Bromochlorodifluoromethane

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

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

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

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

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

· 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.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· 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.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

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

General First Aid:

General First Aid:

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Because of recent discovery of potential ozone decomposition in the stratosphere by fluorotrichloromethane, this material should be released to the environment only as a last resort. Waste material should be /recovered and/ returned to the vendor, or to licensed waste disposal company.

SUFFICIENT EXHAUST & GENERAL VENTILATION SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO KEEP VAPOR CONCN BELOW RECOMMENDED LEVELS. /FLUOROCARBONS/

INHALATION OF FLUOROCARBON VAPORS SHOULD BE AVOIDED. /FLUOROCARBONS/

Forced air ventilation at the level of vapor concentration together with the use of individual breathing devices with independent air supply will minimize the risk of inhalation. /Fluorocarbons/

Enclosure of process materials and isolation of reaction vessels and proper design and operation of filling heads for packaging and shipping /are administrative controls that may be instituted to limit occupational exposure to fluorocarbons during manufacture, packaging, and use/. /Fluorocarbons/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for BROMOCHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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

Immediate precautionary measure

Immediate precautionary measure

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 49(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that bromochlorodifluoromethane is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of bromochlorodifluoromethane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.4X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). Volatilization of bromochlorodifluoromethane from dry soil surfaces is expected to be rapid(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 2.07X10+3 mm Hg(4). Based upon the highly halogenated structure of bromochlorodifluoromethane, biodegradation is expected to be slow(5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 49(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that bromochlorodifluoromethane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.4X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.3 hrs and 5.1 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 5.8(SRC), from an estimated log Kow(6) and a regression-derived equation(7,SRC), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Based upon the highly halogenated structure of bromochlorodifluoromethane, biodegradation is expected to be slow(8).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), bromochlorodifluoromethane, which has a vapor pressure of 2.07X10+3 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist in the gas phase in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase bromochlorodifluoromethane is slowly degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be greater than 44 years(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of <1.0X10-16 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Bromochlorodifluoromethane absorbs very little UV radiation above 290 nm(4). In the troposphere, it has an estimated photolysis half-life of 12.4 years(4). Therefore, photolysis is not expected to be a significant degradation pathway for bromochlorodifluoromethane in the troposphere(SRC). The stratospheric half-life of bromochlorodifluoromethane has been estimated to range from 20 to 29 years with direct photolysis being the dominant removal mechanism(5). Therefore, when bromochlorodifluoromethane is released into the atmosphere, it will diffuse gradually into the upper limits of the troposhere, and eventually, into the stratosphere above the ozone layer where it will degrade slowly via photolysis(SRC).

Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for bromochlorodifluoromethane can be estimated to be about 49(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that bromochlorodifluoromethane is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

Bromochlorodifluoromethane (CAS # 353-59-3) was evaluated for subchronic inhalation toxicity and cardiac sensitization in 3 beagle dogs thrice exposed by face mask delivering a BCF/air flow of 5 L/min over a period of 7 days. A first 5-minute metered exposure to 1% bromochlorodifluoromethane, at a vapor concentration just below that historically producing acute sensitization, was followed by consecutive 30-minute and 5-minute exposures, 3 days apart. A continuous EKG revealed any cardiac response to challenge with exogenous epinephrine (5.0 ug/kg) before study initiation and during the first and final 5-minute exposures. No EKG changes were recorded throughout the study in any dog and researchers concluded that repeated exposures to 1% inhaled bromochlorodifluoromethane does not increase the sensitivity of the dog heart to epinephrine.

Bromochlorodifluoromethane (CAS # 353-59-3) was evaluated for subchronic inhalation toxicity and cardiac sensitization in 4 albino rabbits (strain unspecified) thrice exposed over a period of 7 days by face mask delivering a BCF/air flow of 5 L/min. A first 5-minute metered exposure to 2% bromochlorodifluoromethane, a concentration just below that historically producing acute sensitization, was followed by consecutive 30-minute and 5-minute exposures, respectively, to 4% vapor/air and 2% vapor/air, 3 days apart. A continuous EKG revealed any cardiac sensitization response to challenge with exogenous epinephrine (5.0 ug/kg) before study initiation and during the first and final 5-minute exposures. No EKG changes were recorded throughout the study in any animal and researchers concluded that repeated exposures to 2% inhaled bromochlorodifluoromethane does not increase the sensitivity of the rabbit heart to epinephrine.

