FLUORIDE ACTION NETWORK
Return to FAN's Pesticide Homepage
Return to Trichlorofluoromethane Index Page
Trichlorofluoromethane. Profile from Hazardous Substances Data Base.
For updates: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB\
TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE
CASRN: 75-69-4
For other data, click on the Table of Contents
Human Health Effects:
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
BY INHALATION, LARGE, ACUTE DOSES HAVE RESULTED IN CARDIAC SENSITIZATION (ARRHYTHMIA)
OR BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTION LEADING TO DEATH ... .
... HUMAN EXPOSURE TO 1000 PPM, 8 HR/DAY, 5 DAYS/WK FOR A TOTAL OF 18 EXPOSURES
HAD NO UNTOWARD SUBJECTIVE EFFECTS, & THERE WERE NO CHANGES IN THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
OR PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS. THE VENOUS BLOOD LEVELS OF FC11 AFTER 8 HR WERE
AS HIGH AS 4.69 UG/ML. THE GRADUAL ATTAINMENT OF THIS LEVEL REPRESENTS A LOW
UPTAKE OF THE GAS.
... BRADYCARDIA IS THE USUAL RESPONSE IN HUMAN SUBJECTS INHALING 10% OF CFC
11. ... IT IS REASONABLE TO SUGGEST THAT BRADYCARDIA IN MAN ORIGINATES FROM
IRRITATION OF THE UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT, & THAT CARDIAC EFFECTS CAN BE
INITIATED PRIOR TO ABSORPTION OF CFC 11 IN THE LUNGS.
GAS OF LOW TOXICITY BUT NOT ENTIRELY INERT.
MAY BE /CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANT/ ... IN HIGH CONCN.
A SPECIAL CLASS OF CHEMICALS SUBJECT TO ABUSE BY INHALATION ARE THE FLUOROHYDROCARBONS,
SUCH AS ... TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE ... THE "SNIFFING" OF SUCH AEROSOL SPRAYS
IS HAZARDOUS PRACTICE. ... 110 "SUDDEN SNIFFING DEATHS" /HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED/
... IN EACH CASE THE VICTIM SPRAYED THE AEROSOL INTO A PLASTIC BAG, INHALED
THE CONTENTS, BECAME EXCITED, RAN 90 M OR SO, COLLAPSED, & DIED. NECROPSY
FINDINGS WERE LARGELY NEGATIVE.
... TWO CASES OF PHOSGENE POISONING FROM DISINTEGRATION OF FC 11 PROPELLANT
AT AN OPEN FLAME IN AN ENCLOSURE /REPORTED/.
Workers ... /involved in a spill of/ large volume of CFC-11 were exposed to
high concentrations and developed /CNS depressant/ effects. In one case, unconsciousness
occurred, and in another, potentiation of the endogenous adrenaline effect and
tachycardia.
Three volunteers were exposed to a CFC-11 concentration of 3750 mg/cu m (657
ppm). The average value of pulmonary retention was 18.9%. CFC-11 levels in alveolar
air and blood were 3066 mg/cu m (537 ppm) and 2.8 ug/ml, respectively.
/UV-B Radiation is likely to incr by ozone depletion caused by atmospheric
concentrations of chlorofluorocarbons/. Indications are increasing that UV-B
radiation ... plays a role in the induction and growth of cutaneous melanomas,
a ... dangerous type of skin cancer. ... There are indications that ... suppression
of the immune response by UV-B radiation may occur in humans. The antigen presenting
Langerhans cells in the skin are damaged and allergic responses are depressed.
... There are indications that UV-B radiation increases cataract formation,
an important cause of blindness especially in areas with limited medical facilities.
/Chlorofluorocarbons/
Many gases emitted as a result of industrial and agricultural activities can
accumulate in the earth's atmosphere and ultimately contribute to alterations
in the vertical distribution and concentrations of stratospheric ozone. Among
the most important are those trace gases that have long residence times in the
atmosphere. This allows accumulation in the troposphere and a gradual upward
migration of the gases into the stratosphere where they contribute to depletion
of stratospheric ozone layer. The atmospheric and chemical processes involved
are extremely complex. Trace gases of particular concern include certain long
lived chlorofluorocarbons, such as CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-113. Since the transport
of these gases to the stratosphere is slow, their residence times there are
long, and the removal processes are slow, any effect on stratospheric ozone
already seen is probably the result of anthropogenic emissions of these gases
several decades ago. Those gases already in the atmosphere will continue to
exert stratospheric ozone depletion effects well into the next century. /Chlorofluorocarbons/
Increased UV-B radiation would be expected to increase photochemical smog,
and this would aggravate the related health problems in urban and industrialized
areas. /UV-B Radiation/
/In a patient/ gastric perforation ... occurred one-half hour after accidental
ingestion of refrigerated Freon 11; transient jaundice and liver enzyme elevation
postoperatively was /also/ reported in this patient.
Deaths resulting from cardiovascular collapse after arrhythmias have been
reported after inhalation of Freons 11 and 12.
Trichlorofluoromethane ... a liquid used mainly as a refrigerant, has no known
systemic toxic effect on the eye.
Ten subjects /were exposed/ to CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-114, two mixtures of CFC-11
and CFC-12, and a mixture of CFC-12 and CFC-114 (breathing concentrations between
16 and 150 g/cu m) for 15, 45, or 60 seconds, and found significant acute reduction
of ventilatory lung capacity (FEV50, FEF25) on exposure to each chlorofluorocarbon,
as well as bradycardia and increased variability in heart rate in seven subjects,
negative T-waves in two subjects (one was exposed to CFC-11 and CFC-12), and
atrioventricular block in 1 subject (CFC-114). Mixtures exerted stronger respiratory
effects than individual chlorofluorocarbon at the same level of exposure.
Allergic contact eczema /was reported/ in patch tests performed on three patients
that had a prior history of skin reactions to deodorant sprays. All three patients
showed strong positive reactions to 11 deodorant sprays and mild to strong reactions
to CFC-11. One patient showed a mild reaction to CFC-12. Fifteen controls (without
prior history of allergy to deodorants) showed no response to either CFC-11
or CFC-12. These results suggest that individuals may become sensitized to certain
chlorofluorocarbons applied repeatedly to the skin surface.
Effects of chlorofluorocarbons on bronchiolar tone in asthmatic children /were
studied/. Forced expiratory volume, a measure of bronchial tone, was measured
in 18 children with a history of asthma, before and after inhaling aerosols
of the B2-receptor agonist, fenoterol, or a mixture of CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-114,
and in the absence of treatment. The levels of exposure were not reported. Exposure
to the chlorofluorocarbon mixture significantly reduced forced expiratory volume
for 2 hr, relative to no treatment, and for 8 hr relative to exposure to fenoterol
(containing CFC-11 and CFC-12). The results suggest that chlorofluorcarbons
can decrease bronchial tone in asthmatic patients, but that this effect is transient
and of a sufficiently small magnitude to be superseded by the dilating effects
of fenoterol when both fenoterol and chlorofluorcarbon propellants are inhaled
together.
Eighty nine workers were examined during their work with refrigerant equipment.
The refrigerants used were mainly CFC-12 (in 56% of the cases) and HCFC-22 (32%),
the rest being CFC-11, CFC-500 (a mixture of CFC-12 and HCFC 152a), CFC-502
( a mixture of CFC-115 and HCFC 22). The mean exposure time was 10 min. Chlorofluorocarbon
concentrations in the breathing zone were measured for each person individually.
The levels exceeded 750 ppm at least once (as one min mean values) for 60 of
the 89 individuals. Cardiac arrhythmias were registered before, during, and
after the exposure by means of a portable ECG instrument connected to a tape
recorder. No statistically significant difference was found between exposed
and nonexposed period, nor was there any dose related trend for different individuals
when grouped into different exposure groups. In this study, possible effects
on the central nervous system were also studied by means of simple reaction
time measurements before and after the exposure. No impairment was seen.
Trichlorofluoromethane can affect the body if it is inhaled or if it comes
in contact with the eye or skin. It can also affect the body if it is swallowed.
Propellant /fluorocarbon/ gases were generated from commercial aerosol units
and applied to the from distance of 50 cm for periods of 15 to 60 sec. At a
measured concn of 95,000 mg/cu m (1700 ppm), there was a biphasic change in
ventilation capacity, the first reduction occurring within a few minutes after
exposure, and second delayed until 13 to 30 min after exposure, and second delayed
until 13 to 30 min after exposure. Most subjects developed bradycardia, and
inversion of the T-wave. /Propellant gases/
Freon 11, inhaled at 5% concentration, sensitizes the myocardium to epinephrine.
A 6% concentration results in apnea and areflexia. A 10% concentration produces
cardiac arrhythmias. Deaths resulting from cardiovascular collapse after arrhythmias
have been reported after inhalation of /Freon 11/ ... .
