What causes freon poisoning How would you know if you're at risk?

Answer 1

The Answer following this is a bit extreme, and in a few places, inaccurate. First, Freon is not an elemental gas; it's a trademarked combination of other gases (or compound gas), used originally for refrigeration. Originally designed by DuPont Chem. in the early 1900's as a replacement for the really nasty stuff they were using as refrigerants (amonia and others) Freon was intended to be safe, inert and non-corrosive. Over the years, various health and environmental issues were raised so the recipe for Freon changed considerably, and its uses spread out so it isn't used only as a refrigerant, but also as an inert propellent. The hallmarks and requirements were: * a very low boiling point (for refrigerants). * Inert/non-corrosive. * Odorless and colorless * non-flammable. ...and for the most part, this has been the case. Some versions of freon contained various components later found to be dangerous (some carcinogens were in fact used, but have since been removed from modern recipes). Most, however, are pretty safe. Primary risks from modern freon include: * Localized hypothermic response; freezing of the skin or other tissues. * Hypoxia, as it can displace air in the lungs, and contains no oxygen itself. * Pressure injuries and burns associated with releasing any high pressure gas in contact with tissue. The following, grim list of symptoms and disorders, compiled by and copied from MedicinePlus.com : Freon -- Update by Dr. Eric Perez, 2006 (see links -- I've added it) is a list of problems that would apply no matter which freon/refrigerant recipe one encountered, going back to the 1800's (yes -- before freon -- some of that looks suspiciously like exposure to amonia, carbon tetrachloride, and other gases long since removed from the refrigetating picture). While I cannot know Dr. Perez's mind, I can guess that he was assembling or updating a catch-all list with the idea being that conservatism is the best recourse, and something all-inclusive but mostly inaccurate was better than missing one vital, lethal piece. For instance, I doubt you could develop a GI ulcer/bleed from drinking modern freon as it would flash to vapor long before it hit the GI tract. No offense intended to Dr. Perez. As to assessing the risks of "freon poisoning" -- a term I've never heard before although it apparently eists on the Net -- you'll have to identify which recipe of freon (or other refrigerant or propellant) you're exposed to. Most of them are not poisonous, but rather do damage from kinetic processes, which you'd know about instantly. However, in hommage to Dr. Perez's detailed consideration, you can either devine the recipe, and resarch the components -- or you can call up the manufacture, who is required by law to leave their phone number on the container, and see what's what. I should probably add that not all propellents or refrigerants are called freon anymore. You can also call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 for details. If you feel you have been exposed to any toxin, I'd recommend calling Poison Control or your ER anyway. ---- You are at risk if you have been exposed whether by accident or on purpose. The type and severity of an individuals reaction cannot be predicted without detailed medical examination and assessment prior to exposure - and even then the results will be, at best, an opinion.

Freon is a refrigerant gas that is toxic and, if inhaled or ingested, can cause a wide variety of physiological symptoms both immediately and in the long term. The most common poisoning occurs when people intentionally sniff freon. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to long-term brain damage and sudden death. In these circumstances the exact composition of the gas, the quantity & concentration inhaled and any contamination from the container utilised are all unknowns.

Symptoms * Lungs ** Difficulty in Breathing (from inhalation) ** Swelling of the Throat (which may also cause respiratory distress) * Eyes, ears, nose, and throat ** Severe pain in the throat ** Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue ** Loss of vision * Gastrointestinal ** Severe abdominal pain ** Vomiting ** Burns of the oesophagus (food pipe) ** Vomiting blood ** Blood in the stool * Heart and blood vessels ** Palpitations and irregular heart-beat

** Ventricular fibrillation and death (sudden sniffing death syndrome) ** Collapse * Nervous System * ** Dizziness ** Headache ** Confusion ** Loss of co-ordination (do not drive if affected!)

** Unconsciousness * Skin ** Irritation ** Frostbite

** Burns ** Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues Seek immediate emergency medical care. Most of the symptoms listed result from breathing in (inhaling) the substance. Move the person to fresh air. Be careful to avoid being overcome with the fumes while helping someone else especially in confined spaces and if bending down to administer aid (see below).

Please note that Freon is more dense than air and will therefore tend to 'flow' downhill and accumulate at floor level, in depressions & hollows. This is particularly important with a patient that has collapsed as they may still be breathing in fumes at ground level. Concentrations in confined spaces may become high enough to poison 'observers' as well as 'participants'.

The emergency services will need to know: * The patient's age, weight, and condition * The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known) * * The time it was swallowed or inhaled * The amount swallowed or inhaled * This is especially important as some drugs used in resuscitation interact with Freon. How well a patient 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 patient will have a complete recovery. Long-term abusers of freon can have permanent brain damage and early death. As if that were not enough Freon is considered carcinogenic and is bad for the environment in as much as it breaks down ozone.