TETRAFLUOROMETHANE
CASRN: 75-73-0 For other data, click on the Table of Contents
Human Health Effects:
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
NARCOTIC IN HIGH CONCENTRATION. [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
...CAUSE OF DEATH /FROM ABUSE OF FLUOROCARBONS/...IN...DOUBT. ... LARYNGEAL
SPASM OR EDEMA, OXYGEN DISPLACEMENT, OR SENSITIZATION OF MYOCARDIUM TO ENDOGENOUS
CATECHOLAMINES WITH...VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION APPEAR TO BE...POSSIBILITIES.
/FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/ [Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason. Clinical
Toxicology of Commercial Products. 4th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins,
1976.,p. II-109]**PEER REVIEWED**
FREEZING OF AIRWAY SOFT TISSUES CAN PROBABLY BE ELIMINATED AS A CAUSE OF DEATH
EXCEPT IN CASES WHERE PRODUCT WAS SPRAYED DIRECTLY INTO MOUTH FROM ITS CONTAINER
OR FROM BALLOON CONTAINING SOME LIQUID. /FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/
[Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason. Clinical
Toxicology of Commercial Products. 4th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins,
1976.,p. II-109]**PEER REVIEWED**
EARLY...HUMAN EXPERIENCE INDICATED THAT HIGH VAPOR CONCN (EG, 20%) MAY CAUSE
CONFUSION, PULMONARY IRRITATION, TREMORS & RARELY COMA, BUT...THESE EFFECTS...GENERALLY
TRANSIENT & WITHOUT LATE SEQUELAE. /FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/
[Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason. Clinical
Toxicology of Commercial Products. 4th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins,
1976.,p. II-109]**PEER REVIEWED**
EXCESSIVE SKIN CONTACT WITH LIQ FLUOROCARBONS SHOULD BE MINIMIZED TO PREVENT
DEFATTING OF SKIN... /FLUOROCARBONS/ [International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health
and Safety. Volumes I and II. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1971. 562]**PEER
REVIEWED**
MODERATELY TOXIC BY INHALATION. [Hawley, G.G. The Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 9th ed. New
York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1977. 848]**PEER REVIEWED**
EXCESSIVE SKIN CONTACT WITH LIQ FLUOROCARBONS SHOULD BE MINIMIZED TO PREVENT
DEFATTING OF SKIN & POSSIBLE SKIN ABSORPTION. /FLUOROCARBONS/ [International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health
and Safety. Volumes I and II. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1971. 562]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
... HIGH VAPOR CONCN (EG, 20%) MAY CAUSE ... PULMONARY IRRITATION ... /FLUOROCARBON
REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/ [Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason. Clinical
Toxicology of Commercial Products. 4th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins,
1976.,p. II-109]**PEER REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 3,678 workers
(1,364 of these are female) are potentially exposed to tetrafluoromethane in
the US(1). Occupational exposure to tetrafluoromethane may occur through inhalation
at workplaces where tetrafluoromethane is produced or used(SRC). The general
population may be exposed to tetrafluoromethane via inhalation of ambient air(SRC).
[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
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.
EARLY ANIMAL WORK...INDICATED THAT HIGH VAPOR CONCN (EG, 20%) MAY CAUSE CONFUSION,
PULMONARY IRRITATION, TREMORS & RARELY COMA, BUT...EFFECTS...GENERALLY TRANSIENT
& WITHOUT LATE SEQUELAE. /FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/ [Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason. Clinical
Toxicology of Commercial Products. 4th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins,
1976.,p. II-109]**PEER REVIEWED**
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Pharmacology:
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:
The major anthropogenic source of tetrafluoromethane appears to be the electrolytic
smelting of alumina to produce aluminum. Tetrafluoromethane's production and
use as a low temperature refrigerant and gaseous insulator may result in its
release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air,
an extrapolated vapor pressure of 1.75X10+5 mm Hg at 25 deg C indicates tetrafluoromethane
is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase
tetrafluoromethane is expected to be degraded very slowly in the ambient atmosphere
by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for
this reaction in air is estimated to be >110 years. Tetrafluoromethane is
exceedingly inert photochemically, with no absorption at wavelengths longer
than 110 nm. Tetrafluoromethane's estimated atmospheric lifetime ranges from
10,000 years to 50,000 years. If released to soil, tetrafluoromethane is expected
to have high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 100. Volatilization from
wet and dry soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based
upon a Henry's Law constant of 5.15 atm-cu m/mole and this compound's vapor
pressure. If released into water, tetrafluoromethane is not expected to adsorb
to suspended solids and sediment in the water column based upon the estimated
Koc of 100. Tetrafluoromethane is expected to volatilize rapidly from water
surfaces based upon its Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives
for a model river and model lake are 2.7 hours and 3.7 days, respectively. The
potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low based upon a BCF
of 1.6. Highly fluorinated compounds such as tetrafluoromethane are not expected
to biodegrade rapidly. Tetrafluoromethane is not expected to hydrolyze due to
the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Occupational exposure to tetrafluoromethane
may occur through inhalation at workplaces where tetrafluoromethane is produced
or used and at aluminum smelting plants. The general population may be exposed
to tetrafluoromethane via inhalation of ambient air. (SRC) **PEER REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 3,678 workers
(1,364 of these are female) are potentially exposed to tetrafluoromethane in
the US(1). Occupational exposure to tetrafluoromethane may occur through inhalation
at workplaces where tetrafluoromethane is produced or used(SRC). The general
population may be exposed to tetrafluoromethane via inhalation of ambient air(SRC).
