Material Safety Data Sheet

Genetron® 32 

MSDS Number: GTRN-0025 Page 1 of 7

Current Issue Date: December, 2005 

1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION 

PRODUCT NAME: Genetron® 32 

OTHER/GENERIC NAMES: R-32, HFC-32 

PRODUCT USE: Refrigerant 

MANUFACTURER: Honeywell 

101 Columbia Road 

Box 1053 

Morristown, New Jersey 07962-1053 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL: 

(Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm) 

1-800-522-8001 

(24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week) 

Medical: 1-800-498-5701 

Transportation: 1-800-424-9300 

2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS 

INGREDIENT NAME CAS NUMBER WEIGHT %

Difluoromethane 75-10-5 100 

Trace impurities and additional material names not listed above may also appear in Section 15 toward the end of the MSDS. 

These materials may be listed for local "Right-To-Know" compliance and for other reasons. 

3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION 

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Flammable material. Colorless, volatile liquid with ethereal 

and faint sweetish odor. Overexposure may cause dizziness and loss of concentration. At 

higher levels, CNS depression and cardiac arrhythmia may result from exposure. Vapors 

displace air and can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces. At higher temperatures, (>250°C), 

decomposition products may include Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) and carbonyl halides 

POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS

SKIN: Irritation would result from a defatting action on tissue. Liquid contact could cause frostbite. 

EYES: Liquid contact can cause severe irritation and frostbite. Mist may irritate. 

INHALATION: Genetron 32 is low in acute toxicity in animals. When oxygen levels in air are reduced to 12–14% by 

displacement, symptoms of asphyxiation, loss of coordination, increased pulse rate and deeper 

respiration will occur. At high levels, cardiac arrhythmia may occur. 
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Genetron® 32 

MSDS Number: GTRN-0025 Page 2 of 7 

Current Issue Date: December, 2005 

INGESTION: Ingestion is unlikely because of the low boiling point of the material. Should it occur, discomfort in the 

gastrointestinal tract from rapid evaporation of the material and consequent evolution of gas would result. 

Some effects of inhalation and skin exposure would be expected. 

DELAYED EFFECTS: None known 

Ingredients found on one of the OSHA designated carcinogen lists are listed below. 

INGREDIENT NAME NTP STATUS IARC STATUS OSHA LIST

No ingredients listed in this section 

4. FIRST AID MEASURES 

SKIN: Promptly flush skin with water until all chemical is removed. If there is evidence of frostbite, bathe (do not rub) with 

lukewarm (not hot) water. If water is not available, cover with a clean, soft cloth or similar covering. Get medical 

attention if symptoms persist. 

EYES: Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes (in case of frostbite water should be 

lukewarm, not hot) lifting eyelids occasionally to facilitate irrigation. Get medical attention if symptoms persist. 

INHALATION: Immediately remove to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. Use oxygen as 

required, provided a qualified operator is available. Get medical attention. Do not give epinephrine 

(adrenaline). 

INGESTION: Ingestion is unlikely because of the physical properties and is not expected to be hazardous. Do not induce 

vomiting unless instructed to do so by a physician. 

ADVICE TO PHYSICIAN: Because of the possible disturbances of cardiac rhythm, catecholamine drugs, such as 

epinephrine, should be used with special caution and only in situations of emergency life 

support. Treatment of overexposure should be directed at the control of symptoms and the 

clinical conditions. 

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES 

FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES

FLASH POINT: Gas, not applicable 

FLASH POINT METHOD: Not applicable 

AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: >750°C 

UPPER FLAME LIMIT (volume % in air): 33.4% 

LOWER FLAME LIMIT (volume % in air): 12.7% 

FLAME PROPAGATION RATE (solids): Not applicable 

OSHA FLAMMABILITY CLASS: Not applicable 

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: 

Use any standard agent – choose the one most appropriate for type of surrounding fire. 
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Genetron® 32 

MSDS Number: GTRN-0025 Page 3 of 7 

Current Issue Date: December, 2005 

UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: 

Contact with certain reactive metals may result in formation of explosive or exothermic reactions under specific conditions 

(e.g. very high temperatures and/or appropriate pressures). 

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PRECAUTIONS/INSTRUCTIONS: 

Firefighters should wear self-contained, NIOSH-approved breathing apparatus for protection against possible toxic 

decomposition products. Proper eye and skin protection should be provided. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed 

containers cool. 

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES 

IN CASE OF SPILL OR OTHER RELEASE: (Always wear recommended personal protective equipment.) 

