichlorofluoromethane. (SRC)

Trichlorofluoromethane has been identified in emissions from volcanoes(1).

Trichlorofluoromethane's production and use as a refrigerant(1), solvent, in fire extinguishers, chemical intermediate, and blowing agent(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Trichlorofluoromethane was released as emissions or in wastewater during its production, storage, transport and use as a foaming agent for polyurethane foams, degreaser and solvent, especially in the aerospace and electronics industries, and as a fire extinguishing agent(3-5). In the early 1970's the largest release of trichlorofluoromethane was from aerosols (75%) with refrigerants and foaming agent use coming next by contributing 14 and 21%, respectively(5). Because its release into the atmosphere was believed to cause depletion of the ozone layer, production was curtailed, from a maximum of 1.58X10+5 metric tons in 1974(5), and declining through 1982(5-10). Production of trichlorofluoromethane-containing propellants was banned after Dec 15, 1978 in the USA(5).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 160(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.53(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that trichlorofluoromethane is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of trichlorofluoromethane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 9.70X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(4). Trichlorofluoromethane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 803 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Biodegradation in terrestrial systems is not expected under aerobic conditions(6), but may proceed slowly under anaerobic conditions(7).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 160(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.53(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that trichlorofluoromethane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 9.70X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.4 hours and 4.6 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 22(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation in aquatic systems is not expected under aerobic conditions(7), but may proceed slowly under anaerobic conditions(8).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), trichlorofluoromethane, which has a vapor pressure of 803 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Trichlorofluoromethane is very stable in the troposphere having a half-life of 52-207 years(3,4). Once in the upper stratosphere, it is dissociated through photolysis, reaction with hydroxyl radical and excited atomic oxygen resulting in the release of chlorine. These chlorine atoms then become part of a catalytic process that contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer(5). In the stratosphere this compound will slowly photolyze to release chlorine atoms which in turn participates in the catalytic removal of stratospheric ozone(6); the ozone depletion potential for trichloroflouromethane is 1.0(7).

AEROBIC: No degradation was measured for trichlorofluoromethane in aerobic soil microcosms incubated with methane and air to simulate the gas composition in landfill soil covers(1). Virtually no biodegradation was observed when incubated with a sewage seed for 7 days followed by three weekly subcultures(2). Losses reported during biological treatment are probably the result of evaporative losses or adsorption to charcoal(3).

ANAEROBIC: Under anaerobic conditions, trichlorofluoromethane was transformed by reductive dechlorination to dichlorofluoromethane and chlorofluoromethane with measured half-lives of 1.3 days in sewage sludge microcosms and 8.4 to 13.3 days in aquifier sediment slurries(1). In anaerobic microcosms using different types of organic waste and anaerobic digested sludge as inoculum, 590 ug/L of trichlorofluoromethane was degraded to less than 5 ug/L within 15 to 20 days(2). Trichlorofluoromethane, present at 8 mg/cu m, degraded to approximately 0.7 mg/cu m in 100 days using a lab-scale anaerobic digester and municipal solid waste inoculum from Hamburg, Germany(3). Trace amounts were still detected at 340 days(3). Samples of anaerobic peat soil from a conifer swamp and a temperate bog in New York were shown to have the capacity to serve as a sink for atmospheric trichlorfluoromethane(4). Headspace concentrations decreased by 34% in 7 days, and by 70% in 10 days in swamp peat and bog peat, respectively(4). Samples from the subsurface anoxic zones of the Black Sea and from Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, Canada showed a depletion of dissolved trichlorofluoromethane, with the removal rate ranging from 0.26-0.48/yr(5).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of trichlorofluoromethane with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is <5X10-16 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC)(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 88 years an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). Trichlorofluoromethane does not absorb UV radiation >290 nm(3) nor does it react appreciably with reactive atmospheric species such as hydroxyl radicals or singlet oxygen atoms(4). The compound does not degrade under photochemical smog conditions(5). Estimates of tropospheric half-lives based on time series concentration measurements, etc. range from 52-207 yrs(6,7). Photochemical decomposition of trichlorofluoromethane irradiated with UV light (>300 nm) from a high pressure mercury lamp resulted in mineralization products CO2, CO and HCl(8). Once in the upper stratosphere, it is dissociated through photolysis, reaction with hydroxyl radical and excited atomic oxygen(10). In the stratosphere this compound will slowly photolyze to release chlorine atoms(8,10) which in turn participates in the catalytic removal of stratospheric ozone(11); the ozone depletion potential for trichloroflouromethane is 1.0(12). Heterogeneous photolysis occurs when trichlorofluoromethane is adsorbed on silica gel with 23% degradation occurring in 170 hr when exposed to sunlight(8), however it is difficult to assess the effect this has on the lifetime. The rate of chlorodifluoromethane hydrolysis is very low, <0.005 g/L-yr at 30 °C, and is not expected to be an important degradation pathway in the environment, however the rate is greatly affected by the presence of metals such as steel which act as catalysts(9).

