Halon is a compound consisting of bromine, fluorine, and carbon. Halons are used
as fire extinguishing agents, both in built-in systems and in handheld portable fire extinguishers.
Halon production in the U.S. ended on December 31, 1993, because they contribute to ozone
depletion. Bromine being part of Halon is not a safe replacement for Halon.
The following are some of the EPA-approved replacements for halon:
Several substitutes have been approved by the SNAP program that may be considered as
potential candidates for specific use conditions as cited in 40 CFR 82 Appendix A to Subpart G,
Substitutes Subject to Use Restrictions and Unacceptable Substitutes. It should be noted that the
following substitutions are merely comments on usage and not conditions. For example, the Army
has considered the use of HFC-125 in the crew compartments of its ground combat vehicles. Also,
the Army has installed IG-541 in normally occupied areas. The following substitutes are listed:
Total Flooding Agents Acceptable Substitutes
Water Mist Systems using Potable or Natural Sea Water
[Foam] A (formerly identified as Water Mist Surfactant Blend A) This agent is not a clean agent,
but is a low-density, short duration foam.
Carbon Dioxide (Must meet NFPA 12 and OSHA 1910.162(b)5 requirements
Water Sprinklers
Total Flooding Agents Substitutes Acceptable Subject To Use Conditions
Normally Occupied Areas
C4F10 (PFC-410 or CEA-410)
C3F8 (PFC-218 or CEA-308)
HCFC Blend A (NAF S-III)
HFC-23 (FE 13)
HFC-227ea (FM 200)
IG-01 (Argon)
IG-55 (Aragonite)
HFC-125
HFC-134a
Normally Unoccupied Areas
Powdered Aerosol C
CF3I
HCFC-22
HCFC-124
HFC-125
HFC-134a
Gelled Halocarbon/Dry Chem. Suspension (PGA)
Inert Gas/Powdered Aerosol Blend (FS 0140)
IG-541 (Inergen)
Unacceptable Substitutes
HFC-32
The following were incorrect answers:
The following are all safe replacement for Halon:
FE-13 is an Halon replacement (Halon 1301) in total flooding and inerting applications where its low toxicity provides for improved safety margins, the protected spaces are large, the cylinder storage area is remote from the protected space, or where the temperatures are likely to go below 0(o)C (32(o)F). Of the clean agents available, DuPont FE-13 has the lowest toxicity and is the safest for protecting areas where people are present. DuPont FE-13 provides the ultimate in human safety while protecting high-value assets and business continuity with a clean agent.
DuPont FE-13 is: safe for people a clean agent that does not leave a residue electrically nonconductive and noncorrosive an environmentally preferred alternative to Halon with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)
FM-200 is a colorless, liquefied compressed gas. It is stored as a liquid and dispensed into the hazard as a colorless, electrically non-conductive vapor that is clear and does not obscure vision. It leaves no residue and has acceptable toxicity for use in occupied spaces at design concentration. FM-200 does not displace oxygen and, therefore, is safe for use in occupied spaces without fear of oxygen deprivation.
INERGEN is a blend of inert atmospheric gases that contains 52% nitrogen, 40% argon, 8% carbon dioxide, used for fire suppression system agent. It is considered a clean agent for use in gaseous fire suppression applications. Inergen does not contain halocarbons, and has no ozone depletion potential. It is non-toxic. Inergen is used at design concentrations of 35-50% to lower the concentration of oxygen to a point that cannot support combustion, but still safe for humans.
Reference(s) used for this quesiton: Hernandez CISSP, Steven (2012-12-21). Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition ((ISC)2 Press) (Kindle Locations 25616-25620). Auerbach Publications. Kindle Edition. and Harris, Shon (2012-10-25). CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, 6th Edition (pp. 473-474). McGraw-Hill. Kindle Edition. and Hernandez CISSP, Steven (2012-12-21). Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition ((ISC)2 Press) (Kindle Locations 25623-25626). Auerbach Publications. Kindle Edition. and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inergen and http://www.p2sustainabilitylibrary.mil/P2_Opportunity_Handbook/3_III_2.html