Evacuate unprotected personnel. Protected personnel should remove ignition sources and shut off leak, if without risk, and 

provide ventilation. Unprotected personnel should not return until air has been tested and determined safe, including lowlying areas. 

Spills and releases may have to be reported to Federal and/or local authorities. See Section 15 regarding reporting 

requirements. 

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE 

NORMAL HANDLING: (Always wear recommended personal protective equipment.) 

Avoid breathing vapors and liquid contact with eyes, skin or clothing. Do not puncture or drop cylinders, expose them to 

open flame or excessive heat. Use authorized cylinders only. Follow standard safety precautions for handling and use of 

compressed gas cylinders. 

STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS: 

Store in a cool, well-ventilated area of low fire risk and out of direct sunlight. Protect cylinder and its fittings from physical 

damage. Storage in subsurface locations should be avoided. Close valve tightly after use and when empty. 

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION 

ENGINEERING CONTROLS: 

Provide local ventilation at filling zones and areas where leakage is probable. Mechanical (general) ventilation may be 

adequate for other operating and storage areas. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

SKIN PROTECTION: 

Skin contact with refrigerant may cause frostbite. General work clothing and gloves (leather) should provide adequate 

protection. If prolonged contact with the liquid or gas is anticipated, insulated gloves constructed of PVA, neoprene or 

butyl rubber should be used. Any contaminated clothing should be promptly removed and washed before reuse. 

EYE PROTECTION: 

For normal conditions, wear safety glasses. Where there is reasonable probability of liquid contact, wear chemical safety 

goggles. 
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Genetron® 32 

MSDS Number: GTRN-0025 Page 4 of 7 

Current Issue Date: December, 2005 

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: 

None generally required for adequately ventilated work situations. For accidental release or non-ventilated situations, or 

release into confined space, where the concentration may be above the PEL of 1,000 ppm, use a self-contained, NIOSH -

approved breathing apparatus or supplied air respirator. For escape: use the former or a NIOSH-approved gas mask 

with organic vapor canister. 

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: 

Where contact with liquid is likely, such as in a spill or leak, impervious boots and clothing should be worn. High doselevel warning signs are recommended for areas of principle exposure. Provide eyewash stations and quick-drench 

shower facilities at convenient locations. For tank cleaning operations, see OSHA regulations, 29 CFR 1910.132 and 29 

CFR 1910.133. 

EXPOSURE GUIDELINES

INGREDIENT NAME ACGIH TLV OSHA PEL OTHER LIMIT

Difluoromethane None None *1000 ppm TWA 

(8hr) 

* = Limit established by Honeywell. 

** = Workplace Environmental Exposure Level (AIHA). 

*** = Biological Exposure Index (ACGIH). 

OTHER EXPOSURE LIMITS FOR POTENTIAL DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: 

Hydrogen Fluoride: ACGIH TLV: 2 ppm ceiling, 0.5 ppm TLV-TWA 

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 

APPEARANCE: Clear, colorless liquid and vapor 

PHYSICAL STATE: Gas at ambient temperatures 

MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 52 

CHEMICAL FORMULA: CH2F2

ODOR: Faint ethereal odor 

SPECIFIC GRAVITY (water = 1.0): 1.002 @ 26.7° (80°F) 

SOLUBILITY IN WATER (weight %): Unknown 

pH: Neutral 

BOILING POINT: -51.7°C (-61°F) 

FREEZING POINT: -136°C (-212°F) 

VAPOR PRESSURE: 220.3 psia @ 70°F 

504.8 psia @ 130°F 

VAPOR DENSITY (air = 1.0): 1.8 

EVAPORATION RATE: >1 COMPARED TO: CCl4 = 1 

% VOLATILES: 100 

FLASH POINT: Not applicable 

(Flash point method and additional flammability data are found in Section 5.) 
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Genetron® 32 

MSDS Number: GTRN-0025 Page 5 of 7 

Current Issue Date: December, 2005 

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY 

NORMALLY STABLE? (CONDITIONS TO AVOID): 

The product is stable under normal conditions. Explosions may result if in the flammable range. 

Any source of high temperature, such as lighted cigarettes, flames, hot spots or welding may yield toxic and/or corrosive 

decomposition products. 

INCOMPATIBILITIES: 

(Under specific conditions: e.g. very high temperatures and/or appropriate pressures) – Freshly abraded aluminum surfaces 

(may cause strong exothermic reaction). Chemically active metals: potassium, calcium, and powdered aluminum, 

magnesium and zinc. 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: 

Halogens, halogen acids and possibly carbonyl halides. 

