Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OCTAFLUOROCYCLOBUTANE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Refrigerant, heat- transfer fluid.

SYNONYMS

C4-F8, perfluorocyclobutane, "cyclobutane, octafluoro-", Freon-C318, "Refrigerant RC318"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Overexposure is unlikely in this form.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Material on the skin evaporates rapidly and may cause tingling, chillingand even temporary numbness.  Vaporizing liquid causes rapid cooling and contact may cause cold burns,frostbite.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Material is highly volatile and may quickly form a concentrated atmosphere in confined or unventilated areas. Vapor is heavier than air and may displace and replace air in breathing zone, acting as a simple asphyxiant. This may happen with little warning of overexposure.  Exposure to fluorocarbons can produce non-specific flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, chest discomfort, sore throat and dry cough with rapid recovery. High concentrations can cause irregular heartbeats and a stepwise reduction in lung capacity. Heart rate may be reduced.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation and skin contact/eye contact with the liquid.  Fluorocarbons can cause an increased risk of cancer, spontaneous abortionand birth defects.