EXCESSIVE SKIN CONTACT WITH LIQ FLUOROCARBONS SHOULD BE MINIMIZED TO PREVENT
DEFATTING OF SKIN ... /FLUOROCARBONS/
Fluorocarbon vapors are 4 to 5 times heavier than air. Thus high concn tend
to accumulate in low-lying areas, resulting in hazard of inhalation of concentrated
vapors, which may be fatal. /Fluorocarbons/
Under certain condition, fluorocarbon vapors may decompose on contact with
flames or hot surfaces, creating potential hazard of inhalation of toxic decomposition
products. /Fluorocarbons/
EARLY ... HUMAN EXPERIENCE INDICATED THAT HIGH VAPOR CONCN (EG, 20%) MAY CAUSE
CONFUSION, PULMONARY IRRITATION, TREMORS & RARELY COMA, BUT THAT THESE EFFECTS
WERE GENERALLY TRANSIENT & WITHOUT LATE SEQUELAE. ... CAUSE OF DEATH /FROM
ABUSE OF FLUOROCARBONS/ IS IN CONSIDERABLE DOUBT. FREEZING OF AIRWAY SOFT TISSUES
CAN PROBABLY BE ELIMINATED AS A CAUSE OF DEATH EXCEPT IN CASES WHERE THE PRODUCT
WAS SPRAYED DIRECTLY INTO THE MOUTH FROM ITS CONTAINER OR FROM A BALLOON CONTAINING
SOME LIQUID. LARYNGEAL SPASM OR EDEMA, OXYGEN DISPLACEMENT, OR SENSITIZATION
OF MYOCARDIUM TO ENDOGENOUS CATECHOLAMINES WITH SUBSEQUENT VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION
APPEAR TO BE REASONABLE POSSIBILITIES. /FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/
A SPECIAL CLASS OF CHEMICALS SUBJECT TO ABUSE BY INHALATION ARE THE FLUOROHYDROCARBONS
... THE "SNIFFING" OF SUCH AEROSOL SPRAYS IS HAZARDOUS PRACTICE. ... 110 "SUDDEN
SNIFFING DEATHS" /HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED/ ... IN EACH CASE THE VICTIM SPRAYED
THE AEROSOL INTO A PLASTIC BAG, INHALED THE CONTENTS, BECAME EXCITED, RAN 90
M OR SO, COLLAPSED, & DIED. NECROPSY FINDINGS WERE LARGELY NEGATIVE ...
ALTHOUGH AMOUNT OF PROPELLANT ABSORBED INTO BLOOD FROM USE OF HAIRSPRAY, COSMETIC,
HOUSEHOLD, & MEDICATED AEROSOLS MUST VARY WITH CIRCUMSTANCES, PHYSICIAN
IS ADVISED TO COUNSEL ... PATIENT ON POTENTIAL DANGERS, PARTICULARLY FROM THEIR
USE IN POORLY VENTILATED CONFINED AREAS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT PATIENTS WITH CARDIAC
OR RESPIRATORY DISORDERS MAY PROVE ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE. /FLUOROHYDROCARBONS/
In a cross-sectional study the neurological effects of fluorocarbons were
evaluated in 27 refrigeration repair workers. Fourteen age matched reference
subjects were selected from a local union of plumbers, pipe-fitters, and insulation
workers. A case of peripheral neuropathy in a commercial refrigeration repairman
prompted the investigation. Personal air samples from 2 worker-participants
over the course of a typical workshift showed 1.4 ppm chlorodifluoromethane
and 2.2 ppm chloropenta-fluoroethane. There were no cases of peripheral neuropathy
in the study subjects. There was no significant difference in mean nerve conduction
velocities (ulnar, median, peroneal, sural, tibial) between study and reference
subjects. Lightheadedness and palpitations were reported significantly more
often by refrigeration repair workers (p<0.05). /Fluorocarbons/
Fluorocarbons were initially believed to be compounds low in toxicity. In
the late 1960s there were early reports of deaths caused by intentional inhalation
abuse of various aerosols. Victims frequently discharged the aerosol contents
into a plastic bag and then inhaled the gaseous contents. Suffocation was initially
considered to be the cause of death. In 1970, 110 cases of "sudden sniffing
death" /were reviewed/ without finding evidence of suffocation. The majority
of those deaths (59) involved fluorocarbon propellants. He noted that in several
cases sudden death followed a burst of emotional stress or exercise. No significant
findings were noted at autopsy. /Fluorocarbons/
Fluorocarbon propellants are anesthetic and cardiotoxic. ... Aerosol propellants
produce hallucinogenic effects, and, rarely, contact dermatitis. /Fluorocarbon
propellants/
Fluorocarbon propellants, benzene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, gasoline, toluene,
and hydrocarbons have been implicated in 110 sudden deaths after inhalant abuse
in which no obvious cardiac or pulmonary pathology existed. Heavy exercise or
stress was associated with 18 of those deaths, /it was/ proposed that these
inhalants act to sensitize the myocardium to endogenous catecholamines. Hypoxia,
hypercarbia, and acidosis may exacerbate these effects. /Fluorocarbon propellants/
Chlorinated hydrocarbons may cause systemic toxicity through percutaneous
absorption. Systemic toxicity includes convulsion, delirium, and central nervous
system depression /From table/. /Chlorinated hydrocarbons/
There is ... evidence that the atmospheric concns of chlorofluorocarbons deplete
ozone in the stratosphere. A reduction in ozone concn will result in increased
transmission of solar UV radiation through the stratosphere. Many significant
adverse effects of such an incr in exposure to this radiation have been identified.
... One of the most well-defined human health effects resulting from stratospheric
ozone depletion is an incr in the frequency of skin cancer expected as a result
of even small increases in UV-B radiation (280-320 nm) reaching the earths's
surface. /Chlorofluorocarbons/
Freons are toxic to humans by several mechanisms. Inhaled fluorocarbons sensitized
the myocardium to catecholamines, frequently resulting in lethal ventricular
arrhythmias. Because they are gases heavier than air, fluorocarbons can displace
atmospheric oxygen, thus resulting in asphyxiation. These compounds also have
a central nervous system (CNS) anesthetic effect analogous to a structurally
similar general anesthetic, halothane. Pressurized refrigerant or liquid fluorocarbons
with a low boiling point have a cyrogenic effect on exposed tissues, causing
frostbite, laryngeal or pulmonary edema, and gastrointestinal perforation. Certain
fluorocarbons degrade at high temperatures into toxic products of chlorine,
hydrofluoric acid, or phosgene gases. /Freons/
... HIGH VAPOR CONCN (EG, 20%) MAY CAUSE CONFUSION, PULMONARY IRRITATION,
TREMORS & RARELY COMA ... BUT ... THESE EFFECTS WERE GENERALLY TRANSIENT
& WITHOUT LATE SEQUELAE. /FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/
Non-occupational exposure and accidental or abusive inhalation of aerosols
/due to Fluorocarbon propellants/ have also been documented, the main symptoms
being CNS depression and cardiovascular reactions. Cardiac arrhythmia, possibly
aggravated by elevated levels of catecholamines due to stress or by moderate
hypercapnia, is suggested as the cause of these adverse response, which may
lead to death. /Aerosols/
... CAUSE OF DEATH /FROM ABUSE OF FLUOROCARBONS/ IS IN ... DOUBT. FREEZING
OF AIRWAY SOFT TISSUES CAN PROBABLY BE ELIMINATED ... EXCEPT IN CASES WHERE
PRODUCT WAS SPRAYED DIRECTLY INTO MOUTH FROM CONTAINER OR BALLOON CONTAINING
SOME LIQ. /FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/
... CAUSE OF DEATH /FROM ABUSE OF FLUOROCARBONS/ ... IN ... DOUBT. ... LARYNGEAL
SPASM OR EDEMA, OXYGEN DISPLACEMENT, OF SENSITIZATION OF MYOCARDIUM TO ENDOGENOUS
CATECHOLAMINES WITH ... VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION APPEAR TO BE ... POSSIBILITIES.
/FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/
There are isolated reports of poisoning from exposure to refrigerants and
solvents, and some studies showing a higher incidence of coronary heart disease
among hospital personnel are required to establish causal relationship between
fluorine containing organic compounds, and cardiovascular and bronchopulmonary
diseases among exposed workers. The high incidence of cancer among hospital
personnel repeatedly exposed to fluorine-containing general anesthetics raises
a fundamental need to examine other chlorofluorocarbon-exposed workers for similar
effects. /Fluorocarbons/
Clinical pathologists exposed to fluorocarbons in the preparation of frozen
tissue sections have been seen to develop coronary heart disease. /Fluorocarbons/
Manufacturing processes use hydrofluoric acid from fluorospar in the production
of most fluorine containing organic compounds. Some processes use carbon tetrachloride
from carbon disulfide or as a co product of perchloroethylene and chlorination
of propylene, or chloroform from chlorination of methanol. The major hazards
relate primarily to the inadvertent release of hydrofluoric acid or carbon tetrachloride,
rather than to the manufactured final product. /Fluorocarbons/
The toxicity of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) had been considered to be low;
it is absorbed via the lungs and undergoes little subsequent biotransformation.
