A window unit charged with R-134a is leaking near a torch. Which decomposition product is the main concern?
Safety · EPA 608 Type I. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Decomposition products of refrigerants at high temperatures, and safe handling.
The question
A window unit charged with R-134a is leaking near a torch. Which decomposition product is the main concern?
- Hydrochloric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Hydrofluoric acidCorrect answer
- Nitric acid
Why “Hydrofluoric acid” is correct
R-134a is an HFC made of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon. At flame temperatures its fluorine can form hydrofluoric acid; phosgene and hydrochloric acid need chlorine, which R-134a does not have.
Source: EPA: Test Topics
Why the other answers are wrong
- Hydrochloric acid — Hydrochloric acid comes from chlorine, and R-134a contains none.
- Sulfuric acid — R-134a contains no sulfur.
- Nitric acid — R-134a contains no nitrogen.
Practice more of this
More EPA 608 Type I practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.
Unofficial, not affiliated with the EPA or any EPA-approved certifying organization. Questions are original practice written from public EPA material, not real exam questions.