Question 224Safety & Environmental - QMED

The correct answer is D) inhaling toxic vapors produced when exposed directly to a flame for extended periods. Halon fire extinguishers use a gaseous extinguishing agent that is effective at putting out fires, but the principle personnel hazard is the production of toxic vapors if the Halon is exposed to an open flame for an extended period. This can happen if the Halon is discharged directly onto a hot fire, which causes the Halon to break down and release hazardous compounds. The other answer choices, such as skin/eye irritation or oxygen displacement, are not the principle hazard unique to Halon extinguishers.