In the United States when sudden unexplained deaths of aerosol "sniffers" were
reported they were considered to be possibly due to cardiac arrhythmias induced
by the CFC propellants. /CFCs/
Aerosol sprays containing fluorocarbon propellants are another source of solvent
intoxication. Prolonged exposure or daily use may result in damage to several
organ systems. Clinical problems include cardiac arrhythmias, bone marrow depression,
cerebral degeneration, and damage to liver, kidney, & peripheral nerves.
Death occasionally has been attributed to inhalant abuse, probably via the mechanism
of cardiac arrhythmias, especially accompanying exercise or upper airway obstruction.
/fluorocarbon propellants/
High concentrations cause narcosis and anesthesia in humans. Human systemic
effects by inhalation: conjunctiva irritation, fibrosing alveolitis and liver
changes.
... Workers who spilled a large volume of CFC-11 were exposed to high concentrations
& developed signs of narcosis. One of the workers became unconscious, &
another experienced tachycardia.
... Normal household exposure to CFC-11 aerosols produced no changes in respiratory
parameters, biochemical parameters, or hematologic indices in 20 women followed
for 1 month.
In a controlled study, volunteers were exposed to CFC-11 at concentrations
of 250, 500, or 1000 ppm for periods of 1 min to 8 hr. Volunteers were also
exposed for 8 hr/day, 5 days/week for 2 to 4 weeks to CFC-11 at a concentration
of 1000 ppm. The acute exposures did not produce any untoward physiological
effects as determined by a number of biological endpoints, including clinical
hematology & chemistry, EKG, EEG, neurological parameters, pulmonary function,
& cognitive tests. The repetitive exposure at 1000 ppm was without measurable
untoward physiological effect except for a minor decrement in several cognitive
tests. The authors considered these decrements spurious because similar changes
could not be detected in volunteers acutely exposed for 8 hr at 1000 ppm.
Intentional inhalation of aerosols containing extremely high concentrations
of mixtures of CFC-11 & CFC-12 has caused instantaneous death. The /Intentions
Program on Chemical Safety/ considered the deaths associated with these exposures
to be caused by cardiac arrhythmia, aggravated by elevated levels of catecholamines
due to stress or by moderate hypercapnia.
Medical Surveillance:
Employees should be screened for history of certain medical conditions ...
which might place the employee at increased risk from dichlorodifluoromethane
exposure. Cardiovascular disease: In persons with impaired cardiovascular function,
especially those with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, the inhalation of dichlorodifluoromethane
might cause exacerbation of disorders of the conduction mechanism due to its
sensitizing effects on the myocardium. ... Any employee developing the above-listed
conditions should be referred for further medical examination.
Populations at Special Risk:
Employees /with cardiovascular disease are/ at increased risk.
IT IS POSSIBLE THAT PT WITH CARDIAC OR RESP DISORDERS MAY PROVE ESP SUSCEPTIBLE.
/FLUOROCARBONS/
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
GREATEST OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE BY VOLUME USE OF REFRIGERANTS IS IN SERVICING
(NOT INCLUDING RECHARGING), INITIAL CHARGING, & MANUFACTURING & INSTALLATION.
/FLUOROCARBONS/
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 267,742 workers
(95,886 of these are female) are 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(SRC). 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 and other consumer
products containing trichlorofluoromethane(SRC).
Body Burden:
7 of 8 samples of mother's milk from 4 urban sites in US positive for trichlorfluoromethane(1).
It was detected in 4 of 8 samples of respired air at a range of 0.007 to 0.041
ug/hr, positive subjects having been previously occupationally exposed (laboratory
technicians)(2).
Emergency Medical Treatment:
Emergency Medical Treatment:
| EMT Copyright Disclaimer: |
| Portions of the POISINDEX(R) database are provided here for
general reference. THE COMPLETE POISINDEX(R) DATABASE, AVAILABLE FROM MICROMEDEX,
SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF SPECIFIC
CASES. Copyright 1974-1998 Micromedex, Inc. Denver, Colorado. All Rights
Reserved. Any duplication, replication or redistribution of all or part
of the POISINDEX(R) database is a violation of Micromedex' copyrights and
is strictly prohibited.
The following Overview, *** FLUORINATED HYDROCARBONS ***, is relevant for this HSDB record chemical. |
| Life Support: |
o This overview assumes that basic life support measures
have been instituted.
|
| Clinical Effects: |
SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o LOW CONCENTRATION - Inhalations such as those caused by
leaking air conditioners or refrigerators usually
result in transient eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Palpitations, light headedness, and headaches are also
seen.
o HIGH CONCENTRATION - Inhalation associated with
deliberate abuse, or spills or industrial use occurring
in poorly ventilated areas has been associated with
ventricular arrhythmias, pulmonary edema and sudden
death.
HEENT
0.2.4.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o EYES - Eye irritation occurs with ambient exposure.
Frostbite of the lids may be severe. Ocular
instillation results in corneal burns in rabbits.
o NOSE - Nasal irritation occurs with ambient exposure.
o THROAT - Irritation occurs. Frostbite of the lips,
tongue, buccal mucosa and hard palate developed in a
man after deliberate inhalation.
CARDIOVASCULAR
0.2.5.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Inhalation of high concentrations is associated with
the development of refractory ventricular arrhythmias
and sudden death, believed to be secondary, primarily,
to myocardial sensitization to endogenous
catecholamines. Some individuals may be susceptible to
arrhythmogenic effects at lower concentrations.
RESPIRATORY
0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Pulmonary irritation, bronchial constriction, cough,
dyspnea, and chest tightness may develop after
inhalation. Chronic pulmonary hyperreactivity may
occur. Adult respiratory distress syndrome has been
reported following acute inhalational exposures.
Pulmonary edema is an autopsy finding in fatal cases.
NEUROLOGIC
0.2.7.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Headache, dizziness, and disorientation are common.
Cerebral edema may be found on autopsy. A syndrome of
impaired psychomotor speed, impaired memory and
learning, and emotional lability has been described in
workers with chronic occupational exposure to
fluorinated hydrocarbons.
GASTROINTESTINAL
0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Nausea may develop. Ingestion of a small amount of
trichlorofluoromethane resulted in necrosis and
perforation of the stomach in one patient.
HEPATIC
0.2.9.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Jaundice and mild elevations in transaminases may
develop after inhalational exposure or ingestion.
Hepatocellular coagulative necrosis has been observed
on liver biopsy.
DERMATOLOGIC
0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Dermal contact may result in defatting, irritation or
contact dermatitis. Severe frostbite has been reported
as an effect of freon exposure. Injection causes
transient pain, erythema and edema.
MUSCULOSKELETAL
0.2.15.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in a worker
susceptible to malignant hyperthermia after exposure to
fluorinated hydrocarbons and also following intentional
freon inhalation. Compartment syndrome is a rare
complication of severe exposure.
REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS
o Dichlorodifluoromethane was not teratogenic in rats and
rabbits.
o The reproductive effects of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane
were studied in rats. No adverse effects on
reproductive performance was noted or on the
development, maturation or reproductive performance of
up to two successive generations.
GENOTOXICITY
o The hydrochlorofluorocarbons, HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb,
were not mutagenic in the Ames reverse mutation assay,
or clastogenic in the chromosomal aberration assay with
Chinese hamster lung cells. Neither induced unscheduled
DNA synthesis in liver cells. Both of these agents were
clastogenic in the chromosomal aberration assay with
human lymphocytes.
|
| Laboratory: |
o Fluorinated hydrocarbons plasma levels are not clinically
useful.
o No specific lab work (CBC, electrolyte, urinalysis) is
needed unless otherwise indicated.
o Obtain baseline pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas
analysis.
|
| Treatment Overview: |
SUMMARY EXPOSURE
o Monitor EKG and vital signs carefully. Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation may be necessary.
ORAL EXPOSURE
o These substances may cause frostbite to the upper airway
and gastrointestinal tract after ingestion. Administer
oxygen and manage airway as clinically indicated.
Emesis, activated charcoal, and gastric lavage are not
recommended.
INHALATION EXPOSURE
o MONITOR ECG and VITAL SIGNS carefully. Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation may be necessary. AVOID CATECHOLAMINES.
o PROVIDE A QUIET CALM ATMOSPHERE to prevent adrenaline
surge if the patient is seen before the onset of cardiac
arrhythmias. Minimize physical exertion.
o MONITOR pulse oximetry or arterial blood gases.
o Provide symptomatic and supportive care.
o These substances may cause frostbite of the upper airway
with the potential for severe edema. Administer oxygen
and manage airway early in patients with evidence of
upper airway injury.
o PULMONARY EDEMA (NONCARDIOGENIC): Maintain ventilation
and oxygenation and evaluate with frequent arterial
blood gas or pulse oximetry monitoring. Early use of
PEEP and mechanical ventilation may be needed.
EYE EXPOSURE
o DECONTAMINATION: Irrigate exposed eyes with copious
amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If
irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia
persist, the patient should be seen in a health care
facility.
o Ophthamologic consultation should be obtained in any
symptomatic patients.
