Date sent: Sun, 01 Aug 1999 04:09:59 +1000 From: Colin Dowd To: w.j.markerink@a1.nl Subject: R134a lethally dangerous? Hi Willem, It most certainly is !! I believe it is also much more flamable/potentially explosive as well. There has been several burst into flames whilst left running with the air conditioning running and the windows up with a smoker inside. Although the manufacturers denied any links to this possible outcome,they also were not offering any explanation. About 12 months ago on the news here in Australia there was a warning regarding the deaths of several members of the public that had died from leaking car airconditiong gas R134a and another type approved to replace R12. There was a response from the car manufacturers that in the future cars may have gas sensors in the cabins to monitor levels of CO2 and other gases to combat drowsiness caused by having car air conditioners switched to recycle mode for long periods. researchers also stated that drowsiness was a symptom of R134a entering the bloodstream. There was some talk of adding another gas to the R134a that creates an odour that is unpleasent to warn the driver/passengers of any leaks into the vehicles cabin. I believe LP Gas for vehicles here in Australia already use a similar method to remind owners of LP gas equipped vehicles not to leave them running in the garage. Regards, Colin Dowd Australia