Freon is a dangerous substance. This almost odorless and tasteless gas can cause severe symptoms if a person inhales too much at once. Because refrigerants cut off the oxygen supply, some people use the gas to get high. This is very dangerous, as breathing in refrigerants in high concentrations or large amounts can lead to death.
What are the effects of Freon exposure?
Breathing air that is contaminated with Freon can cause respiratory difficulties, organ damage and, in some cases, death. Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the Freon exposure, but even a small amount of exposure can cause serious symptoms in humans. Mild symptoms of Freon exposure include excitability,...
Is Freon in air conditioners dangerous?
Nonetheless, Freon is still being used in old air conditioners and there are concerns that Freon is dangerous for human health. Freon leaking from an air conditioner is dangerous to health if inhaled in high quantities.
What is Freon used for?
Freon is the trade name for a class of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, used primarily in refrigeration and air conditioning. Freon and other refrigerants are toxic and can cause poisoning and even death.
Can Freon get you High?
In small amounts, the effects of Freon should be relatively benign. However, more concentrated exposure to Freon can lead to severe, high-frequency, and potentially dangerous cardiac palpitations. The direct inhalation of Freon to ‘get high’ has managed to catch on in certain circles.
Is Freon harmful to humans?
Freon is a tasteless, mostly odorless gas. When it is deeply inhaled, it can cut off vital oxygen to your cells and lungs. Limited exposure — for example, a spill on your skin or breathing near an open container — is only mildly harmful. However, you should try to avoid all contact with these types of chemicals.
Can you get cancer from Freon?
For people who have a history of heart problems, being exposed to small amounts of Freon from leaking appliances should not pose any significant health risk. Fortunately, Freon does not have serious long term health consequences. It is not a carcinogen, teratogen, or mutagen, and it does not damage the liver.
Can a Freon leak cause health problems?
While tasteless and odorless, Freon does make a large impact on your air and health. Refrigerant poisoning is a serious condition that can lead to difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea and vomiting, skin and eye irritation, and coughing.
What happens if I touch Freon?
If Freon gets on someone's skin, there can be a rash. If the Freon is liquid, it can produce symptoms of frostbite. If you have any reason to believe that you—or someone else—has been exposed to Freon and are suffering from symptoms, get away from the area.
Does Freon cause brain damage?
Without care, refrigerant poisoning may be fatal after 72 hours or lead to permanent brain damage.
Is Freon banned in the US?
Yes, Freon, also known as R-22 or HCFC-22 (meaning hydrochlorofluorocarbon) cannot be produced within the United States or imported into the U.S. from other companies. This EPA Freon ban took effect on January 1, 2020.
How long does Freon stay in the air?
Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever. It's not like gas in car; it does not get “used up.” You see, your air conditioner's refrigerant system is a “closed/sealed system,” meaning that it does not allow refrigerant to escape in any way.
Can you stay in a house with a Freon leak?
A Freon leak inside your home can cause mild symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath, but these will generally show up only if you're near the leak for an extended period. It's also possible for your air conditioner to leak out all its refrigerant with no harm to you whatsoever.
What does Freon smell like in a house?
Freon usually travels through closed copper coils in an AC unit, but these coils can crack and result in an AC coolant leak. A freon leak will produce a smell between sweet and chloroform. Freon leaks can be toxic.
What to do if Freon gets on skin?
Skin: Wash skin with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. If skin is blistered, appears pale, blanched or is numb contact the Poison Control Centre. Inhalation: Get away from area and breathe fresh air. Contact the Poison Control Centre.
How long does Freon poisoning last?
How well a person does depends on the severity of the poisoning and how quickly medical help was received. Severe lung damage may occur. Survival past 72 hours usually means the person will have a complete recovery. Sniffing Freon is extremely dangerous and can lead to long-term brain damage and sudden death.
Can air conditioners give you Freon poisoning?
Refrigerant poisoning can occur if a person inhales or consumes the chemicals — also known by the brand name of Freon — from cooling appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Accidental refrigerant poisoning is rare but can occur when a person works directly with cooling chemicals.