DERMAL EXPOSURE
o DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and wash
exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A
physician may need to examine the area if irritation or
pain persists.
o If frostbite has occurred, refer to dermal treatment in
the main body of this document for rewarming.
|
| Range of Toxicity: |
o Freons are very toxic when inhaled in high concentrations
and/or for extended periods. At lower concentrations or
brief exposure, freons may cause transient eye, nose, and
throat irritation. There is significant interpatient
variation and it is difficult to predict which patient
will exhibit symptoms following exposure.
|
Antidote and Emergency Treatment:
Emergency treatment is supportive & includes decontamination, oxygen,
& any specific therapy required in a particular case such as antiarrhythmics
or anticonvulsants. A few patients may require intermittent positive-pressure
ventilation, dialysis, or treatment for hepatic failure. /Solvent abuse/
... In persons who are intoxicated with fluorocarbons, steps can be taken
to lessen the risk of arrhythmias. ... Before evaluation at the hospital, patients
should be advised to avoid strenuous exercise. In the hospital, patients can
be placed in a quiet, nonthreatening environment and sedated if necessary. If
hypoxic, oxygen should be administered and metabolic abnormalities corrected.
Sympathomimetic drugs should be avoided. Ventricular arrhythmias are best treated
with beta-blocking agents. /Fluorocarbons/
Patients with fluorohydrocarbon poisoning should not be given epinephrine
(Adrenalin) or similar drugs because of the tendency of fluorohydrocarbon to
induce cardiac arrhythmia, including ventricular fibrillation. /Fluorohydrocarbons/
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
deg 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/
... If inhalation occurs, epinephrine or other sympathomimetic amines and
adrenergic activators should not be admin since they will further sensitize
heart to development of arrhythmias. /Fluorocarbons/
Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for
signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations as needed. Administer
oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Minimize physical activity and
provide a quiet atmosphere. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary
... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination,
flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal
saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. Rinse mouth and administer
5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a
strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . Treat
frostbite with rapid rewarming techniques ... . /Chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs)
and related compounds/
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway
control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Positive
pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial.
Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV
with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if
signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider
drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Treat seizures with diazepam ... . Use
proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Chlorinated fluorocarbons
(CFCs) and related compounds/
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:
... IT HAS HIGHEST DEGREE OF CARDIOTOXICITY IN MONKEYS.
... MICE GIVEN 0.1 ML OF 10% SOLN /BY GAVAGE/ AT 1 & 7 DAYS OF AGE &
0.2 ML AT 14 & 21 DAYS OF AGE WERE OBSERVED FOR 1 YR. NO EVIDENCE OF CARCINOGENIC
EFFECT OF FREON 11 WAS FOUND.
... NO HARMFUL EFFECTS ON RABBIT EYES WHEN 9 APPLICATIONS OF 0.1 ML WERE MADE
DURING 11-DAY PERIOD. ALSO, EXPOSING EYES OF RABBITS TO 5-SECOND BURSTS OF PROPELLANT
FROM DISTANCE OF 20 CM FROM CORNEA 5 DAYS/WK FOR A MONTH IS SAID TO HAVE PRODUCED
NOTHING MORE THAN HYPEREMIA OF EYE LASTING SEVERAL HR ... MILD INFLAMMATION
OF EYELIDS.
... INHALATION @ 20,000 PPM OF 9:1 MIXT OF FREON 12 & FREON 11 BY RATS
ON DAYS 4-16 OF GESTATION & RABBITS ON DAYS 5-20 OF GESTATION DID NOT INDUCE
ANY EMBRYOTOXIC OR TERATOGENIC EFFECTS.
MICE THAT INHALED 10% DEVELOPED CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA ... DOGS THAT INHALED 2.5%
HAD DECR MYOCARDIAL FUNCTION, INCL CARDIAC OUTPUT ... & MONKEYS THAT INHALED
5% DEVELOPED TACHYCARDIA & HYPOTENSION ...
FREON 11 IN CORN OIL WAS ADMINISTERED BY GAVAGE FOR 78 WK TO 50 MALE &
50 FEMALE OSBORNE-MENDEL RATS & B6C3F1 MICE, 5 DAYS/WK. THE TIME WEIGHTED
AVERAGE HIGH & LOW DOSAGES WERE, RESPECTIVELY, 977 & 488 MG/KG/DAY FOR
MALE RATS, 1077 & 538 MG/KG/DAY FOR FEMALE RATS, & 3925 & 1962 MG/KG/DAY
FOR MICE OF BOTH SEXES. A HIGH RATE OF EARLY DEATH OCCURRED AMONG MALE &
FEMALE RATS. NO GROUPS OF MALE OR FEMALE MICE DOSED WITH FREON 11 HAD SIGNIFICANTLY
INCREASED TUMOR INCIDENCES RELATIVE TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CONTROL GROUPS.
A 4-week series of 3.5 hr exposures at 12,500 or 25,000 ppm, a 6-week study
with 7 hr exposures at 4000 ppm & another 6-week study with 8 hr exposures
at 10,250 ppm showed no adverse effects attributable to inhaled CFC-11 in various
species. Monkeys, dogs, rats, & guinea pigs exposed continuously at 1000
ppm for 90 days showed no specific abnormalities that the investigators attributed
to CFC-11.
RATS & RABBITS EXPOSED TO 50,000 PPM FOR ONE HR TWICE DAILY FOR 15 DAYS
SHOWED INCREASED BLOOD GLUCOSE & LACTIC ACID, DECREASED OXYGEN UPTAKE, &
OTHER BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES CONSISTENT WITH SLOWING OF CELLULAR OXIDATION. COMPARABLE
EXPOSURE AT 25,000 PPM DID NOT CAUSE THESE CHANGES.
Twelve guinea pigs divided into 4 groups of 3 each were exposed for 5 min,
30 min, 1 hr, & 2 hr, respectively. Exposure of 2.5% for 30 min caused occasional
tremors & the rate of respiration became irregular. Exposure to 10% for
1 hr resulted in coma. The guinea pigs exposed to this concn for 2 hr were sacrificed
8 days later. Whereas their lungs were found to contain mottled areas of congestion,
other organs showed no pathological changes. ... Exposure to a concn of 20%
for 1 hr was lethal.
/Rats exposed/ ... to CFC 11 in concentrations ranging from 5 to 50% for 30
min. Whereas a concentration of 5% produced no symptoms of intoxication, concentrations
of 6 and 7% caused a loss of postural reflex, 8% a loss of righting reflex,
and 9% complete unconsciousness. The following concentrations and times were
lethal: 10% inhaled for 20 to 30 min: 15% for 8 min; 20 to 30% for 4 min; and
50%, for 1 min.
... Inhalation of 10 percent CFC I I for 1 hr was lethal to the /cats/. In
an atmosphere containing 15 percent CFC 11, mice succumbed in a few minutes.
THE DOSE THAT CAUSES A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN RESP MINUTE VOLUME /IN MONKEYS/
IS 5% ... RESP EFFECT IS BROUGHT ABOUT BY A COMBINATION OF REDUCED RESP RATE
& TIDAL VOLUME. THE RESP THRESHOLD DOSES FOR DOGS ARE LOWER THAN THOSE FOR
THE MONKEY. ... THE MINIMAL DOSE THAT DEPRESSES RESP MINUTE VOLUME IS 2.5% ...
WITH ADMIN OF INCREASING CONCN OF FC 11, A 40% DEPRESSION OF RESP MINUTE VOLUME
OCCURRED /IN RATS/ AT 10% CONCN ... /IN MICE/ ... 2.5% CONCN CAUSED A 65% DEPRESSION
OF RESP MINUTE VOLUME, WHICH WAS SUPPORTED BY A REDUCTION IN RATE & TIDAL
VOLUME.
Trichlorofluoromethane was tested for mutagenicity in the Salmonella microsome
preincubation assay using a protocol approved by the National Toxicology Program.
Trichlorofluoromethane was tested at doses of 0, 100, 333, 1000, 3333, and 10,000
ug/plate in four Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537)
in the presence and absence of Aroclor-induced rat and/or hamster liver S9.
Trichlorofluoromethane was negative in these tests and the highest ineffective
dose level tested in any Salmonella tester strain was 10,000 ug/plate.
In dogs, trichloromonofluoromethane (Freon 11, F11, Fluorocarbon 11) at concns
between 15% & 21% causes sinus bradycardia terminating in asystole. These
concns are exceeded (ie, 35% to 40%) when plastic bags are filled with Freon
propellants, similar to the manner in which other inhalation products are abused.
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.
MICE UNDER PENTOBARBITAL ANESTHESIA DID NOT SHOW ANY CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA FOLLOWING
INHALATION OF 2 OR 5% FC 11. HOWEVER, INHALATION OF 10% FC 11 PRODUCED SECOND-DEGREE
ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK, & INHALATION OF 5% ... CAUSED THE APPEARANCE OF
ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK, FOLLOWING A CONCURRENT IV INJECTION OF EPINEPHRINE.
... INSEMINATED WISTAR ALBINO RATS & ALBINO RABBITS ... /WERE/ ADMIN MIXT
OF 90% FREON 12 ... & 10% FREON 11 BY INHALATION FOR 2 HR/DAY. RATS WERE
EXPOSED ON DAYS 4 TO 16 OF GESTATION & RABBITS ON DAYS 5 TO 20. MIXT WAS
ADMIN IN 20% CONCN (200,000 PPM). NO INDICATIONS OF ANY EMBRYOTOXIC, FETOTOXIC
OR TERATOGENIC CHANGES WERE FOUND WHEN DAMS WERE SACRIFICED & FETUSES REMOVED
ON DAY 20 OF GESTATION (RATS) OR DAY 30 OF GESTATION (RABBITS).
CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-114, and mixtures of CFC-11 and CFC-12 and of CFC-11 and
CFC-22 /were applied/ to the skin, tongue, soft palate and auditory canal of
rats, 1-2 times/day, 5 days/week, for 5-6 weeks. The same compounds were applied
once a day, 5 days/week for 1 month to the eye of rabbits. Slight irritation
was noted only in the skin of the rats and in the eye of the rabbits. The healing
rate of experimental burns on the skin of rabbits, however, was noticeably retarded
by all of the compounds.
Experimental evidence suggests that increased UV-B irradiation at the earth's
surface, resulting from ozone depletion /caused by the atmospheric chlorofluorocarbons/,
would have deleterious effects on both terrestrial and aquatic biota. Despite
uncertainities resulting from the complexities of field experiments, the data
currently available suggest that crop yields and forest productivity are vulnerable
to increased levels of solar UV-B radiation. Existing data also suggest that
increased UV-B radiation will notify the distribution and abundance of plants,
and change ecosystem structure. /UV-B Radiation/
Various studies of marine ecosystems have demonstrated that UV-B radiation
causes damage to fish larvae and juveniles, shrimp larvae, crab larvae, copepods,
and plants essential to the marine food web. These damaging effects include
decreased fecundity, growth, and survival. Experimental evidence suggests that
even small increases in ambient UV-B exposure could result in significant ecosystem
changes. /UV-B Radiation/
Short-term inhalation studies have been reported for CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-112,
CFC-113, CFC-114, and CFC-115. The results showed low toxicity, and the effects
observed were related mainly to the CNS, respiratory tract, and the liver. Oral
toxicity studies have confirmed the low toxicity.
CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, and CFC-114 at 40% in sesame oil were sprayed onto
shaved rabbit skin for 12 exposures with no effect.
Trichlorofluoromethane ... /was/ tested by inhalation on Sprague-Dawley rats
and Swiss mice. The animals were exposed for 4 hr a day, 5 days a week; rats
were exposed for 104 weeks, and mice were exposed for 78 weeks. Animals were
observed until spontaneous death. Trichlorofluoromethane exposure to rats caused
no carcinogenic effects. Trichlorofluoromethane exposure to mice caused increased
numbers of total tumors in females which was dose related, mammary tumors in
females at 5000 ppm, lung adenomas and leukemias in females, both dose related.
Negative results were also obtained for CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-115 in a cell
transformation assay and for CFC-11 and CFC-12 in a mammalian cell mutagenicity
test.
When administered to groups of 90 male & 90 female /Sprague-Dawley/ rats
& 60 male & 60 female /Swiss/ mice at concns of 1000 or 5000 ppm (57
or 285 g CFC-11/cu m; 49 or 247 g CFC-12/cu m), 4 hr/day, 5 days/wk, neither
cmpd was found to have induced statistically significant differences in the
incidence of total benign or malignant tumors when compared with groups of unexposed
rats or mice. The incidence of all tumors & of some particularly frequently
occurring spontaneous tumors in mice showed a tendency to incr in animals exposed
to CFC-11 & CFC-12 & that the increased incidence was usually observed
in one sex & was not always dose related, possibly due to a longer survival
of the treated mice compared with controls.
THE MOUSE & RAT REQUIRE A FC 11 CONCN OF 2.5 TO 5.0% IN ORDER TO AFFECT
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. WHEN ANESTHETIZED, THESE TWO SPECIES RESPOND WITH BRADYCARDIA.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED BY THE
USE OF ATROPINE, WHICH BLOCKS THE RESPONSE.
EARLY ANIMAL ... WORK INDICATED THAT HIGH VAPOR CONCN (EG, 20%) MAY CAUSE
CONFUSION, PULMONARY IRRITATION, TREMORS & RARELY COMA, BUT THAT THESE EFFECTS
WERE GENERALLY TRANSIENT & WITHOUT LATE SEQUELAE. /FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS
& PROPELLANTS/
... THE MECHANISM OF FC 11 CARDIOTOXICITY ... /ORIGINATES/ FROM IRRITATION
OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT WHICH IN TURN REFLEXLY INFLUENCES THE HEART RATE EVEN
PRIOR TO ABSORPTION OF THE FLUOROCARBON, FOLLOWED BY DIRECT DEPRESSION OF THE
HEART AFTER ABSORPTION. ... FC 11 CAUSES ONLY DEPRESSION OF RESPIRATORY MINUTE
VOLUME THAT IS NOT PRECEDED BY STIMULATION OF BREATHING. THERE IS ULTIMATE CESSATION
OF RESPIRATION, WHICH IS A MANIFESTATION OF GENERALIZED DEPRESSION OF THE CNS
BY FC 11.
The immume system of experimental animals is suppressed in specific ways by
UV-B radiation. This results in a decreased resistance to implanted UV-B induced
tumors and an increased growth of such tumors in mice, in the suppression of
sensitization by contact allergens, and the response to allergens in sensitized
animals. /Chlorofluorocarbons/
Three propellant chlorofluorocarbons (FC-11, FC-12 /dichlorodifluoromethane/,
FC-22) administered by inhalation at concentrations of 5000 and 1000 ppm for
4 hours daily, 5 days weekly for 78 to 104 weeks to rats and mice had no carcinogenic
effects.
... Chlorofluorocarbons could sensitize the canine myocardium to adrenaline,
resulting in serious cardiac arrhythmias. /CFCs/
Fluorocarbon inhalation in dogs resulted in dysrhythmias that were enhanced
by anoxia, injected epinephrine, & noise stress. Fatal responses resulted
from inhaled concns of 0.35-0.61% of Freon 11 & of 5% of Freon 12 &
114.
National Toxicology Program Studies:
... The bioassay of technical grade trichlorofluoromethane for possible carcinogenicity
was conducted using Osborne-Mendel rats and B6C3F1 mice. /The cmpd/ in corn
oil was admin by gavage, at either of two dosages, to groups of 50 male and
50 female animals of each species, 5 days/wk, over a period of 78 wk. The time
weighted avg high and low dosages of trichlorofluoromethane in the chronic bioassay
were, respectively 977 and 488 mg/kg for male rats, 1,077 and 538 mg/kg/day
for female rats, and 3,925 and 1,962 mg/kg/day for mice of both sexes. After
a 78 wk dosing period, rats were observed for an additional period of up to
33 wk and mice were observed for an additional period of up to 13 wk, For each
species, 20 animals of each sex were placed on test as vehicle controls. These
animals were gavaged with corn oil at the same time dosed animals were gavaged
/with the cmpd/. Twenty animals of each sex were placed on test as untreated
controls for each species. These animals were not gavaged. A high rate of early
deaths occurred among male and female rats in this bioassay. An insufficient
number of rats of either sex survived long enough to be at risk from late developing
tumors. Survival of mice was adequate for meaningful statistical analysis of
late developing tumors. ... The results of the bioassay of trichlorofluoromethane
in Osborne-Mendel rats for possible carcinogenicity are not conclusive because
of 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. Levels of Evidence of Carcinogenicity:
Male Rats: Inadequate study; Female Rats: Inadequate study; Male Mice: Negative;
Female Mice: Negative.
Non-Human Toxicity Values:
LD50 Guinea pig inhalation 250,000 ppm/30 min
LD50 Rat inhalation 100,000 ppm/30 min
LD50 Rabbit inhalation 250,000 ppm/30 min
LD50 Mouse intraperitoneal 1743 mg/kg
LD50 Rat oral 3725 mg/kg
LC50 Mouse inhalant 10,000 ppm/ 30 minutes
LC50 Hamster inhalation 571 g/cu m/4 hr
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Metabolism/Metabolites:
WHEN TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE WAS INHALED BY HUMANS, RECOVERY OF INTACT CMPD
IN EXHALED AIR WAS 79-99% & IN URINE, 0.07-0.09%, & METABOLITES AMT
TO 0.2% OR LESS ... .
RAT-LIVER MICROSOMES DECHLORINATE TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE TO DICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE.
THIS REACTION ... IS MEDIATED VIA THE HEPATIC MICROSOMAL P450 ENZYME SYSTEM.
... TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE & DICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE ADMIN AS HIGH ACUTE INHALATION
DOSAGES WERE EXPIRED UNCHANGED BY BOTH DOGS & RABBITS.
THEORETICAL METABOLITES OF TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE ARE DICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE
& TETRACHLORODIFLUOROETHANE. NO EVIDENCE OF FREE-RADICAL FORMATION IN RATS
OR MICE HAS BEEN SHOWN; NOR IS THERE EVIDENCE OF SIGNIFICANT METABOLISM OF TRICHLOROFLUOROMETHANE
...
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
PULMONARY UPTAKE OF INHALED CFC-11 BY RABBITS & DOGS IS PROMPT. PEAK CIRCULATING
CONCENTRATIONS AFTER EXPOSURE AT 4500 TO 5000 PPM WERE ACHIEVED IN 15 SECONDS
WITH STEADY-STATE REACHED AT 20 MIN. ELIMINATION IS RELATIVELY RAPID. DOGS EXHALED
WITHIN 1 HR ESSENTIALLY ALL THE CFC-11 INHALED DURING A 6 TO 20 MIN EXPOSURE
AT 5,000 PPM. INHALED CFC-11 WAS PROMPTLY DETECTED IN BLOOD, CEREBROSPINAL FLUID,
BILE & URINE OF ANESTHETIZED RABBITS & DOGS ... . UNANESTHETIZED DOGS
EXPOSED TO 1,000-10,000 PPM FOR 10 MIN SHOWED A RAPID RISE IN BLOOD CONC OF
CFC-11 DURING THE FIRST 5 MIN, WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A RAPID & THEN MORE
GRADUAL DECLINE AFTER EXPOSURE.
A free compartment open model was proposed for disposition of iv trichlorofluoromethane
in dogs with average half-lives of 3.2, 16 and 93 min for 3 disposition phases.
Tissue compartment distribution following a single dose showed that about 2
hr were required to achieve pseudo distribution equilibrium, following which
more than 90% of the drug remaining in the body was retained in tissue compartments.The
volume of distribution was approximately 6 times the body weight in terms of
blood concn and about 30% of the propellant was cleaned from blood passing through
the lungs in each cycle. Disposition of propellant followed dose independent
kinetics after multiple dosing, and accumulation in tissues continued for a
much longer period, resulting in high tissue compartment levels.
A 15-year old boy found dead with a plastic bag and a 9 oz aerosol can of
a spray on coating for frying pans lying adjacent to him. ... CFC 11 ... used
as propellants were detected in the tissues removed at the autopsy: CFC (ul/100g):
blood 0.86, kidney 1.65, brain 1.33, liver
0.83, stomach contents 5.78. ... Death of a teenager due to inhalation of fluorocarbon
CFC-containing aerosols ... /noted/ distribution of fluorocarbons: CFC 11 (mg/100
g): blood 3.2, brain 6.1, liver 4.5, lung
3.2, kidney 2.5, trachea 2.1, and bile 0.6.
/After/ ... human exposure to 1000 ppm 8 hr/day, 5 days/week ... venous blood
levels of CFC 11 ... were as high as 419 ug/ml. The gradual attainment of this
level represents a low uptake of the gas. ... There was no significant CFC 11
accumulation in the body following 8 hr exposures to 1000 ppm, repeated every
24 hr.
(38)Chlorine-labeled CFC was poorly absorbed in the lung, with much of the
inhaled vapor exhaled. After 30 min, the amount retained in the lungs was about
23 percent of the total unexpired CFC 11. Presumably, the compound remained
in the lung tissue; after 5 min only a small fraction of the retained material
was present in the blood. Using fluorine 18-labeled CFC 11, ... the same partition
coefficient derived (olive oil/air partition = 27) ... The fall in pulmonary
concentration was consistent with rapid uptake into the tissues followed by
slow elimination into expired air.
/In a group of asthmatic patients inhaling bronchodilator aerosols/ CFC 11
level in arterial blood /following/ two actuations 30 sec apart: 0.53-3.1 ug/ml;
one actuation: 0.26-2.0 ug/ml. /Table/
A PHARMACOKINETIC MODEL BASED ON ANALYSIS IN DOGS & HUMANS GAVE AN ESTIMATE
OF 77% ABSORPTION OF THE INHALED FC-11 FROM AN 8 HR EXPOSURE TO 1000 PPM. THIS
ABSORPTION WOULD RESULT IN ABOUT 1/4 THE BLOOD LEVEL REQUIRED TO SENSITIZE DOGS
RECEIVING THE ADDITIONAL STRESS OF IV EPINEPHRINE.
Human & animal studies indicate rapid excretion of inhaled FC-114. In
a study with radiolabeled FC-114, 30 min retention of the dose inhaled in a
single breath was 12% versus 23%, 10%, & 20% for comparable doses of FC-11,
FC-12, and FC-113, respectively.
Average pulmonary retention at an apparent steady state after 1 hr of exposure
was 18.2%. Similarly, the ... pulmonary retention of 19% for CFC-11 and 18%
for CFC-12 in workers during occupational exposure.
CFC-11 has been shown to bind in vitro to liver microsomal protein and lipid.
... MAIN FACTOR AFFECTING FATE OF FLUOROCARBONS IS BODY FAT, WHERE THEY ARE
CONCENTRATED & SLOWLY RELEASED INTO BLOOD @ CONCN THAT SHOULD NOT CAUSE
ANY RISK OF CARDIAC SENSITIZATION. /FLUOROCARBONS/
There is a significant accumulation of propellant in the brain,
liver and lung compared to blood levels, signifying a tissue distribution of
propellant similar to that of chloroform. /Fluorocarbons/
Absorption of fluorocarbons is much lower after oral ingestion (35-48 times)
than after inhalation. ... The lung generally has the highest fluorocarbon concentrations
on autopsy. /Fluorocarbons/
Although fluorocarbons cause cardiac sensitization in certain animal species,
rapid elimination prevents the development of cardiotoxic concentrations from
aerosol bronchodilator use except at exceedingly high doses (12 to 24 doses
in 2 minutes). /Fluorocarbons/
FLUOROCARBON COMPOUNDS ARE LIPID-SOLUBLE AND THUS ARE GENERALLY WELL ABSORBED
THROUGH LUNG. ABSORPTION AFTER INGESTION IS 35 TO 48 TIMES LOWER THAN AFTER
INHALATION. ... FLUOROCARBONS ARE ELIMINATED BY WAY OF LUNG. /FLUOROCARBON COMPOUNDS/
Three volunteers were exposed to a CFC-11 concentration of 3750 mg/cu m (657
ppm). The average value of pulmonary retention was 18.9%. CFC-11 levels in alveolar
air and blood were 3066 mg/cu m (537 ppm) and 2.8 ug/ml, respectively.
Regardless of the route of entry, chlorofluorocarbons appear to be eliminated
almost exclusively through the respiratory tract. Little, if any, chlorofluorocarbon
or metabolite has ever been reported in urine or feces. /Chlorofluorocarbons/
Biological Half-Life:
The distribution half-life of the common fluorocarbons (Freon 11, Freon 12)
averages 13 to 14 seconds; the elimination half-life is longer (1.5 hours) because
of slower release from fat stores.
Volunteers exposed to CFC-11 at 3751 mg/cu m (657 ppm) for 150-210 min showed
half-lives for the initial and second phases of elimination from venous blood
of 11 min and 1 hr respectively. Half-lives for the initial and second phases
of CFC-11 elimination in alveolar air were 7 min and 1.8 hr, respectively.
Interactions:
CARDIAC SENSITIZATION STUDIES WITH CONSCIOUS DOGS EXPOSED TO 5,000 PPM FC-11
PLUS IV EPINEPHRINE YIELDED 1 OF 12 DOGS WITH ... SERIOUS ARRHYTHMIA, INDICATING
THAT FC 11 IS ONE OF THE MORE POTENT CARDIAC SENSITIZERS AMONG HOMOLOGOUS COMPD.
THIS SENSITIZATION IS VERY BRIEF, AS DEMONSTRATED IN A SIMILAR EXPT WHERE 2
OF 4 DOGS WERE SENSITIZED AT 12,500 PPM BUT FOLLOW-UP INJECTIONS OF EPINEPHRINE
10 MINUTES AFTER END OF EXPOSURE YIELDED NO ARRHYTHMIA. DOGS THAT HAD RECOVERED
FROM EXPTL-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTIONS & WERE THEN EXPOSED TO FC 11 PLUS
IV EPINEPHRINE SHOWED NO CHANGE IN THE THRESHOLD FOR CARDIAC SENSITIZATION;
BOTH THESE & NORMAL DOGS SHOWED 0 OF 12 RESPONSES AT 1,000 PPM.
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.
Trichlorofluoromethane, one of the most toxic fluorocarbons, sensitized dogs
to epinephrine at a concn of 0.3%, and such an effect has also occurred in humans.