[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Artificial Pollution Sources:
Tetrafluoromethane's production and use as a low temperature refrigerant and
gaseous insulator(1) may result in its release to the environment through various
waste streams(SRC). The major anthropogenic source of tetrafluoromethane appears
to be the electrolytic smelting of alumina to produce aluminum; an estimated
1.3 to 3.6 kg of tetrafluoromethane were emitted per ton of aluminum produced
for the period up to about 1985(2). Atmospheric tetrafluoromethane was first
observed as an impurity in krypton(2). [(1) Budavari S; The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. 12th ed. Whitehouse Station,NJ: Merck and Co Inc p.
297 (1996) (2) Weston RE Jr; Atmos Environ 30: 2901-10 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Fate:
TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value
of 100(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.18(2) and a regression-derived equation(3),
indicates that tetrafluoromethane is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC).
Volatilization of tetrafluoromethane from moist soil surfaces is expected to
be an important fate process(SRC) given a measured Henry's Law constant of 5.15
atm-cu m/mole(4). The potential for volatilization of tetrafluoromethane from
dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based on a vapor pressure of 1.75X10+5 mm Hg(5).
Highly fluorinated compounds such as tetrafluoromethane are not expected to
biodegrade rapidly(6). [(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Hansch C et al;
Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref
Book. Heller SR (consult ed) Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p 3 (1995) (3) Lyman
WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer
Chem Soc pp. 4-9 (1990) (4) Park T et al; J Chem Eng Data 27: 324-6 (1982) (5)
Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals:
Data Compilation. Design Inst Phys Prop Data, Amer Inst Chem Eng., NY, NY: Hemisphere
Pub Corp, Vol 1 (1995) (6) Boethling RS et al; Environ Sci Technol 28:459-65
(1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value
of 100(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.18(2) and a regression-derived equation(3),
indicates that tetrafluoromethane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids
and sediment in water(SRC). Tetrafluoromethane is expected to volatilize rapidly
from water surfaces(3,SRC) based on a Henry's Law constant of 5.15 atm-cu m/mole(4).
Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2.7
hours and 3.7 days, respectively(3,SRC). According to a classification scheme(5),
an estimated BCF of 1.6(3,SRC), from a log Kow(2), suggests that bioconcentration
in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Tetrafluoromethane is not expected to undergo
hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(6).
Highly fluorinated compounds such as tetrafluoromethane are not expected to
biodegrade rapidly(7). [(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Hansch C et al;
Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref
Book. Heller SR (consult ed) Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p 3 (1995) (3) Lyman
WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer
Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 5-4, 5-10, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (4) Park T et al; J Chem Eng
Data 27: 324-6 (1982) (5) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994) (6)
Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC:
Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5 (1990) (7) Boethling RS et al; Environ Sci Technol
28:459-65 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile
organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), tetrafluoromethane, which has an extrapolated
vapor pressure of 1.75X10+5 mm Hg at 25 deg C(2), is expected to exist solely
as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase tetrafluoromethane is degraded
very slowly in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl
radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be >110
years(3,SRC). Tetrafluoromethane is exceedingly inert photochemically, with
no absorption at wavelengths longer than 110 nm(4). Tetrafluoromethane's estimated
atmospheric lifetime ranges from 10,000 years(5) to 50,000 years(6). [(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988) (2)
Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals:
Data Compilation. Design Inst Phys Prop Data, Amer Inst Chem Eng., NY,NY: Hemisphere
Pub Corp, Vol 1 (1995) (3) Atkinson R; J Phys Chem Ref Data Monograph 1 p 75
(1989) (4) Rowland FS; Origins Life 15: 279-97 (1985) (5) Fabian P, Goemer D;
Fresenius' Z Anal Chem 319: 890-7 (1984) (6) IPCC; The 1996 Report of the IPCC.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
MA (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Biodegradation:
Highly chlorinated/fluorinated compounds are not expected to biodegrade rapidly(1).
