Besides oxygen deprivation, what health effect can result from breathing high concentrations of refrigerant vapor?
Safety · EPA 608 Core. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Exposure risks, protective equipment, the 80% cylinder limit and nitrogen for leak testing.
The question
Besides oxygen deprivation, what health effect can result from breathing high concentrations of refrigerant vapor?
- Irregular heartbeat (cardiac effects)Correct answer
- Permanent color blindness
- Improved alertness
- Hearing loss
Why “Irregular heartbeat (cardiac effects)” is correct
High concentrations of refrigerant vapor can sensitize the heart and cause an irregular heartbeat, which can be fatal. This is one reason refrigerant releases in enclosed spaces are dangerous even before oxygen runs low.
Source: EPA: Test Topics
Why the other answers are wrong
- Permanent color blindness — Color blindness is not a known effect of refrigerant exposure.
- Improved alertness — Refrigerant exposure dulls, rather than sharpens, alertness.
- Hearing loss — Hearing loss is not linked to breathing refrigerant.
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