Halon fire extinguishing agents are used throughout the world to protect valuable electronics, oil and gas production operations, military systems, as well as a number of other critical facilities. Unfortunately, halons deplete stratospheric ozone, causing destruction at 3 to 16 times the rate of CFC-11 (a common refrigerant). As a consequence, the production of halons was prohibited on December 31, 1993 by an international treaty, the Montreal Protocol. This ban on halon production resulted in a search for replacement chemicals for firefighting and explosion protection applications. Replacements must satisfy the following three criteria in order to be successful candidates: effectiveness, cleanliness, and environmental acceptability (low ozone depletion and global warming potentials). It is also necessary that a replacement agent be as non-toxic as possible relative to possible exposures and generate minimal toxic and corrosive decomposition products during the suppression event. Herein, the toxicological aspects of halon replacements are discussed. The specific toxic endpoints of concern for halocarbon candidates, as well as the kinds of toxicity testing required for halon replacements, will be addressed. The paper will also provide a summary of the toxicological properties for the most promising near term halon replacements. Associated decomposition product formation will be briefly discussed. Toxicity ConsiderationsConsiderations of the short-and long-term health hazards of exposure are of key importance when deciding which compounds hold potential for use in explosion and fire protection. Human and animal research indicates several principal adverse health effects caused by halocarbons. They can stimulate or suppress the central nervous system (CNS) to produce symptoms ranging from lethargy and unconsciousness to convulsions and tremors (7). Halocarbons can cause cardiac arrhythmias and can 1
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTESAvailability of this report is specified on reverse of front cover. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)The objective of this project was to identify commercially available equipment and services for recovery of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) halons, and related alternative materials. Characteristics of available equipment have been collected and put into tabular form for ease of comparison. Capabilities and specifications for the equipment included in this study have been reported as received from the manufacturers. Concerns and issues related to the recovery/recycling/reclamation (R/R/R) of halocarbons were also identified and discussed.14. SUBJECT TERMS NUMMER OFIGESHalon, CFC, chlorofluorocarbon, recycling, recovery, reclamation, The objective of this project was to identify commercially available equipment and services for recovery of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and related alternative materials. The results of the market survey study are documented in this report. This report also includes an evaluation of the available equipment and the issues related to halocarbon recovery, recycling, and reclamation, with recommendations. B. BACKGROUNDThe Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, an international treaty under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme, was signed by 41 countries in 1987. It is intended to control the production and consumption of CFC-11, -12, -113, -114, and -115 and Halons 1211, 1301, and 2402. These materials are suspected to deplete stratospheric ozone. The review of the Montreal Protocol in June 1990 resulted in accelerated and increased production restrictions.CFCs are widely used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems for automobile, home, and commercial applications. In addition, they are used as cleaning solvents, sterilants, aerosols, and foam-blowing agents. Halons are effective, clean firefighting agents in wide use in portable extinguishers and fixed installations. CFCs are released in processes such as chemical production, foam manufacturing, electronic and metal component cleaning, and medical product sterilization. In the past, it has often been accepted practice to vent CFCs and halons to the atmosphere when servicing equipment such as refrigeration units or fire protection systems. Venting was often used because of the relatively low cost of new replacement agents and the unknown impact on stratospheric ozone. Awm number of companies making recovery/recycling equipment or providing recycling and _ reclamation services is now rapidly expanding to meet the growing demand. Di_. rtb¢ I a/ A-Ril&Mlity CodosA~~i1 and/or-- Dist j Special DTIC QUAL=Y INSPECTUD I C. SCOPEThe scope of this effort was to conduct a market survey of all known equipment or services available for recovering/recycling of CFCs, halons, and related materials. The term "halocarbon" is used as a generic term for these halogenated hydrocarbons. The results of this survey include all technical information available about the equipment or service, cost,...
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