Cylinders are equipped with pressure and temperature relief devices but may rupture under fire conditions. Decomposition may occur. Inhalation of high concentration of vapor is harmful and may cause heart irregularities, unconsciousness, or death. Intentional misuse can be fatal. Vapor reduces oxygen available for breathing and is heavier than air.
Liquid contact can cause frostbite.
Chlorodifluoromethane was mutagenic in bacterial cell culture but not mammalian cell cultures and was not mutagenic in whole animal assays. Studies of the effects of Chlorodifluoromethane on male reproductive performance have been negative. Specific studies to evaluate the effect on female reproductive performance have not been conducted. There are no reports of human sensitization. But see Principal Health Hazards Section 5.