Photodissociation of fluorocarbons in stratosphere produces significant amount of chlorine atoms and leads to destruction of atmospheric ozone. /FLUOROCARBONS/

An estimated BCF of 22 was calculated in fish for trichlorofluoromethane(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.53(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). The levels of trichlorofluoromethane in three species of mollusks and five species of fish are only slightly enriched (usually 2-25 times on a dry weight basis) over the seawater levels(4). The usual order of enrichment was found to be brain > liver > gill > muscle(4).

The Koc of trichlorofluoromethane is estimated as 160(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.53(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that trichlorofluoromethane is expected to have moderate mobility in soil. Trichlorofluoromethane has negligible adsorption to soil; modeling studies which predict distributions between environmental compartments indicate that none of the chemical will reside in the soil or sediment(4,5).

The Henry's Law constant for trichlorofluoromethane is 9.70X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that trichlorofluoromethane is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). 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)(2) is estimated as 3.4 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)(2) is estimated as 4.6 days(SRC). Trichlorofluoromethane's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Trichlorofluoromethane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 803 mm Hg(3).

GROUNDWATER: Trichlorofluoromethane was detected in approximately 5% of 214 groundwater samples collected from 30 industrial sites around Taiwan(1). Trichlorofluoromethane concentrations in cluster wells at manufacturing research facility in the Northeastern US were as follows: glacial shallow wells 80 ppb mean, median not detectable; glacial deep wells 5 ppb mean, 4 ppb median; bedrock wells 650 ppb mean, 23 ppb median(2). The atmosphere may be a source of the trichlorfluoromethane detected in 72 shallow groundwater samples from Gloucester County, NJ sampled in December, 1996 and 6 wells sampled in November 1997(3). Groundwater samples from the Danube River Basin in Hungary contained trichlorofluormethane concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 14.61 pmol/L(4). Concentration in the Pannonian deep well in the same region was 0.07 pmol/L(4).

DRINKING WATER: Trichlorofluoromethane was detected in 23 of 1,208 domestic well samples collected from around the United States during 1985 to 2002 in an assessment by the USGS's National Water-Quality Assessment Program(1). Trichlorofluoromethane was detected in approximately 10 and 20% of 95 monitoring wells and 30 public-supply wells sampled, respectively, in the Glassboro area of southern New Jersey during 1996 to 1998 as part of the USGS's National Water Quality Assessment Program(2). Trichlorofluoromethane was detected, not quantified in drinking water samples worldwide(3). Water supply wells in the Danube River Basin, Hungary contained trichlorofluormethane concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 2.75 pmol/L, sampled in the spring 1993; the highest concentrations were within 2 km from Danube River(4).

SURFACE WATER: Trichlorofluoromethane was detected in the Ohio River Basin (11 stations, 4972 samples) in 5.3% of samples at 0.1 ppb; 46 samples between 1 and 10 ppb, and 3 samples >10 ppb(1). Other surface water concentrations were as follows: 14 heavily industrialized river basins in US (204 sites) - 11 sites positive, all in the Chicago area and Illinois River Basin, 3-20 ppb(2). Lake Erie central and eastern basins - 34 and 46 parts/trillion average in 1977 and 1978, respectively, with concentration uniform throughout the basin(3); Delaware River Basin (30 sites, depth integrating samples) - 3% of sites had values > 1 ppb(4); Lake Michigan (9 sites) - 5 sites positive, 1-20 ppb(5). Levels in two Danube River samples, Hungary were 7.82 and 7.74 pmol/L, sampled in May 1993(6).

SEAWATER: The trichlorofluoromethane concentration in the Pacific Ocean was reported as 0.13 parts/trillion average at the surface, 0.06 parts/trillion average at 300 m depth(1). At Point Reyes, CA the nearshore concentration was 43 parts/trillion(2). Trichlorofluoromethane is most abundant in the surface layers of the sea as opposed to the depths as was demonstrated in concentration profiles of the Greenland(3) and Norwegian Seas(3,4).

