R-134A Health And Safety Information; Inhalation Toxicity; Cardiac Sensitization - Electrolux Side by Side Refrigerator Service Manual

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Section E

R-134a HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION

Inhalation Toxicity

HFC-134a poses no acute or chronic hazard when it is handled in accordance with
DuPont recommendations and when exposures are maintained at or below the
DuPont Acceptable Exposure Limit (AEL) of 1,000 ppm (8 and 12 hour Time-
Weighted Average or TWA).
An AEL is an airborne exposure limit established by DuPont scientists that
specifies time-weighted average (TWA) airborne concentrations to which nearly all
workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effects. The AEL for HFC-
134a has the same value as the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) established for
CFC-12 and HCFC-22. TLVs are established by the American Conference of
Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
However, inhaling high concentrations of HFC-134a vapor may cause temporary
central nervous system depression with narcosis, lethargy and anesthetic effects.
Other effects that may occur include dizziness, a feeling of intoxication and a loss
of coordination. Continued breathing of high concentrations of HFC-134a vapors
may produce cardiac irregularities (cardiac sensitization), unconsciousness, and
with gross overexposure, death. Intentional misuse or deliberate inhalation of HFC-
134a may cause death without warning. This practice is extremely dangerous.
If you experience any of the initial symptoms, move to fresh air and seek medical
attention.

Cardiac Sensitization

If vapors are inhaled at a concentration of 75,000 ppm, which is well above the
AEL, the heart may become sensitized to adrenaline, leading to cardiac
irregularities and, possibly, to cardiac arrest. The likelihood of these cardiac
problems increases if you are under physical or emotional stress.
Medical attention must be given immediately if exposed to high concentrations of
HFC-134a. DO NOT treat with adrenaline (epinephrine) or similar drugs. These
drugs may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. If the
person is having difficulty breathing, administer oxygen. If breathing has stopped,
give artificial respiration.