Toxicity and Flammability

TOXICITY, FLAMMABILITY, AND CORROSION
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), R-134a is regarded as one of the safest refrigerants yet introduced, based on current toxicity data. The chemical industry's Program for Alternative Fluorocarbon Toxicity Testing (PAFT) tested R-134a in full battery of laboratory animal toxicity studies. The results indicate that R-134a does not pose a cancer or birth defects hazard. In addition, R-134a is being used in metered dose inhalers in Europe.

OEM engineers and chemical manufacturers have examined the flammability and corrosiveness of R-134a. Like CFC-12, R-134a is not flammable at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, R-134a service equipment and vehicle A/C systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air and R-134a have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures may be potentially dangerous, causing injury or property damage. R-134a is not corrosive on standard steel, aluminum, and copper.

When handling R-134a, service technicians should be sure to work in a well ventilated area.