Metabolism and toxicity of hydrochlorofluorocarbons: Current knowledge and needs for the future
- Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States)
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are being developed as replacements for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that deplete stratospheric ozone. The depletion of stratospheric ozone may increase in intensity of ultraviolet radiation at the earth's surface, which may be associated with global, adverse human health effects. The greater tropospheric lability of HCFCs, which is due to the presence of C-H bonds, reduces HCFC migration to the stratosphere; HCFCs should, therefore, cause less depletion of stratospheric ozone than CFCs. HCFCs under development include HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), HCFC-123 (2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane), HCFC-132b (1,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethane), HCFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), HCFC-141b (1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane), and HCFC-142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane). With the exception of HCFC-22, which is already in use, the metabolism and toxicity of HCFCs have not been studied in detail. By analogy to chlorinated ethanes, predictions can be made about the possible metabolism of HCFCs, but there are insufficient data available to predict rates of metabolism. Although most HCFCs appear to show low acute toxicity, some HCFCs are mutagenic in the Ames test. Hence, future research on HCFCs should include studies on the in vivo and in vitro metabolism of HCFCs as well as on their toxicity in in vivo and in vitro systems. 63 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
- OSTI ID:
- 6788376
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States) Vol. 96; ISSN EVHPAZ; ISSN 0091-6765
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS
CLIMATIC CHANGE
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
LAYERS
MATERIAL SUBSTITUTION
METABOLISM
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE LAYER
TOXICITY