Fluoride ion excretion by male rats after inhalation of one of several fluoroethylenes or hexafluoropropene

Male rats were exposed to atmospheres containing various fluorinated ethylene derivatives or hexafluoropropene in sublethal concentrations. The increase in urinary fluoride after exposure to these fluorocarbon atmospheres suggested that they were biologically degraded to free fluoride ion. Inhalation of the fluorocarbon atmospheres also produced an increase in the urinary excretion of potassium ion and creatinine, and a diuresis which persisted for up to 2 weeks post-exposure. Hexafluoropropene was most effective in producing these effects and also caused a marked glucosuria for 3–4 days post-exposure. Histologically, hexafluoropropene also caused a frank necrosis of the proximal renal tubules. These studies suggest that the simple fluoroalkenes are biodegradable and that this can be demonstrated by the increased urinary excretion of free fluoride ion following exposure.