Toxicological profile HFC-23

HFC-23 (trifluoromethane)

Inhalation 4-hour LC50 : > 663,000 ppm in rats

HFC-23 is untested for skin and eye irritancy, and for animal sensitization.

Effects from single high inhalation exposure to HFC-23 include anaesthetic effects, and nonspecific effects such as weight loss were observed at concentrations >22 %. No cardiac sensitization was observed in dogs after breathing 800,000 ppm for periods of 5-10 minutes following epinephrine challenge. In another test, dogs exposed to up to 30 % or up to 50 % (with additional oxygen), had no positive responses. No cardiac sensitization occurred in baboons exposed by inhalation to 10 %, 30 %, 50 %, or 70 % HFC-23 before or after an epinephrine challenge; there was a dose-related decrease in heart rates and differences in respiratory rates during exposure.

No animal tests are available to define the carcinogenic hazards of HFC-23. The maternal and developmental NOAEL was 50,000 ppm. HFC-23 is not considered a unique developmental hazard to the conceptus. There were no developmental or reproductive effects.

Tests have shown that HFC-23 does not produce genetic damage in bacterial or mammalian cell cultures. It has not produced genetic damage in tests on animals.

Source: Safety Data Sheet of DuPont