How does Freon affect the body?
Breathing air that is contaminated with Freon can cause respiratory difficulties, organ damage and , in some cases, death. Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the Freon exposure, but even a small amount of exposure can cause serious symptoms in humans. Mild symptoms of Freon exposure include excitability, dizziness, changes in heart rate and headaches. The lining of the throat or nose may become irritated, and the throat may swell. Pain in any exposed mucous membranes, such as the mouth, throat or eyes, is common after exposure. These symptoms can occur within minutes. More serious symptoms can occur after prolonged exposure.
How do you know if you are breathing Freon?
Serious symptoms of breathing Freon can occur when the chemical is inhaled directly or when exposure to it lasts for more than a few moments. Serious signs of Freon exposure include irritation of the lungs, burns on the esophagus and irritation of the stomach.
Can Freon cause brain damage?
Prolonged exposure to Freon may cause brain damage, particularly when the substance is inhaled directly. Spilled Freon should be treated as a hazardous situation, and the area should be evacuated and ventilated quickly to prevent Freon poisoning.
What happens when you get exposed to Freon?
Necrotic skin lesions or tissue damage may develop when the Freon comes into contact with the body. Lung failure or death may occur with prolonged exposure to Freon. Fluid buildup in the lungs is also a common symptom.
What are the dangers of breathing in Freon?
What Are the Dangers of a Human Breathing Freon? Breathing air that is contaminated with Freon can cause respiratory difficulties, organ damage and, in some cases, death. Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the Freon exposure, but even a small amount of exposure can cause serious symptoms in humans.
How long does it take for a person to experience symptoms of breathing in Freon?
These symptoms can occur within minutes. More serious symptoms can occur after prolonged exposure. Serious symptoms of breathing Freon can occur when the chemical is inhaled directly or when exposure to it lasts for more than a few moments.
Can Freon cause headaches?
Symptoms can vary de pending on the extent of the Freon exposure, but even a small amount of exposure can cause serious symptoms in humans. Mild symptoms of Freon exposure include excitability, dizziness, changes in heart rate and headaches. The lining of the throat or nose may become irritated, and the throat may swell.
Can Freon cause brain damage?
Prolonged exposure to Freon may cause brain damage, particularly when the substance is inhaled directly. Spilled Freon should be treated as a hazardous situation, and the area should be evacuated and ventilated quickly to prevent Freon poisoning. ADVERTISEMENT.
What is refrigerant poisoning?
Refrigerant poisoning happens when someone is exposed to the chemicals used to cool appliances. Refrigerant contains chemicals called fluorinated hydrocarbons (often referred to by a common brand name, “Freon”).
What happens if you use refrigerant poison?
The buildup of refrigerant poison can negatively impact vital organs, including your liver and brain. The buildup can also become habit-forming. Regular or long-term misuse may also result in: weight loss. loss of strength or coordination. irritability. depression. episodes of psychosis. rapid, irregular heart rate.
Why is it common to get high from refrigerant?
Preventing accidental refrigerant poisoning. Inhaling chemicals to get high is common in the United States because such chemicals are legal and easy to find. Inhalant use among adolescents has been declining over the years. However, nearly 40,000 adolescents misuse inhalants on any given day, according to a 2014 report.
How does refrigerant affect the nervous system?
When misused, refrigerant chemicals can produce a pleasurable feeling by depressing your central nervous system.
How to contact a person with refrigerant poisoning?
Once the person has been moved, call 911 or the National Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Refrigerant poisoning is treated in the hospital emergency room.
What is the phone number to call if you suspect refrigerant poisoning?
If you suspect refrigerant poisoning, call 911 or the National Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Where is refrigerant poisoning treated?
Refrigerant poisoning is treated in the hospital emergency room. Doctors will monitor the affected person’s:
What is freon used for?
Freon is the trade name for a class of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, used primarily in refrigeration and air conditioning. (Reference 5) Freon and other refrigerants are toxic and can cause poisoning and even death. Refrigeration service workers are at risk due to occupational exposure, but exposure most often occurs during intentionally sniffing the gas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. (Reference 4) Freon and other refrigerants are used by inhalant abusers to get high, an extremely dangerous practice. (Reference 1)
What causes a person to die from a refrigerant?