[(1) Boethling RS et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 459-465 (1994)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Environmental Abiotic Degradation:
The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrafluoromethane with
photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as <4.0X10-16
cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life
of >110 years at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals
per cu cm(1,SRC). Tetrafluoromethane is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in
the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2) nor to
directly photolyze due to the lack of absorption in the environmental spectrum(3).
Tetrafluoromethane is exceedingly inert photochemically, with no absorption
at wavelengths longer than 110 nm(3). Tetrafluoromethane's estimated atmospheric
lifetime ranges from 10,000 years(4) to 50,000 years(5). [(1) Atkinson R; J Phys Chem Ref Data Monograph 1 p 75 (1989)
(2) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC:
Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5 (1990) (3) Rowland FS; Origins Life 15: 279-97 (1985)
(4) Fabian P, Goemer D; Fresenius' Z Anal Chem 319: 890-7 (1984) (5) IPCC; The
1996 Report of the IPCC. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge,MA:
Cambridge University Press (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Bioconcentration:
An estimated BCF of 1.6 was calculated for tetrafluoromethane(SRC), using
a log Kow of 1.18(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification
scheme(3), this BCF suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
[(1) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic,
and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR (consult ed) Washington,DC:
Amer Chem Soc p 3 (1995) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation
Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 5-4, 5-10 (1990) (3) Franke C et al;
Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
The Koc of tetrafluoromethane is estimated as approximately 100(SRC), using
a log Kow of 1.18(1) and a regression-derived equation(2,SRC). According to
a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that tetrafluoromethane
is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). [(1) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic,
and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR (consult ed) Washington,DC:
Amer Chem Soc p 3 (1995) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation
Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9 (1990) (3) Swann RL et al; Res
Rev 85: 23 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Volatilization from Water/Soil:
The Henry's Law constant for tetrafluoromethane is 5.15 atm-cu m/mole(1).
This Henry's Law constant indicates that tetrafluoromethane is expected to volatilize
rapidly from water surfaces(2,SRC). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the
estimated volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec,
wind velocity of 3 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 2.7 hours(2,SRC). The
estimated volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05
m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 3.7 days(2,SRC).
Tetrafluoromethane's Henry's Law constant(1,SRC) indicates that volatilization
from moist soil surfaces is expected to occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization
of tetrafluoromethane from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based on a vapor
pressure of 1.75X10+5 mm Hg(3). [(1) Park T et al; J Chem Eng Data 27: 324-6 (1982) (2) Lyman
WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer
Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (3) Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic
Properties of Pure Chemicals: Data Compilation. Design Inst Phys Prop Data,
Amer Inst Chem Eng., NY,NY: Hemisphere Pub Corp, Vol 1 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Effluent Concentrations:
Tetrafluoromethane was detected in air samples obtained from air plumes of
aluminum production plants(1). [(1) Weston RE Jr; Atmos Environ 30: 2901-10 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Atmospheric Concentrations:
Air samples collected at altitudes of 10 to 33 km at 44 deg N (southern France)
in 1980 contained tetrafluoromethane; its mixing ratio was measured as 65 parts
per trillion by volume at 14.4 km and 62 parts per trillion by volume at 33.2
km(1). Median tetrafluoromethane concentrations from remote, suburban, and source
dominated sites were 0.070, 0.095, and 0.140 ppb by volume, respectively, for
the years 1980 to 1987(2). The average daily ambient tetrafluoromethane concentration
between 1980 and 1987 for 8 sites was 0.101 ppb by volume(2). [(1) Fabian P et al; Nature 294: 733-5 (1981) (2) Shah JJ, Heyerdahl
EK; National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database Update EPA/600/3-88/010
(1988)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Molecular Formula:
C-F4 [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety
Health. Registry ofToxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS). National Library
of Medicine's current MEDLARS file.,p. 83/8209]**PEER REVIEWED**
Molecular Weight:
88.00 [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Color/Form:
COLORLESS GAS [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Odor:
ODORLESS [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Boiling Point:
-127.8 DEG C [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Melting Point:
-183.6 DEG C [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Density/Specific Gravity:
3.034 g/cu cm at 25 deg C [Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th
ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.,p. 3-207]**PEER REVIEWED**
Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient:
log Kow = 1.18 [Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic,
Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.,
1995. 3]**PEER REVIEWED**
Solubilities:
SOL IN BENZENE, CHLOROFORM; SLIGHTLY SOL IN WATER [Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th
ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.,p. 3-207]**PEER REVIEWED**
In water, 18.6 mg/l at 25 deg C. [Yalkowsky SH, Dannenfelser RM; Aquasol Database of Aqueous Solubility.