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: 

Will not occur. 

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION 

IMMEDIATE (ACUTE) EFFECTS: 

LC50 : 4 hr. (rat) - > 520,000 ppm 

 Cardiac Sensitization NOEL – 350,000 ppm 

DELAYED (SUBCHRONIC AND CHRONIC) EFFECTS: 

 Teratogenic NOEL (rat and rabbit) - 50,000 ppm 

 Subchronic inhalation (rat) NOEL - 50,000 ppm 

 

OTHER DATA: 

 Not active in four genetic tests. 

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 

Degradability (BOD): Genetron 32 is a gas at room temperature; therefore, it is unlikely to remain in water. 

Octanol Water Partition Coefficient: Unknown 

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS 

RCRA

Is the unused product a RCRA hazardous waste if discarded? Not a hazardous waste 

If yes, the RCRA ID number is: Not applicable 

OTHER DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS: 

Disposal must comply with federal, state, and local disposal or discharge laws. Genetron 32 is subject to U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency Clean Air Act Regulations Section 608 in 40 CFR Part 82 regarding refrigerant recycling. 
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Genetron® 32 

MSDS Number: GTRN-0025 Page 6 of 7 

Current Issue Date: December, 2005 

The information offered here is for the product as shipped. Use and/or alterations to the product such as mixing with other 

materials may significantly change the characteristics of the material and alter the RCRA classification and the proper disposal 

method. 

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION 

US DOT HAZARD CLASS: US DOT PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Difluoromethane 

US DOT HAZARD CLASS: 2.1 

US DOT PACKING GROUP: Not applicable 

US DOT ID NUMBER: UN3252 

For additional information on shipping regulations affecting this material, contact the information number found in Section 1. 

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION 

TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA)

TSCA INVENTORY STATUS: Listed on the TSCA inventory 

OTHER TSCA ISSUES: None 

SARA TITLE III/CERCLA

"Reportable Quantities" (RQs) and/or "Threshold Planning Quantities" (TPQs) exist for the following ingredients. 

INGREDIENT NAME SARA/CERCLA RQ (lb.) SARA EHS TPQ (lb.)

No ingredients listed in this section 

Spills or releases resulting in the loss of any ingredient at or above its RQ requires immediate notification to the 

National Response Center [(800) 424-8802] and to your Local Emergency Planning Committee. 

SECTION 311 HAZARD CLASS: FIRE 

IMMEDIATE 

 PRESSURE 

 

SARA 313 TOXIC CHEMICALS: 

The following ingredients are SARA 313 "Toxic Chemicals". CAS numbers and weight percents are found in Section 2. 

INGREDIENT NAME COMMENT

No ingredients listed in this section 

STATE RIGHT-TO-KNOW

In addition to the ingredients found in Section 2, the following are listed for state right-to-know purposes. 

INGREDIENT NAME WEIGHT % COMMENT

No ingredients listed in this section 
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Genetron® 32 

MSDS Number: GTRN-0025 Page 7 of 7 

Current Issue Date: December, 2005 

ADDITIONAL REGULATORY INFORMATION: 

Genetron 32 is subject to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Act Regulations at 40 CFR Part 82. 

WARNING: Contains Difluoromethane (HFC-32), a greenhouse gas which may contribute to global warming 

Do Not vent to the atmosphere. To comply with provisions of the U.S. Clean Air Act, any residual must be recovered. 

WHMIS CLASSIFICATION (CANADA): 

This product has been evaluated in accordance with the hazard criteria of the CPR and the MSDS contains all the information 

required by the CPR. 

FOREIGN INVENTORY STATUS: 

EU – EINECS # 2008394 

16. OTHER INFORMATION 

CURRENT ISSUE DATE: December, 2005 

PREVIOUS ISSUE DATE: February, 2003 

CHANGES TO MSDS FROM PREVIOUS ISSUE DATE ARE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING: 

Section 1: Updated medical emergency number 

 Section 8: Updated ACGIH-TLV for HF decomposition product 

 

OTHER INFORMATION: 

 

 HMIS Classification: Health – 1, Flammability – 2, Reactivity – 0 

 NFPA Classification: Health – 2, Flammability – 2, Reactivity – 0 

 ANSI/ASHRAE 34 Safety Group – A2 

 

Regulatory Standards: 

1. OSHA regulations for compressed gases: 29 CFR 1910.101 

2. DOT classification per 49 CFR 172.101