Flammable gases hydrocarbon families

A few hydrocarbon derivatives from the alkyl-halide family are 2.2 nonflammable compressed gases. This illustrates the wide range of hazards of the alkyl halides as a group. Some are flammable, some are toxic, and some are nonflammable and nontoxic. They can still act as asphyxiants and displace the oxygen in the air. It is important to remember that the primary hazard of the alkyl halides is toxicity. Some of them are also flammable therefore, all must be assumed to be toxic and flammable until the individual chemical is researched and the actual hazards are determined. It is interesting to note that while the DOT lists tetrafluoromethane as a nonflammable, nonpoisonous gas, the Condensed Chemical Dictionary lists the compound as toxic by inhalation. The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards does not list the compound. The best source of information about this compound and others may be the MSDS (material safety data sheet). Examples of nonflammable Class 2.2 alkyl halides are tetrafluoromethane and trifluoromethane. 

Nonmetals and their compounds may be solids, liquids, or gases. Some may bum some are toxic and they can also be reactive, corrosive, and oxidizers. The largest quantities of hazardous materials encountered are made up of nomnetal (nonsalt) materials. These materials can also be divided into families. Hydrocarbon fuel is the most commonly encountered hazardous material. Products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and fuel oil are all used to power our vehicles or heat our homes and businesses. Propane, butane, and natural gas are also fuels, but are not mixtures they are pure compounds. They are transported frequently and stored in large quantities and can present frequent problems to responders. They form a family called the hydrocarbons because they are made up primarily of carbon and hydrogen. Hydrocarbons are flammable, and may be toxic or cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in the air. 

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