/IN HUMANS/ A 10 TO 90% MIXTURE OF FC 11 & FC 12, RESPECTIVELY, CAUSED
MORE SEVERE RESPIRATORY EFFECTS THAN EITHER FLUOROCARBON INHALED SINGLY.
If inhalation occurs, epinephrine or other sympathomimetic amine and adrenergic
activators should not be admin since they will further sensitize heart to development
of arrhythmias. /Fluorocarbons/
... The combination of CFC with a sympathomimetic bronchodilator is potentially
dangerous for the treatment of bronchial asthma. For the same reason, sympathomimetic
drugs are contraindicated in cardiac resuscitation of patients suffering from
CFC poisoning. /Fluorocarbon poisoning/
Patients with fluorohydrocarbon poisoning should not be given epinephrine
(Adrenalin) or similar drugs because of the tendency of fluorohydrocarbon to
induce cardiac arrhythmia, including ventricular fibrillation. /Fluorohydrocarbons/
Pharmacology:
Interactions:
CARDIAC SENSITIZATION STUDIES WITH CONSCIOUS DOGS EXPOSED TO 5,000 PPM FC-11
PLUS IV EPINEPHRINE YIELDED 1 OF 12 DOGS WITH ... SERIOUS ARRHYTHMIA, INDICATING
THAT FC 11 IS ONE OF THE MORE POTENT CARDIAC SENSITIZERS AMONG HOMOLOGOUS COMPD.
THIS SENSITIZATION IS VERY BRIEF, AS DEMONSTRATED IN A SIMILAR EXPT WHERE 2
OF 4 DOGS WERE SENSITIZED AT 12,500 PPM BUT FOLLOW-UP INJECTIONS OF EPINEPHRINE
10 MINUTES AFTER END OF EXPOSURE YIELDED NO ARRHYTHMIA. DOGS THAT HAD RECOVERED
FROM EXPTL-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTIONS & WERE THEN EXPOSED TO FC 11 PLUS
IV EPINEPHRINE SHOWED NO CHANGE IN THE THRESHOLD FOR CARDIAC SENSITIZATION;
BOTH THESE & NORMAL DOGS SHOWED 0 OF 12 RESPONSES AT 1,000 PPM.
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.
Trichlorofluoromethane, one of the most toxic fluorocarbons, sensitized dogs
to epinephrine at a concn of 0.3%, and such an effect has also occurred in humans.
/IN HUMANS/ A 10 TO 90% MIXTURE OF FC 11 & FC 12, RESPECTIVELY, CAUSED
MORE SEVERE RESPIRATORY EFFECTS THAN EITHER FLUOROCARBON INHALED SINGLY.
If inhalation occurs, epinephrine or other sympathomimetic amine and adrenergic
activators should not be admin since they will further sensitize heart to development
of arrhythmias. /Fluorocarbons/
... The combination of CFC with a sympathomimetic bronchodilator is potentially
dangerous for the treatment of bronchial asthma. For the same reason, sympathomimetic
drugs are contraindicated in cardiac resuscitation of patients suffering from
CFC poisoning. /Fluorocarbon poisoning/
Patients with fluorohydrocarbon poisoning should not be given epinephrine
(Adrenalin) or similar drugs because of the tendency of fluorohydrocarbon to
induce cardiac arrhythmia, including ventricular fibrillation. /Fluorohydrocarbons/
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:
Trichlorofluoromethane's former production & use as a refrigerant, in
fire extinguishers, chemical intermediate, & blowing agent resulted in its
direct 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 deg C indicates trichlorofluoromethane will exist solely
as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Trichlorofluoromethane is very stable in
the troposphere having a half-life of 52-207 yr. As a result of its stability,
trichlorofluoromethane is transported long distances & its concn is fairly
uniform around the globe away from known sources. The only major sink for trichlorofluoromethane
is its slow diffusion into the stratosphere where photolysis occurs & subsequent
reactions which destroy ozone. If released to soil, trichlorofluoromethane is
expected to have moderate mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 97. Volatilization
from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon
a Henry's Law constant of 9.7X10-2 atm-cu m/mole. Trichlorofluoromethane may
volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. If released
into water, trichlorofluoromethane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids
& sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Biodegradation in water & soils
proceeds slowly under anaerobic conditions. Volatilization from water surfaces
is expected to be an important fate process based upon this cmpd's Henry's Law
constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river & model
lake are 3 hrs & 5 days, respectively. Concn profiles in oceans show that
trichlorofluoromethane is primarily in surface layers, suggesting that the oceans
are not a sink for this chemical. An estimated BCF of 49 suggests the potential
for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate. Hydrolysis is not expected
to occur due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Occupational exposure
to trichlorofluoromethane may occur through inhalation & dermal contact
with this cmpd 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, & dermal contact
with this cmpd & other consumer products containing trichlorofluoromethane.
(SRC)
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
GREATEST OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE BY VOLUME USE OF REFRIGERANTS IS IN SERVICING
(NOT INCLUDING RECHARGING), INITIAL CHARGING, & MANUFACTURING & INSTALLATION.
/FLUOROCARBONS/
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 267,742 workers
(95,886 of these are female) are 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(SRC). 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 and other consumer
products containing trichlorofluoromethane(SRC).
Body Burden:
7 of 8 samples of mother's milk from 4 urban sites in US positive for trichlorfluoromethane(1).
It was detected in 4 of 8 samples of respired air at a range of 0.007 to 0.041
ug/hr, positive subjects having been previously occupationally exposed (laboratory
technicians)(2).
Natural Pollution Sources:
Trichlorofluoromethane has been identified in emissions from volcanoes(1).
Artificial Pollution Sources:
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(1-3). 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(3). 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(3),
and declining through 1982(3-8). Production of trichlorofluoromethane-containing
propellants was banned after Dec 15, 1978 in the USA(3).
Trichlorofluoromethane's former production and use as a refrigerant(1), solvent,
in fire extinguishers, chemical intermediate, and blowing agent(2), may have
resulted in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).
Environmental Fate:
TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value
of 97(SRC), determined from a measured water solubility of 1,100(2) and a regression-derived
equation(3), indicates that trichlorofluoromethane is expected to have high
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 9.7X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(4). The potential for volatilization of trichlorofluoromethane
from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 803 mm
Hg(5).
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value
of 97(SRC), determined from a measured water solubility of 1,100(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(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 9.7X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(4).
Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization
half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3 hrs and 5 days, respectively(SRC).
According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 49(SRC), from its
log Kow of 2.53(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential
for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate.
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile
organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), trichlorofluoromethane, which has a
estimated vapor pressure of 803 mm Hg at 25 deg 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). The dominant atmospheric
sink of trichlorofluoromethane is UV in the stratosphere(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).
Environmental Biodegradation:
No significant biodegradation was observed when incubated with a sewage seed
for 7 days followed by three weekly subcultures(1). Losses reported during biological
treatment are probably the result of evaporative losses or adsorption to charcoal(2).
No information could be found concerning the biodegradation of trichlorofluoromethane
under aerobic conditions.
ANAEROBIC: 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(1). Trace amounts were still detected at
340 days(1). 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(2). Headspace concns decreased by 34% in 7 days, and by
70% in 10 days in swamp peat and bog peat, respectively(2). 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(3).
Environmental Abiotic Degradation:
... PHOTODISSOCIATION OF FLUOROCARBONS IN STRATOSPHERE PRODUCES SIGNIFICANT
AMT OF CHLORINE ATOMS & LEADS TO DESTRUCTION OF ATMOSPHERIC OZONE. /FLUOROCARBONS/
Trichlorofluoromethane does not absorb UV radiation >290 nm(1) nor does
it react appreciably with reactive atmospheric species such as hydroxyl radicals
or singlet oxygen atoms(2); nor does it degrade under photochemical smog conditions(3).
Estimates of tropospheric half-lives based on time series concentration measurements,
etc. range from 52-207 yrs(4,5). The only sink is diffusion to the stratosphere
where photolysis by short wavelength UV radiation occurs(6,9). In the stratosphere
this compound will slowly photolyze to release chlorine atoms which in turn
participates in the catalytic removal of stratospheric ozone(10); the ozone
depletion potential for trichloroflouromethane is 1.0(11). Heterogeneous photolysis
occurs when trichlorofluoromethane is adsorbed on silica gel with 23% degradation
occurring in 170 hr when exposed to sunlight(6), however it is difficult to
assess the effect this has on the lifetime. Trichlorofluoromethane is not expected
to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional
groups(7), however the rate is greatly affected by the presence of metals such
as steel which act as catalysts(8).
Environmental Bioconcentration:
An estimated BCF of 49 was calculated 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 moderate. 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).
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
The Koc of trichlorofluoromethane is estimated as 97(SRC), using a water solubility
of 1,100 mg/l at 20 deg C(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According
to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that trichlorofluoromethane
is expected to have high mobility in soil. Trichlorofluoromethane has negligible
adsorption to soil and modeling studies which predict distributions between
environmental compartments indicate that none of the chemical will reside in
the soil or sediment(4,5).
