Where It Comes From
Production and past use as a precision-cleaning and aerosol solvent; releases from older products and waste handling; emissions at facilities that used it [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing vapors at work; leaks from stored products; living or working near industrial sites; skin or eye contact with liquid. Vapors can accumulate in low areas and displace oxygen [3][4].
Why It Matters
Depletes the stratospheric ozone layer and contributes to climate change; short-term high exposure may cause dizziness, headache, and irregular heartbeat; liquid can cause frostbite on contact [1][3][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in electronics/metal cleaning or aerosol use; people in poorly ventilated or confined spaces; those with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive [3][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Prefer EPA SNAP-listed alternatives; use local exhaust ventilation/closed systems; check for leaks; follow the SDS and wear gloves/eye protection; dispose of legacy stocks per EPA rules [1][2].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Phasing Out HCFCs to Protect the Ozone Layer. https://www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout
- [2]U.S. EPA. SNAP Program: Substitutes in Solvent Cleaning. https://www.epa.gov/snap/solvent-cleaning
- [3]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC‑22). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts100.pdf
- [4]NOAA CAMEO Chemicals. 1,2-Dichloro-1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane (CAS 422-44-6). https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/