Industries whose raw or treated wastewater exceed an average of 10 ug/L trichlorofluoromethane include: auto and other laundries, electrical components, nonferrous metal manufacturing, coal mining, photographic equipment/supplies and textile mills(1). Maximum levels at or above 100 ppb occurred in textile mills (2100 ppb) auto and other laundries (120 ppb), and nonferrous metal manufacturing (100 ppb)(1). Of 343 industrial effluents sites representing all STORET stations, 0.6% were positive for trichlorofluoromethane, with a median of <5 ppb(2). National Urban Runoff Program (nineteen cities including 11 of the 18 river basins in the contiguous USA - 86 samples) reports a 6% frequency of detection, 0.6-27 ppb(3). The concentration of trichlorofluoromethane in a Los Angeles municipal wastewater was below the detection limit of 0.3 ppb(4).

SEDIMENT: Bottom sediment from the submarine outfall of Los Angeles sewage treatment plant contained <0.5 ppb trichlorofluoromethane(1).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Trichlorofloromethane was measured at a mean concentration of 2.46 ug/cu m in ambient air samples taken at ground level in November 1994 in La Plata, Argentina(2). A mean concentration of 0.5 ug/cu m was measured for trichlorofluoromethane in 32 12-hour ambient air samples collected during August to December 2000 from various locations in Perth, Western Australia(2). During a 16-month (July 1996-October 1997) recording period of atmospheric concentrations of trichlorofluoromethane measured in Palisades, NY, mean concentrations ranged from 281.9 to 300.0 ng/cu m(3). Trichlorofluoromethane was detected in ambient air samples at mean concentrations of 1.6, 1.6, and 1.5 ug/cu m, during 24-hour, 7-day, and 4-week sampling periods, respectively, in February 1999 in Chiba City, Japan(4). In the US, 903 samples contained 100-4900 parts/trillion trichlorofluoromethane with a median concentration of 380 parts/trillion(5). Mean concentrations in the US were as follows (ppb, location, date): 0.025, Seagirt, NJ, 6/74; 1.44, New York, NY, 6/74; 0.28, Sandy Hook, NJ 7/74; 0.13, Delaware City, DE, 7/74; 0.24, Baltimore, MD, 7/74; 0.14, Wilmington, OH, 7/74; and 1.34, Bayonne, NJ, 3/73-12/73(6). In Tubingen and Leipzig in Germany, median levels were elevated by approximately 50% compared to background levels; a maximum concentration of 100 ug/cu m was detected in Tubingen(7). Using national and United Nations statistics for 1986, it was determined that almost 75% of the total CFC emissions come from developed countries(8). Monitoring evidence suggests that trichlorofluoromethane emissions in Europe have declined to about one third of the 1987 levels to the end of 1990(9).

INDOOR: Trichlorofluoromethane was detected in indoor air in established buildings at mean concentrations of 50 and 41 ug/cu m in non-complaint and odor and headache complaint buildings, respectively, in Melbourne Australia(1). Trichlorofloromethane was measured at a mean concentration of 3.76 ug/cu m in indoor air samples taken at a school in November 1994 near a petrochemical plant in La Plata, Argentina(2). In indoor air of 100 homes in suburban and rural areas of New Jersey sampled between December 2003 and April 2006, trichlorofluoromethane was detected at concentrations ranging from <1.1 to 62 ug/cu m, with a mean concentration of 4.73 ug/cu m(3). Trichlorofluoromethane levels of 1.7X10-3 to 2.9 mg/cu m have been reported in homes. A concentration of 0.28 mg/cu m was reported in a beauty shop where fluorocarbon aerosol cosmetic sprays were likely to be used(4).

