Tetrafluoroethylene

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General First Aid:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dizziness. Headache. Visual disturbances. Suffocation. Unconsciousness.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

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

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

Subchronic toxicity was evaluated in groups of 10 male CD rats and 10 male Syrian hamsters exposed by inhalation to 0, 101, 500, 991, or 2489 ppm tetrafluoroethylene (referred to as TFE, 99.3% minimum purity) 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. No clinical signs of toxicity resulting from TFE exposures were observed in rats and hamsters during the treatment period. After termination of exposure, rats exhibited a statistically significant decrease in serum albumin and albumin/globulin ratios at all exposure levels, although the effect was not dose related. Urinary fluoride in rats was elevated in a dose dependent manner at all levels, but differences were only significant in the 500,991 and 2489 ppm exposure groups. Other differences noted in rats included significant and dose dependent decreases in serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity and urea nitrogen levels at the 500, 991 and 2489 ppm dose levels. Additionally, rats showed a significant depression in serum alkaline phosphatase activity in the 2489 ppm group. After 14 days of recovery all effects had disappeared in rats, except elevation of urinary fluoride. After termination of exposure, hamsters exhibited a significant increase in urinary fluoride excretion in the 991 and 2489 ppm groups. Serum albumin depression was significant in the 101 ppm exposure group. After the 14 day recovery period serum albumin depression was significant in the 500,991, and 2489 ppm exposure groups; urinary fluoride was at normal levels. Following 10 exposures, 5 of 5 rats exposed at the 2489 ppm level exhibited compound related kidney histopathology which disappeared after 14 days of recovery. No histopathological effects were observed in hamsters after 10 exposures, however, following the 14 day recovery period a significant increase in testicular atrophy was observed in the 2489 exposure group. Rats showed significant elevation of absolute and relative weights of liver and kidneys following the 10th exposure in the 991 and 2489 ppm exposure groups. These effects were not present after the 14 day recovery period. There were no significant differences in absolute or relative organ weights in hamsters exposed to any level of TFE.

Subchronic toxicity was evaluated in groups of 120 (60 male, 60 female) CD rats and Syrian hamsters exposed to nominal concentrations of 0, 200, 600, or 2000 ppm tetrafluoroethylene vapor (purity not reported) 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week for approx. 90 days. The following statistically significant clinical effects were observed in rats: lower mean body weights during most of the study, and lower overall body weight gains for male and females at 2000 ppm; higher incidence of alopecia and sores for animals in the 2000 ppm group; exposure related increases in urinary fluoride levels in males and females; increased urine volume in females exposed to 600 or 2000 ppm TFE with accompanying decreases in osmolality in the 200 and 2000 ppm groups; and decreased creatinine in all treated females. The only significant clinical observation reported in hamsters was an increase in the frequency of ocular abnormalities (scabs over eyes) in females exposed to 600 or 2000 ppm TFE. Rats showed the following significant blood related effects: a decrease in the serum albumin/globulin ratio at 45 days in all treated females; decreased serum albumin in 600 and 2000 ppm females at 45 days, and in 2000 ppm females at 90 days; elevated serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity in females exposed at the 2000 ppm level; decreased hematocrits in 200 and 2000 ppm male rats, with decreased mean corpuscular volumes in 2000 ppm male rats; and temporarily elevated leukocyte counts in the 600 and 2000 ppm female rats. The only significant hematological effect reported in hamsters was a decrease in serum albumin in 2000 ppm males at 90 days. Following necropsy, significant observations in rats included a dose related increase in kidney and liver weights at the 2000 ppm level, and tubular nephrosis of the straight portions of the proximal convoluted tubules in animals exposed to 600 or 2000 ppm TFE, observed at 45 and 90 days. Observations in hamsters included a dose related increase in mean relative liver weights in females; and atrophic changes in immature or mature testes of hamsters exposed to 2000 ppm TFE.

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

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

Tetrafluoroethylene

Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans

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

2017

2014

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

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

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

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Ethene, tetrafluoro- is included on this list. Effective date 4/29/83; Sunset date: 4/29/93.

Manufacturers and processors of tetrafluoroethene are required to conduct health effects testing under TSCA section 4.

Tetrafluoroethylene

1

10000

Flammable chemical that can be released at a facility.

Used to produce polytetrafluoroethylene polymers (Teflon); [ACGIH]

In prepn of propellants for food product aerosols

MONOMER FOR POLYTETRAFLUOETHYLENE RESINS; CHEM INT FOR HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE; COMONOMER FOR PERFLUOROALKOXY RESINS, FLUORINATED ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE RESINS, & ETHYLENE-TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE RESINS; TERMONOMER WITH VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE & HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE

Used as a copolymer with hexafluoropropylene to substitute for polytetrafluoroethylene

It is used mainly for the production of fluoropolymers. It reacts with perfluoronitrosoalkanes to produce so-called nitroso rubbers. It is also used in the production of low molecular mass compounds and intermediates, for example, for the manufacture of iodoperfluoroalkanes.

Principal industrial use of CF2:CF2 is for preparation of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon (R)) Resins and copolymers.

2023: 10,000,000 - <50,000,000 lb

(1972) GREATER THAN 6X10+9 GRAMS

(1975) GREATER THAN 5.90X10+9 GRAMS

Ethene, tetrafluoro- is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#2279]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Ethene, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-. Aggregated National Production Volume: 50 to < 100 million pounds.

AT LEAST TWO-THIRDS USED AS A MONOMER FOR POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE RESINS (1974)

REFRIGERANTS, 39%; FOAM BLOWING AGENTS, 17%; SOLVENTS, 14%; FLUOROPOLYMERS, 14%; STERILANT GAS, 2%; AEROSOL PROPELLANTS, 2%; FOOD FREEZANT, 1%; OTHER, 8%; EXPORTS, 3% (1985) /FLUOROCARBONS/

... /It/ is produced by pyrolysis of chlorodifluoromethane (CHClF2) or of trifluoromethane (CHF3).

... Any source of fluorine will combine with carbon at temperature greater than 1500 °C to form difluorocarbene radicals (-CF2-) which combine under appropriate conditions to give a large yield of CF2:CF2.

By passing chlorodifluoromethane through a hot tube.

Tetrafluoroethylene is manufactured in a four step process involving the independent production of hydrogen fluoride and chloroform. These products are subsequently reacted in the presence of antimony trifluoride to form chlorodifluoromethane. Finally, chlorodifluoromethane is pyrolysed at 590-900 °C to produce a yield of 95% tetrafluoroethylene

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing

Ethene, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-: ACTIVE

Monomer of the plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene.

Can polymerize in absence of inhibitor, especially when heated or in presence of oxygen. /Inhibited/

It can ... be dimerized under appropriate conditions of temp and pressure to octafluorocyclobutane ... which is a stable and practically non-toxic propellant for food product aerosols.