Volatilization from Water/Soil:
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 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 5 days(SRC). Trichlorofluoromethane's Henry's
Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC).
The potential for volatilization of trichlorofluoromethane from dry soil surfaces
may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 803 mm Hg(3).
Environmental Water Concentrations:
GROUNDWATER: Trichlorofluoromethane concns 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(1). The atmosphere may be a source
of the trichlorfluoromethane detected in 72 shallow groundwater samples from
Gluocester County, NJ sampled in December, 1996 and 6 wells sampled in November
1997(2). Groundwater samples from the Danube River Basin in Hungary contained
trichlorofluormethane concns ranging from 0.0 to 14.61 pmol/l(3). Concn in the
Pannonian deep well in the same region was 0.07 pmol/l(3).
DRINKING WATER: Trichlorofluoromethane was detected, not quantified in drinking
water samples worldwide(1). Water supply wells in the Danube River Basin Hungary
contained trichlorofluormethane concns ranging from 0.0 to 2.75 pmol/l, sampled
in the spring, 1993, the highest concns being within 2 km from Danube River(2).
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). 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, May, 1993(6).
SEAWATER: Pacific Ocean 0.13 parts/trillion average at surface. 0.06 parts/trillion
average at 300 m depth(1) Point Reyes, CA nearshore 43 parts/trillion(2). Trichlorofluoromethane
is most abundant in the surface layers of the sea as opposed to the depths as
was demonstrated in concn profiles of the Greenland(3) and Norwegian Seas(3,4).
Effluent Concentrations:
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 concn of trichloroflouromethane
in a Los Angeles municipal wastewater was below the detection limit of 0.3 ppb(4).
Sediment/Soil Concentrations:
SEDIMENT: Bottom sediment from the submarine outfall of Los Angeles sewage
treatment plant contained < 0.5 ppb trichlorofluoromethane(1).
Atmospheric Concentrations:
URBAN/SUBURBAN: In the USA, 903 samples contained 100-4900 parts/trillion
trichlorofluoromethane with a median concn of 380 parts/trillion(1). Mean concns
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(2). In Tubingen and Leipzig in Germany, median levels were elevated
by approximately 50% compared to background levels; a max concn of 100 ug/cu
m was detected in Tubingen(3). Using national and United Nations statistics
for 1986, it was determined that almost 75% of the total CFC emissions come
from developed countries(4). Monitoring evidence suggests that trichlorofluoromethane
emissions in Europe have declined to about one third of the 1987 levels to the
end of 1990(5).
INDOOR AIR: Trichlorofluoromethane levels of 1.7X10-3 to 2.9 mg/cu m have
been reported in homes. A concn of 0.28 mg/cu m was reported in a beauty shop
where fluorocarbon aerosol cosmetic sprays were likely to be used(1).
RURAL/REMOTE: US (1977-1980, 431 samples) 120 parts/trillion median, 230 parts/trillion
maximum(1). South Pole (1975-1980) 90-166 parts/trillion, average annual concn
increase 8-12%(2). US Pacific NW (1975-1980) 125-188 parts/trillion, average
annual concn increase 8-12%(2). 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(3). 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(4) and 130 parts/trillion in June 1977 with an increase
of nearly 20% in the previous 12 months as measured at Cape Grim, Australia(5).
Point Barrows, Alaska 192.3-202.6 parts/trillion with the highest concentration
during the winter(6). The source of the trichlorofluoromethane is anthropogenic
in the mid-latitudes(6). Concn measurements as a function of latitude show that
the concn decreases with altitude in the troposphere followed by a sharper decrease
through the tropopause and into the stratosphere(7). Mean concn in troposphere
over Southern France, June-Sept 1977, 130 parts/trillion(8). Three altitudes
over Pacific Ocean, Hawaii to Alaska, Oct-Nov 1974, 6 locations (km altitude,
range parts/trillion) - 15.2, 65-106; 18.3, 29-96; 21.3, 5.5-86(9). Northern
stratosphere, April 1974 - Nov 1976, 49-90 parts/trillion, 65.3 avg; upper troposphere,
May-Nov 1976, 115-126 parts/trillion, 122 avg(10). Tropospheric concn range
of 127-149 parts/trillion, May 1975 - April 1977, from 4 samples sites between
California and Alaska(11).
RURAL/REMOTE: Trichlorofluoromethane was detected, not quantified at Point
Barrow, Alaska, showing seasonal variations that parallel that of Arctic haze(1).
Samples from ground-level atmosphere in Antartica contained average concns of
254 and 269 parts/trillion volume, sampled during Austral summer 1989/90 and
1990/91, respectively(2). 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(3). The mean concn at
Whiteface Mountain, New York was 0.13 ppb, sampled from Sept 16 through Sept
19, 1974(4).
SOURCE DOMINATED: Trichlorofluoromethane was dectected at one unspecified
USA site at a concn of 260 parts/trillion(1). It was identified in landfill
gas from seven municipal waste disposal facilities in the UK at concns of <0.5-74,
<0.1, <0.1, <0.1, <01.-28, <0.5, and <0.5(2). The concn range
of trichlorofluoromethane in six municipal landfills in Hamburg, Germany was
from not detected to 10.79 mg/kg(3).
Fish/Seafood Concentrations:
Samples from the Isle of Man - Irish Sea contained trichlorofluormethane concns
as follows: 3 species of mollusks 0.2-1.4 ppb dry weight; 5 species of fish
0.1-5.0 ppb dry weight(1).
Milk Concentrations:
In mother's milk from 4 urban sites in US - 7 of 8 samples positive for trichlorofluoromethane(1).
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
FIFRA Requirements:
Residues of trichlorofluoromethane are exempted from the requirement of a
tolerance when used as a propellant in accordance with good agricultural practices
as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied
to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.
Trichlorofluoromethane is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when
used as a propellant in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert
(or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals.
As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive
review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects
and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration
program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients
initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are
eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety
standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA
had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA,
as amended in 1988, were divided into three lists based upon their potential
for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater
concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Trichloromonofluoromethane is
found on List D. Case No: 4042; Pesticide type: insecticide; Case Status: No
products containing the pesticide are actively registered ... The case /is characterized/
as "cancelled." Under FIFRA, pesticide producers may voluntarily cancel their
registered products. EPA also may cancel pesticide registrations if registrants
fail to pay required fees or make/meet certain reregistration commitments, or
if EPA reaches findings of unreasonable adverse effects.; Active ingredient
(AI): Trichloromonofluoromethane; AI Status: The active ingredient is no longer
contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."
Ninety days after publication of this notice the ingredients /incl trichloromonofluoromethane/
... will be removed from Reregistration List D, and all associated registrations
will be cancelled ... .
TSCA Requirements:
(a) After October 15, 1978, no person may manufacture, except to import, any
fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkane for any aerosol propellant use except ...
for use in an article which is a food, food additive, drug, cosmetic, or device
exempted under 15 U.S.C. 2602 (21 CFR 2.125) ... for those essential uses listed
in 40 CFR 762.58 ... for exempted uses listed in 40 CFR 762.59; (b) After December
15, 1978, no person may import into the customs territory of the United States
any fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkane, whether as a chemical substance or
as a component of a mixture or article, for any aerosol propellant use except
... for use in an article which is a food, food additive, drug, cosmetic, or
device exempted under 15 U.S.C. 2602 (21 CFR 2.125) ... for those essential
uses listed in 40 CFR 762.58 ... for exempted uses listed in 40 CFR 762.59;
(c) Every person manufacturing fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkanes for aerosol
propellant uses after October 15, 1978 must obtain a signed statement ... for
aerosol propellant uses permitted under 40 CFR Part 762 or 21 CFR 2.125, or
... for other uses. /Fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkanes/
(a) After December 15, 1978, no person may process any fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkane
into any aerosol propellant article except ... for use in an article which is
a food, food additive, drug, cosmetic, or device exempted under 15 U.S.C. 2602
(21 CFR 2.125) ... for those essential uses listed in 40 CFR 762.58 ... for
exempted uses listed in 40 CFR 762.59; (b) After December 15, 1978 no person
may process any fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkane into any aerosol propellant
article intended for export except ... for use in an article which is a food,
food additive, drug, cosmetic, or device exempted under 15 U.S.C. 2602 (21 CFR
2.125) ... for those essential uses listed in 40 CFR 762.58 ... for exempted
uses listed in 40 CFR 762.59. /Fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkanes/
After December 15, 1978, no person may distribute in commerce any fully halogenated
chlorofluoroalkane for processing into any aerosol propellant article except
... for use in an article which is a food, food additive, drug, cosmetic, or
device exempted under 15 U.S.C. 2602 (21 CFR 2.125) ... for those essential
uses listed in 40 CFR 762.58 ... for exempted uses listed in 40 CFR 762.59.
/Fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkanes/
The following aerosol propellant uses of fully halogenated chlorofluoroalkanes are essential and exempt from 40 CFR 762.45, 40 CFR 762.50 and 40 CFR 762.55: (a) Mercaptan stench warning devices; (b) Release agents for molds u