Toxicity
TFE is toxic in rats when ingested orally (acute oral LD50: 240 mg/Kg). It causes severe eye damage similar to isopropyl alcohol and toluene. Special precautions must be taken when handling TFE. Subchronic inhalation exposure (150 ppm TFE for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks) of male rats caused testicular depression leading to infertility lasting for at least 5 weeks after exposure. Similar exposure to 10 ppm had no effect and exposure to 50 ppm had a transient effect. While the significance of these observations for human safety is unknown, it is recommended that the concentration of TFE vapor in the atmosphere be kept below 5 ppm. A Material Safety Data Sheet providing safety and toxicity information for TFE will be furnished upon request. The information given here is intended for general reference only.
Flammability
TFE has flash points of 86°F (Pensky Martin Closed Cup) and 105 °F (Cleveland Open Cup). It is classified as a flammable liquid according to U.S. DOT regulations. However, it will not sustain its own flame because of its low heat of combustion and therefore has no fire point.
Materials of Construction
TFE does not present any special corrosion problems with common metals and can be handled in carbon steel.