Version 5. College of Pharmacy, Univ of Ariz - Tucson, AZ. PC Version (1992)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Spectral Properties:
IR: 4082 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Prism Collection) [Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic
Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.,p. V1 842]**PEER
REVIEWED**
MASS: 153 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York) [Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic
Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.,p. V1 842]**PEER
REVIEWED**
MASS: 47 (National Bureau of Standards EPA-NIH Mass Spectra Data Base, NSRDS-NBS-63)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic
Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.,p. V1 401]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
SPECIFIC VOL: 4.4 CU FT/LB @ 70 DEG F [Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary.
12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993 1130]**PEER REVIEWED**
DENSITY - LIQ: 1.89 @ -183 DEG C; SOLID: 1.98 @ -195 DEG C [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Thermally stable. Chemically very inert. [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Henry's Law constant = 5.15 atm-cu m/mole at 25 deg C [Park T et al; J Chem Eng Data 27: 324-6 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency Guidelines:
Fire or explosion: Some may burn, but none ignite readily. Containers may
explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Tetrafluoromethane; Tetrafluoromethane,
compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-126]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors
from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact
with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire
may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. /Tetrafluoromethane; Tetrafluoromethane,
compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-126]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number. ... Isolate spill
or leak area immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air
and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements,
tanks). Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Tetrafluoromethane;
Tetrafluoromethane, compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-126]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited
protection. /Tetrafluoromethane; Tetrafluoromethane, compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-126]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Evacuation: ... Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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. /Tetrafluoromethane;
Tetrafluoromethane, compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-126]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Fire: Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Small
fires: Dry chemical or CO2. Large fires: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Move
containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Damaged cylinders should
be handled only by specialists. Fire involving tanks: Fight fire from maximum
distance or use unmanned hose holders 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 the ends of tanks. Some of these materials, if spilled, may evaporate
leaving a flammable residue. /Tetrafluoromethane; Tetrafluoromethane, compressed/
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-126]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Spill or leak: 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. 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. /Tetrafluoromethane; Tetrafluoromethane, compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-126]**PEER
REVIEWED**
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply artificial
respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with
liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Keep victim warm and
quiet. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved,
and take precautions to protect themselves. /Tetrafluoromethane; Tetrafluoromethane,
compressed/ [U.S. Department of Transportation. 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase
of aHazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Incident. U.S. Department of Transportation
(U.S. DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of HazardousMaterials
Initiatives and Training (DHM-50), Washington, D.C. (1996).,p. G-126]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
... HIGH VAPOR CONCN (EG, 20%) MAY CAUSE ... PULMONARY IRRITATION ... /FLUOROCARBON
REFRIGERANTS & PROPELLANTS/ [Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason. Clinical
Toxicology of Commercial Products. 4th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins,
1976.,p. II-109]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fire Potential:
NONFLAMMABLE [Hawley, G.G. The Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 9th ed. New
York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1977. 848]**PEER REVIEWED**
Fire Fighting Procedures:
If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable
for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.)
cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water
from as far a distance as possible. Do not use water on material itself. use
water spray to knock-down vapors. [Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous
Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American
Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994. 1040]**PEER REVIEWED**
Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:
Incompatible with aluminum. [Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed.
Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990 126]**PEER REVIEWED**
Hazardous Decomposition:
When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of ... /hydrogen fluoride/.
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials.