Death. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, reports deaths caused by abnormal heart rhythms and suffocation in workers exposed to refrigerants in confined spaces. (Reference 2) "Sudden sniffing death syndrome" can result from exposure to refrigerants.
Is it dangerous to sniff gas?
Refrigeration service workers are at risk due to occupational exposure, but exposure most often occurs during intentionally sniffing the gas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. (Reference 4) Freon and other refrigerants are used by inhalant abusers to get high, an extremely dangerous practice. (Reference 1)
Can refrigerant poisoning cause death?
Refrigerant poisoning can result from exposure, according to UMMC 3. Death is possible . Emergency medical care is required. Outcome after refrigerant poisoning depends on how severe the poisoning was, and how fast medical help began. Irreversible brain damage and severe lung damage can result.
Can refrigerant exposure cause heart problems?
Exposure to dangerous levels of refrigerants resulting from abuse or occupation can have serious adverse effects on the heart. (Reference 4) Refrigerants are toxic to the heart and can result in heart attacks, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms leading to circulatory collapse, according to the Environmental Health article. (Reference 3) NIOSH advises workers with potential exposure to refrigerants follow their guidelines regarding awareness, training, engineering controls, hazards in confined spaces, medical considerations and personal protective equipment such as:
What is the toxicity of R-123?
Tests of R-123 indicate that it has very low acute inhalation toxicity , as measured by the concentration that causes 50% mortality in experimental animals, a 4-hour LC50 of 32,000 ppm in rats. A cardiac sensitization response was observed at approximately 20,000 ppm. This response was measured in experimental screening with dogs, with simultaneous injection of epinephrine to simulate human stress reactions. Anesthetic-like effects (e.g., weakness, disorientation, or incoordination) were observed at concentrations greater than 5,000 ppm, or 0.5%. R-123 has very low dermal toxicity (by skin application) and is only a mild eye irritant. Long-term inhalation caused an increase in the incidence of benign tumors in the liver, pancreas, and testis of rats. None of the tumors attributable to the exposures were malignant or life-threatening; all occurred near the end of the study, late in the lives of the test specimens. The exposed animals actually exhibited higher survival rates at the end of testing than those in the control group. The rats exposed to higher concentrations also experienced slight reductions in body weight and decreases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Studies are continuing to investigate the biological relevance of the tumors to humans. The tests completed to date indicate that R-123 is neither a developmental toxicant nor a genotoxin."
Is ammonia under the sink harmful?
Some chemicals, we don't have enough info on one way or another. The less exposure to anything the better. You can drink hydrochloric acid if it is diluted enough, ammonia under your sink is less harmful than anhydrous (refrigerant) ammonia because it is diluted. I would recommend looking up the MSDS for any refrigerant you work with to see what information is known and what precautions to take. It is not a bad idea to error on the side of caution.
Can refrigerant exposure cause heart problems?
Exposure to dangerous levels of refrigerants resulting from abuse or occupation can have serious adverse effects on the heart. (Reference 4) Refrigerants are toxic to the heart and can result in heart attacks, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms leading to circulatory collapse, according to the Environmental Health article. (Reference 3) NIOSH advises workers with potential exposure to refrigerants follow their guidelines regarding awareness, training, engineering controls, hazards in confined spaces, medical considerations and personal protective equipment such as respiratory protection and chemical protective clothing, to reduce the risk of death. (Reference 2)
Can refrigerant leaks cause suffocation?
Refrigerant leaks in enclosed environments can also cause suffocation. When refrigerant is leaked into a room, it pushes oxygen out. Lack of oxygen can be harmful or fatal if there is not enough air to support respiration
Can you die from refrigerant poisoning?
