Is R134a a hazardous material?

Continued breathing of high concentrations of R134a vapours may produce cardiac irregularities, unconsciousness and death. Chemical hazards R134a vapours decompose when exposed to high temperatures with the formation of toxic and irritating compounds such as hydrofluoric acid, carbon monoxide and carbonyl fluoride.

Is tetrafluoroethane harmful to humans?

In a study with human volunteers exposed at concentrations up to 8,000 ppm for 1 h, no adverse effects on pulmonary function, clinical chemistry, hematology parameters, or heart rate or rhythm were observed.

Is 134a explosive?

Under normal conditions, R134a is a non-flammable gas but exhibits an explosion range at higher oxygen percentages than those in air. At increased temperatures or pressures, R134a also has an explosion range in air, i.e. without any higher oxygen percentage.

What is tetrafluoroethane used for?

Tetrafluoroethane is used primarily as a refrigerant gas, in manufacturing polymeric foams and as a propellant in aerosols, including inhalers.

What happens if you inhale tetrafluoroethane?

R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) is widely used as a refrigerant and as an aerosol propellant. Inhalation of R-134a can lead to asphyxia, transient confusion, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Is tetrafluoroethane flammable?

Mixtures with air of the gas 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane are not flammable at atmospheric pressure and temperatures up to 100 °C (212 °F). However, mixtures with high concentrations of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature can be ignited.

What happens if you breath in R134a?

It can be fatal even the very first time you do it. Regularly inhaling high concentrations of Freon can cause conditions such as: breathing difficulty. fluid buildup in your lungs.

Is HFC 134a harmful?

HFC 134a is as safe as CFC 12. Concentration and breathing the fumes of a propellant could be dangerous and even lead to death. HFC 134a has been rigorously tested for toxicity and all the testing has shown it to be extremely low toxicity.

Is HFC 134a flammable?

What is the chemical name for R134a?

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane / IUPAC ID

Is R134a Freon?

Note that R134a is also sometimes called “Freon,” even labeled as such on the can, so it’s best to be clear and use the names R12 and R134a. Because R134a is an HFC, not a CFC (stay with me for a minute), it does not have the ozone-destroying properties of R12.

What are the drawbacks of R134a refrigerant?

R134a is bad for rubber parts, which causes leaks. With R134a, the circulation system requires a dryer, since the refrigerant can absorb water. R134a also corrodes copper, so the system must contain an additive to prevent this.

Is HFC-134a the same as R134a?

R134a is a HFC, used in automotive air conditioning and as a replacement for R12 and R22 in medium and high temperature refrigeration applications, such as commercial and domestic refrigeration and chillers.

What is HFC-134a refrigerant?

HFC-134a is used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams, and as a propellant for medical aerosols. Yearly production is estimated at 175,000 tons. HFC-134a is a colorless gas with a faint ethereal odor that may go unnoticed by most individuals.

Is R134a an HFC?

Common HFC refrigerants are R-32, R- 125, R134a, R-143a, and R-152a. A blend that contains different HFCs is considered an HFC refrigerant. ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and low GWP (Global Warming Potential) and so offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs.

What year will HFC-134a be unacceptable?

HFC-134a: a Potent Greenhouse Gas HFC-134a will no longer be approved for use in new light-duty vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States as of model year 2021 as a result of EPA’s July 2015 final rule under SNAP (July 20, 2015, 80 FR 42870Exit Exit EPA website).

Why is R134a banned?

The higher GWP refrigerants R134a, R410A and R407C are amongst a list of over 25 refrigerants deemed unacceptable for use in positive displacement and centrifugal chillers from January 1, 2024.

What does R134a contain?

Coming from the HFC (hydrofluorocarbons) family of refrigerants, R134a is also known as tetrafluoroethane (CH2FCF3) consisting of two carbon atoms, 2 hydrogen atoms and 4 fluorine atoms.

When was HFC banned?

The production and use of HCFC-22 was banned in the United States and other developed countries on January 1, 2020, under the Montreal Protocol.

What replaced HFC?

In chillers, hydrocarbons and ammonia are safe and energy-efficient alternatives to HFCs, both under moderate and high ambient temperature conditions. Heat pumps are also used with hydrocarbons, additionally CO2 is available on the market.

Is HFC illegal?

Violating the AIM Act can result in fines, the loss of HFC production and use allowances, and even imprisonment, the EPA said. Companies that are found to have illegally imported HFCs may be required to destroy or re-export the chemicals at their own cost, according to the agency’s press release.

Are HFCs still used?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed a final rule phasing down HFCs on 23 September, 2021.