Bromochlorodifluoromethane (CAS # 353-59-3) was evaluated for acute inhalation toxicity in albino rats (number and strain unspecified) exposed once (exposure duration unspecified) to a nominal concentration of 6% BCF/air in a 70 L environmental chamber with a BCF/air flow of 5 L/min. Slight tremors characterized the clinical toxicity after 12 minutes when an analytical concentration was 5.9%. All rats recovered very rapidly following cessation of the atmospheric exposure.

Bromochlorodifluoromethane (CAS # 353-59-3) was evaluated for acute inhalation toxicity in mice (number and strain unspecified) exposed once (exposure duration unspecified) to a nominal concentration of 6% BCF/air in a 70 L environmental chamber with a BCF/air flow of 5 L/min. Slight tremors characterized the clinical toxicity after 12 minutes when an analytical concentration was 5.9%. All mice recovered very rapidly following cessation of the atmospheric exposure.

For more TSCA Test Submissions (Complete) data for BROMOCHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Bromochlorodifluoromethane was found in the range of 0.9 to 1.2 parts/trillion volume in air samples taken over Barrow, Alaska in 1983(1). The concentration of bromochlorodifluoromethane is air samples taken over southern France on 9/20/82, 9/10/83, and 1/10/84 was found to be 1.03, 1.31, and 1.49 parts/trillion volume, respectively(2).

A case of occupational rhabdomyolysis in an individual susceptible to malignant hyperthermia was described. A 43 year old male was found to have a serum creatine-kinase activity of 650 international units per liter, normal range 10 to 200 international units/liter, suggesting that he was susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. He was tested because his daughter had experienced an episode of malignant hyperthermia during general anesthesia. His susceptibility was confirmed by in vitro testing of a muscle specimen with halothane and caffeine. The subject was subsequently employed in a factory that made fire extinguishers where one of his jobs consisted of discharging bromochlorodifluoromethane from fire extinguishers before refilling them. Although discharging was done in open air, some gas was commonly inhaled. Eighteen months after beginning this work, he was examined for complaints of malaise and stiffness and weakness in the forearms and hands. The symptoms progressively worsened during the week and improved the weekends. Serum creatine-kinase activity was 1056 IU/l on one Saturday and 544 IU/l the following Monday. Because of the similarity in structure between bromochlorodifluoromethane and halothane, the effects of the former on contractions of a muscle specimen were examined. Bromochlorodifluoromethane induced contractions identical to those of halothane. The patient was advised to change jobs. After he did so his symptoms immediately improved. It was concluded that the patient's rhabdomyolysis is due to recurring exposures to bromochlorodifluoromethane. They recommended that persons susceptible to malignant hyperthermia avoid exposure to similar halogenated hydrocarbons.

The potential for the fluorocarbon bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon-1211) to cause cardiovascular effects was assessed. Ten men, recruited from an ongoing screening program for firefighters, were exposed to 1000 ppm Halon-1211 or a placebo by a mask inhalation system during three 10 to 16 minute exercise protocols and their 5 minute rest periods. Measurements of carboxyhemoglobin and serum potassium levels were taken before the exposure sessions. The subjects completed a questionnaire pertaining to caffeine, alcohol, and cigarette consumption. Ventricular ectopy rates during exercise and recovery were low. Six of the ten subjects demonstrated two or fewer total ventricular premature beats during the exposure period and subsequent 8 hours during both halon and placebo sessions. Two subjects displayed increased ventricular ectopy during halon exposure but two had decreased ectopy rates. All subjects demonstrated an increase in blood pressure in response to the exercise protocol; eight of ten subjects exhibited a smaller elevation in systolic blood pressure during halon exposure. No significant differences were noted in arrhythmia or blood pressure effects in the first exposure compared with the second exposure. There was no evidence of a carry over effect. Blood pressure and measures of ectopy were not linked to recent fire fighting exposures, age, smoking status, resting blood pressure, potassium level, or carboxyhemoglobin levels. /It was/ concluded that currently permissible occupational exposures to halogenated hydrocarbons may increase cardiac arrhythmias in susceptible individuals.

Bromochlorodifluoromethane's production and use in fire extinguishers(1) and production of other halo fluoro compounds(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). However, the production of bromochlorodifluoromethane has to be stopped in accordance with the Montreal Protocol of 1987 as it plays an important role in the destruction of the earth's ozone layer(3). The Montreal Protocol stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere including halons, are to be phased out by 2000(3).