At concentrations of 20,000 ppm or higher, HCFC-123 may cause increased sensitivity of the heart to adrenaline which might cause irregular heart beats and possibly ventricular fibrillation or death. Due to the ability to of HCFC-123 to dissolve fats, contact should be avoided. Repeated exposure to the skin can result in dermatitis. Due to the ability to of HCFC-123 to dissolve fats, contact should be avoided. Highly volatile liquid.
Acute toxicity is low.
Data from acute toxicity studies in this program demonstrated that HCFC-123 has very low toxicity by skin application or inhalation. However, survival was significantly improved in all exposed groups compared to control animals. Tumors occurred late in life and none were assessed to be life threatening. Tumor formation is thought to occur through non-genotoxic mechanisms associated with a peroxisome proliferating potential or with hormonal disturbances in older rats. Rodent studies indicate HCFC-123 is easily absorbed via inhalation.