9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996. 668]**PEER REVIEWED**
Preventive Measures:
If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Attempt to stop leak if
without undue personnel hazard. use water spray to knock-down vapors. [Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous
Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American
Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994. 1040]**PEER REVIEWED**
Personnel protection: Keep upwind. Avoid breathing vapors. ... Avoid bodily
contact with the material. [Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous
Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American
Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994. 1040]**PEER REVIEWED**
Stability/Shelf Life:
THERMALLY STABLE. CHEMICALLY VERY INERT. [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Shipment Methods and Regulations:
No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation
in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous
material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition
for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations
(49 CFR 171-177)./ [49 CFR 171.2 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles
for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual
substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in
the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names
has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting
to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance
or article. [IMDG; International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; International
Maritime Organization p.2116 (1988)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Storage Conditions:
IN GENERAL, MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMP INTO TOXIC
COMPONENTS...SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL, WELL-VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF DIRECT
RAYS OF THE SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD, & SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY
INSPECTED... INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED FROM EACH OTHER. [Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 4th
ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1975. 522]**PEER REVIEWED**
May be stored in steel cylinders. [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Occupational Exposure Standards:
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
Low temperature refrigerant; gaseous insulator. [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 297]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Manufacturers:
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc, Hq, 7201 Hamilton Blvd, Allentown, PA 18195-1501,
(601) 481-4911; Industrial Gases Division; Specialty Gas Department, RD 2, P.O.
Box 351, Tamaqua, PA 18252. [SRI. 1997 Directory of Chemical Producers - United States of
America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International 1997. 945]**PEER REVIEWED**
Methods of Manufacturing:
REACTION OF FLUORINE WITH AMORPHOUS FORMS OF CARBON (EG, WOOD CHARCOAL) AT
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE [SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**
PREPD FROM CARBON OR CARBON MONOXIDE & FLUORINE: YOST, INORG SYN 1, 34
(1939); SIMONS, BLOCK, J AM CHEM SOC 61, 2962 (1939)...MAY ALSO BE PREPD FROM
SILICON CARBIDE + FLUORINE: PRIEST, INORG SYN 3, 178 (1950). [Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 299]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Tetrafluoromethane can be produced by reaction of dichlorodifluoromethane
or trichlorofluoromethane and hydrogen fluoride
in the gas phase. [Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial
Chemistry. 5th ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present.,p.
VA11 355]**PEER REVIEWED**
Formulations/Preparations:
GRADE: 95% MIN PURITY. [Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary.
12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993 1130]**PEER REVIEWED**
(1972) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 GRAMS [SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**
(1975) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 GRAMS [SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**
U. S. Imports:
(1972) ND [SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**
(1975) ND [SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**
U. S. Exports:
(1972) ND [SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**
(1975) ND [SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**
Laboratory Methods:
Analytic Laboratory Methods:
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR DETERMINING FLUOROCARBONS IN AIR IS DESCRIBED.
CONCN IN AIR ARE DETERMINED DIRECTLY. /FLUOROCARBONS/ [RAUWS ET AL; J PHARM PHARMACOL 25 (9): 718-22 (1973)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
A GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING ATMOSPHERIC LEVELS OF FLUOROCARBONS
IS DESCRIBED. COLUMN IS TEMP PROGRAMMED TO SEPARATE HALOGENATED COMPONENTS WHILE
MAINTAINING SHORT RETENTION TIMES FOR EACH COMPONENT. FREON 113 INCL. /FLUOROCARBONS/
[RASMUSSEN ET AL; J AIR POLLUT CONTROL ASSOC 27 (6): 579-81 (1977)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR MEASURING HALOCARBONS IN AMBIENT AIR SAMPLES
IS PRESENTED. /HALOCARBONS/ [LILLIAN ET AL; J ENVIRON SCI HEALTH A-11 (12): 687-710 (1976)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Special References:
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Synonyms:
R 14 **PEER REVIEWED**
ARCTON 0 **PEER REVIEWED**
CARBON FLUORIDE [CF4] **PEER REVIEWED**
CARBON TETRAFLUORIDE **PEER REVIEWED**
FC 14 **PEER REVIEWED**
FLUOROCARBON 14 **PEER REVIEWED**
FREON-14 **PEER REVIEWED**
HALON 14 **PEER REVIEWED**
METHANE, TETRAFLUORO- **PEER REVIEWED**
PERFLUOROMETHANE **PEER REVIEWED**
R 14 [REFRIGERANT] **PEER REVIEWED**
Formulations/Preparations:
GRADE: 95% MIN PURITY. [Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary.
12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993 1130]**PEER REVIEWED**
RTECS Number:
NIOSH/FG4920000
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 1327
Last Revision Date: 20010809
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 1/31/1998
Update History:
Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/16/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/12/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/28/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/19/1998, 50 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 10/23/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/21/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/10/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/09/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/26/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/17/1995, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/22/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/19/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/16/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/18/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/07/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/05/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 12/20/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/23/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/22/1990, 3 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/13/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/03/1986