Symptoms include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, severe throat pain, loss of vision, burning of the eyes, nose, lips and tongue, burns of the esophagus, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm and circulatory collapse. Death is possible. Emergency medical care is required. Outcome after refrigerant poisoning depends on how severe the poisoning was, and how fast medical help began. Irreversible brain damage and severe lung damage can result. (Reference 4)
Can refrigerant cause cancer?
In some cases, exposure to high concentrations of refrigerant can be lethal. Long-term exposure to refrigerants can cause cancer, mutagenicity (changes to cells) or reproductive problems.
What happens if you get high with Freon?
Situation #4: If You Get High With Freon. Huffing, which is the recreational use of refrigerant to get high, can lead to severe poisoning. If you have got any wild ideas for inhaling Freon to get high, then stop! Freon abuse can lead to hallucinations, delusions, depressed reflexes, and unconsciousness.
What are the symptoms of Freon poisoning?
Depending on the exposure, the extent to which poisoning may happen can vary. Mild poisoning can lead to: Coughing. Nausea. Vomiting. Dizziness. Frostbite if the Freon is in a liquid or gaseous state. Irritation of the eyes, ears, and throat.
What happened to the occupants of the ship when they accidentally inhaled Freon?
In a case published in the MJAFI, three occupants of a ship accidentally inhaled Freon in an unventilated area, and they subsequently suffered from loss of consciousness. Two of the shipmates, on regaining consciousness, suffered from a mild headache, loss of sensation, confusion, and an inability to open their mouths.
Is a Freon leak dangerous?
When a Freon Leak Isn’t Dangerous. The risk of poisoning is low if the quantity of Freon inhaled is less. If you live in a spacious room with good ventilation, the amount of Freon likely to be inhaled during a leak is not enough to cause any ill effects.
Is it bad to have a freon leak in an air conditioner?
Nonetheless, Freon is still being used in old air conditioners and there are concerns that Freon is dangerous for human health. Freon leaking from an air conditioner is dangerous to health if inhaled in high quantities. In such a case, it can lead to nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and other problems. However, if you live in ...
Is Freon a refrigerant?
We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Freon is a popular refrigerant that is used in air conditioning systems. However, in 2010, the EPA banned the production of new air conditioning units that used Freon, and in 2020, they banned the manufacturing and import ...
Is it safe to breathe in Freon?
While Freon leaks can be dangerous, with proper precautions, there is nothing to worry about. Most cases of leaking do not lead to any damage. The only time when you should worry is when you live in a closed space with no ventilation or if you inhale Freon for the sake of getting high.
How do you know if you have refrigerant poisoning?
Signs you’re suffering from refrigerant poisoning include: Swelling in your throat or sinuses. Difficulty breathing. Severe pain in your nose, throat, or sinuses. Burning sensation on your eyes, nose, ears, lips, or tongue.
What are the risks of refrigerant?
Risks of refrigerants include: Toxicity. Flammability. Asphyxiation. Physical damage like burns.
What does it mean when you have acute refrigerant poisoning?
When you suffer from acute poisoning, this means your refrigerant exposure is short-term. It may happen in a single incident and is often at a high concentration. Accidental exposure usually happens when your air conditioning or refrigeration system malfunctions, causing a leak. Chronic refrigerant poisoning.
How to treat a refrigerant leak?
Treating Refrigerant Poisoning. Once you identify the refrigerant leak, move away from the area immediately. If possible, go outside or seek fresh air. When you call 9-1-1 or poison control, include as many details about the incident as possible.
Why is leaking refrigerant dangerous?
This can cause serious damage. Flammability is dangerous because refrigerant may be a clear vapor that you can’t see to identify. Toxicity of refrigerant. Toxicity refers to the damage refrigerant may cause when it is ingested.
How long does it take for a refrigerant to kill you?
Immediate medical attention reduces the damage you may have. Without care, refrigerant poisoning may be fatal after 72 hours or lead to permanent brain damage.
Is refrigerant poisoning safe?
While no exposure is considered safe, low levels of exposure may pose fewer health risks. Symptoms of Refrigerant Poisoning. The symptoms of refrigerant poisoning depend on several factors, including: Whether your exposure is long-term or short-term. The levels of exposure.
