Is R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) safe for babies and kids?
Elevated risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is r-123 (hcfc-123 / 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane)?
Also known as: NS00125713.
- CAS number
- 306-83-2
- Molecular formula
- C2HCl2F3
- Molecular weight
- 152.93 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCC1C(C(C(C(=O)C(CC(C(C(C(C(C(=O)O1)C)OC2CC(C(C(O2)C)O)(C)OC)C)OC3C(C(CC(O3)C)N(C)C)O)(C)O)C)C)O)(C)O.C(C(C(C(C(C(=O)O)O)O)O)O)O
- PubChem CID
- 9360
Risk for babies
Elevated riskInfants are more vulnerable to R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane), potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
4 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTREAL PROTOCOL | — | HCFC — Phase-out: production ban 2020 (developed), 2030 (developing). Service use allowed from existing stocks | |
| EPA SNAP | — | Acceptable in centrifugal chillers with use conditions (requires room ventilation, monitoring) | |
| ASHRAE 34 | — | B1 — higher toxicity, non-flammable | |
| OSHA PEL | — | Not established — manufacturer AEL 50 ppm (8h TWA) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter r-123 (hcfc-123 / 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane)
- Commercial Chillers — Large centrifugal chillers in commercial buildings, hospitals, universities
- Fire Suppression — Some fire suppression applications
- Solvent — Electronics cleaning and degreasing (historical)
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane):
-
R-1234ze(E)
Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
-
R-514A
Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
-
R-1233zd(E)
Trade-offs: Direct chemical substitution requires verification that the replacement does not introduce new hazards (regrettable substitution). Conduct full hazard assessment of proposed alternative before adoption.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is r-123 (hcfc-123 / 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain r-123 (hcfc-123 / 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane)?
R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) appears in: Large centrifugal chillers in commercial buildings, hospitals, universities (Commercial Chillers); Some fire suppression applications (Fire Suppression); Electronics cleaning and degreasing (historical) (Solvent).
What should I do if my child is exposed to r-123 (hcfc-123 / 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about r-123 (hcfc-123 / 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane)?
R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) has been classified by 4 agencies including MONTREAL PROTOCOL, EPA SNAP, ASHRAE 34, OSHA PEL, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See R-123 (HCFC-123 / 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) in the baby app
Look up products containing r-123 (hcfc-123 / 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
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Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →