OPPT Chemical Fact Sheet EPA 749-F-94-012CHEMICALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT: FREON 113 (CAS NO. 76-13-1)prepared byOFFICE OF POLLUTION PREVENTION AND TOXICSU.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCYAugust 1994_______________________________________________________________________Chemicals can be released to the environment as a result of theirmanufacture, processing, and use. EPA has developed informationsummaries on selected chemicals to describe how you might be exposed tothese chemicals, how exposure to them might affect you and theenvironment, what happens to them in the environment, who regulatesthem, and whom to contact for additional information. EPA is committedto reducing environmental releases of chemicals through source reductionand other practices that reduce creation of pollutants._______________________________________________________________________WHAT IS FREON 113, HOW IS IT USED, AND HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED?Freon 113 (also called CFC-113) is a colorless, nonflammableliquid. It does not occur naturally but is produced in large amounts(177 million pounds in 1992) by two companies in the United States.Because of ozone depletion concerns, EPA has restricted future USproduction of freon 113. After 1995, US production of freon 113 will besignificantly lower. The largest users of freon 113 are companies thatuse the chemical to clean metal surfaces. Until recently freon 113 hasbeen used as a coolant in commercial and industrial air conditioners andas an ingredient in aerosols sprays. . Foam makers use freon 113 as ablowing agent. Companies also use freon 113 to make high temperaturelubricants and fluorocarbon resins.Exposure to freon 113 can occur in the workplace or in theenvironment following releases to air, water, land, or groundwater.Exposure can also occur when people use products that contain freon 113.Freon 113 enters the body when breathed in with contaminated air or whenconsumed with contaminated food or water. It can also be absorbedthrough skin contact. It does not remain in the body due to its removalin expired air.WHAT HAPPENS TO FREON 113 IN THE ENVIRONMENT?Freon 113 evaporates when exposed to air. It dissolves onlyslightly when mixed with water. Most direct releases of freon 113 tothe environment are to air. Freon 113 also evaporates from water andsoil exposed to air. Once in air, it moves slowly to the upperatmosphere. Because it is a liquid that does not bind well to soil,freon 113 that makes its way into the ground can move through the groundand enter groundwater. Plants and animals are not likely to store freon113.HOW DOES FREON 113 AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT?Effects of freon 113 on human health and the environment depend onhow much freon 113 is present and the length and frequency of exposure.
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