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Disulfur decafluoride (S sub 2 F sub 10 ): A review of the biological properties and our experimental studies of this breakdown product of SF sub 6

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6936875

The toxicity of S{sub 2}F{sub 10} (disulfur decafluoride) to whole animals and to cells is discussed. The strong toxicity of S{sub 2}F{sub 10}, comparable to the toxicity of phosgene in some species, suggested the possible use of S{sub 2}F{sub 10} as a warfare agent. Exposures to as little as 0.1 ppm for 18 h have produced lung irritation in rats. Cell culture studies in our laboratory have shown S{sub 2}F{sub 10} to be by far the most toxic product we have so far identified in laboratory samples of electrically-decomposed SF{sub 6}. The significance of these toxicological studies for electrical utility personnel depends on the presence and amount of S{sub 2}F{sub 10} found in actual applications and the effectiveness of clean-up methods applied to faulted gas equipment.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/CE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6936875
Report Number(s):
CONF-9009221-2; ON: DE90016029
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English