Registration Dossier

Diss Factsheets

Administrative data

Link to relevant study record(s)

Description of key information

Non-flammable

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

Justification for classification or non-classification

Decades of experience with saturated perflorocarbons have shown they are not flammable in air (see for example 'Fluorine Compounds in Anesthesiology', ER Larsen, Fluorine Chemistry Review, 1969, 3, 23-27). Indeed, they have been considered for use in a fire suppressing atmosphere (see for example 'Life Support Without Combustion Hazards', E.T. McHale, Fire Technol., 1974, 10(1), 15-24, and 'Habitable Atmospheres Which Do Not Support Combustion.' C. Huggett, Combustion and Flame, 1973, 20, 140-142). Perfluorocarbons are thought to have a flammability range only in atmosphers with elevated oxygen content (estimated at over 35%). They do have a flashpoint (dependant on vapour pressure) in 100% oxygen and in 100% nitrous oxide.