Halon gas is used in fire extinguishing systems, with safer types replacing older versions. It quickly extinguishes fires without damaging objects and is popular in computer labs, museums, and libraries. Halon gas can produce toxic byproducts, and its manufacture was banned in 1994 due to environmental risks. Existing systems are still permitted to use halon, and supplies are expected to last until 2030.
Halon gas is a chemical compound often used in fire extinguishing systems. While several types of halons have been developed since this product was first invented, many were dangerous or deadly to humans. Since the late 20th century, two safer types of halon have replaced the older versions. These include liquefied type 20 and type 1211 halon. Both are known under the scientific name of bromotrifluoromethane.
Fire requires oxygen, heat and a fuel source to burn. Some early halon gas products cut off the oxygen supply to a room to suppress a fire. While this was an effective way to put out a fire, it could also kill everyone who was in the room at the time. The new halon systems simply prevent oxygen from reacting with a fuel source to create a fire, making them much safer for the occupants.
The main advantage of halon gas is its ability to quickly extinguish a fire without damaging the objects inside the room. It is non-conductive, non-volatile and leaves no residue once the fire has been suppressed. This makes halon a popular choice for computer labs, museums and libraries. It is also an effective choice for protecting electrical equipment and is often used on boats and airplanes. Halon gas can be used in an aircraft fire extinguishing system or in a chemical fire extinguisher.
While the two types of halon gas currently used are not generally considered deadly, they can still produce toxic byproducts as they work to extinguish a fire. Occupants in a room should exit quickly when a halon system is activated and should not re-enter until all gas fumes have dissipated. It is also important to recharge the system once activated to ensure continued protection against fire.
The 1987 Montreal Protocol established halon gas as an environmental risk, along with many other types of refrigerants and chemicals linked to ozone depletion. In accordance with this protocol, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the manufacture of new halon products beginning in 1994. Those with existing systems are still permitted to use halon and supplies existing ones are carefully monitored to provide maintenance and refills as needed. All halons must be recycled in accordance with EPA guidelines to minimize adverse effects on the environment. According to the EPA, current supplies are expected to last at least until 2030.
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