What happens if you accidentally breathe Freon?
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.
Can you get poisoned from Freon?
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 long does refrigerant poisoning last?
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.
Is it bad to breathe in freon?
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.
What does freon leak smell like?
A freon leak will produce a smell between sweet and chloroform. If you suspect a freon leak, talk to a specialist who can use a freon leak detector to help address the issue.
What does a freon leak smell like?
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.
How poisonous is freon?
What happens if you breathe in air contaminated with 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. Mild symptoms of Freon exposure include excitability,…
What happens if you inhale a refrigerant leak?
The effects of inhaling Freon depend on the nature and length of exposure. If you inhale refrigerant accidentally in case of an appliance leak, you’re likely to experience the following symptoms: Intentional exposure or inhaling Freon in an enclosed space can lead to severe Freon poisoning, indicated by the following symptoms:
Can a refrigeration worker be exposed to Freon?
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 happens when you get a high from Freon?
You may also experience a chemical-induced high. After the high wears off, you may feel agitation and fear. If you have inhaled Freon, immediately seek fresh air. Call for emergency medical help if someone stops breathing due to Freon inhalation.