Evaluation of possible biological effects from exposure to gaseous SF6 breakdown products.

摘要

A variety of chemical byproducts including SOF(sub 2), SO(sub 2)F(sub 2), SF(sub 4), HF, SO(sub 2), etc. are produced at varying concentrations by electrical arcs, sparks or corona discharge in SF(sub 6); most of the byproducts are toxic to some degree. Using a cell culture system, we have studied the toxicity of individual byproduct gases, as well as electrically decomposed SF(sub 6). The toxic potency of various byproducts can be compared, using this cellular assay. The animal toxicological data for these gases, although sparse, is also reviewed. The rationale for selection of various byproduct gases as monitors for evaluating the hazard potential of decomposed SF(sub 6) is discussed. (ERA citation 18:024925)