Bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301)

Legacy halon fire systems in aircraft, ships, and some data/telecom facilities; releases during fires, testing, or maintenance [3].

Breathing the gas during a system discharge or leak, re‑entering a space before it’s ventilated, or handling equipment; hot fires can create hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen bromide [1][2].

Short‑term exposure may cause dizziness, headache, confusion, and irregular heartbeat; very high levels can lead to unconsciousness or death by lack of oxygen; contact with the cold liquid can cause frostbite [1][2].

Firefighters and emergency responders, aircraft crew and technicians, system installers/maintainers, workers in facilities with halon systems, and people in confined spaces or with heart disease [1][2].

Replace halon where feasible; maintain and leak‑test systems; evacuate and ventilate after any discharge; wait for gas‑monitor clearance before re‑entry; use trained contractors and appropriate PPE [2][3].