SF6, also known as sulfur hexafluoride, is inherently non-toxic, but if its quality is impure or it splits into different low fluorine compounds under the action of an arc, such as sulfuryl fluoride, sulfuryl fluoride, sulfur tetrafluoride, hydrofluoric acid, etc., it has different toxicity.
Pure sulfur hexafluoride gas is colorless, odorless, and basically non-toxic at room temperature. It is a chemically stable halogen compound with good insulation and arc extinguishing properties.
1. Fluorinated sulfuryl
It belongs to a colorless and transparent gas with stable chemical properties and is highly toxic. During animal experiments, it can suffocate and die due to pulmonary edema;
2. Sulfuryl fluoride
At room temperature, it is a gas and toxic. Excessive inhalation may cause congestion in the lungs, thymus, and meninges, usually leading to seizures and death during this period;
3. Sulfur tetrafluoride
At room temperature, it is a colorless and pungent gas that easily combines with water to form smoke, which is easily inhaled by the human body and invades the lungs, causing lung damage and causing respiratory system diseases;
4. Hydrofluoric acid
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly dangerous and toxic inorganic acid, widely used in industrial fields and daily life. Hydrofluoric acid has strong corrosiveness and can cause corrosive burns. Its toxicity and tissue penetration ability are strong, and even small areas of hydrofluoric acid burns can cause death in a short period of time.
SF6 is an inert gas that has excellent insulation and cannot be ignited. Pure SF6 is non-toxic, but after electrolysis, it releases a highly toxic substance that can cause cancer and significant damage to the liver.
Therefore, when in a sulfur hexafluoride gas environment, in order to avoid its arc extinguishing toxicity, it is necessary to immediately leave the sulfur hexafluoride gas environment and open windows for ventilation to accelerate gas diffusion.