RURAL/REMOTE: During a 3-year (November 1994-October 1997) recording period at a 610 meter tower in North Carolina and a 17-month (June 1996-October 1997) recording period at a 450 meter tower in Wisconsin of atmospheric concentrations of trichlorofluoromethane, mean concentrations ranged from approximately 1.1 to 2.7 and 0.6-1.6 ng/cu m, respectively(1). For the US (1977-1980, 431 samples) results indicated a 120 parts/trillion median, 230 parts/trillion maximum concentration(2); South Pole (1975-1980) 90-166 parts/trillion, average annual concentration increase 8-12%(3); US Pacific NW (1975-1980) 125-188 parts/trillion, average annual concentration increase 8-12%(3); Harwell England (1/78-6/81) 207-272 parts/trillion monthly average, annual rate of increase between 1975-1981 10-11 parts/trillion rate of increase slowing down(4); Southern Hemisphere Background: 182 parts/trillion average in 1981 with an annual growth 11.5 parts/trillion for 1979-1981 as measured at Cape Point, South Africa(5) and 130 parts/trillion in June 1977 with an increase of nearly 20% in the previous 12 months as measured at Cape Grim, Australia(6). For Point Barrows, Alaska, trichlorofluoromethane was reported at 192.3-202.6 parts/trillion with the highest concentration during the winter(7). The source of the trichlorofluoromethane is anthropogenic in the mid-latitudes(7). Concentration measurements as a function of latitude show that the concentration decreases with altitude in the troposphere followed by a sharper decrease through the tropopause and into the stratosphere(8). Mean concentration in troposphere over Southern France, June-Sept 1977, 130 parts/trillion(9). Concentrations at three altitudes over Pacific Ocean, Hawaii to Alaska, Oct-Nov 1974, 6 locations (km altitude, range parts/trillion) were as follows: 15.2, 65-106; 18.3, 29-96; 21.3, 5.5-86(10). Concentrations in the Northern stratosphere, sampled April 1974 - Nov 1976 were: 49-90 parts/trillion, 65.3 average; upper troposphere, May-Nov 1976, 115-126 parts/trillion, 122 average(11). A tropospheric concentration range of 127-149 parts/trillion, May 1975 - April 1977, from 4 samples sites between California and Alaska was reported(12). Trichlorofluoromethane was detected, not quantified at Point Barrow, Alaska, showing seasonal variations that parallel that of Arctic haze(13). Samples from ground-level atmosphere in Antartica contained average concentrations of 254 and 269 parts/trillion volume, sampled during Austral summer 1989/90 and 1990/91, respectively(14). Trichlorofluoromethane levels at Caparica, Portugal on the Atlantic coast are approximately 20% lower than at 3 remote forest areas in Germany, Berchtesgaden, Erzgeirge, and Freudenstadt(15). The mean concentration at Whiteface Mountain, New York was 0.13 ppb, sampled from Sept 16 through Sept 19, 1974(16).

SOURCE DOMINATED: Trichlorofloromethane was measured at a mean concentration of 1.68 ug/cu m in ambient air samples taken at ground level in November 1994 near a petrochemical plant in La Plata, Argentina(1). Trichlorofluoromethane was detected a tconcentrations of up to 1 ug/cu m in fumarole and lava gas samples from four volcanos (Kuju and Satsuma Iwojima, Japan; Mt Etna and Vulcano, Italy)(2). Trichlorofluoromethane was detected at one unspecified USA site at a concentration of 260 parts/trillion(3). It was identified in landfill gas from seven municipal waste disposal facilities in the UK at concentrations of <0.5-74, <0.1, <0.1, <0.1, <01.-28, <0.5, and <0.5(4). The concentration range of trichlorofluoromethane in six municipal landfills in Hamburg, Germany was from not detected to 10.79 mg/kg(5).

Trichlorofluoromethane concentrations in marine samples from the Isle of Man, Irish Sea(1).[Table#440]

ENVIRONMENTAL: In mother's milk from 4 urban sites in US - 7 of 8 samples tested positive for trichlorofluoromethane(1).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of trichlorofluoromethane is 1 to 99; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 267,742 workers (95,886 of these were female) were potentially exposed to trichlorofluoromethane in the US(1). Occupational exposure to trichlorofluoromethane may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where trichlorofluoromethane is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to trichlorofluoromethane via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of drinking water, and dermal contact with this compound or other products containing trichlorofluoromethane(SRC).

GREATEST OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE BY VOLUME USE OF REFRIGERANTS IS IN SERVICING (NOT INCLUDING RECHARGING), INITIAL CHARGING, & MANUFACTURING & INSTALLATION. /FLUOROCARBONS/

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers U121; F002 must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.

Trichlorofluoromethane is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Incineration, preferably after mixing with another combustible fuel. Care must be exercised to assure complete combustion to prevent the formation of phosgene. An acid scrubber is necessary to remove the halo acids produced.

This compound should be susceptible to removal from waste water by air stripping.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Non-Flammable Gas