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What Are the Dangers of Inhaling Freon?

Freon is the trade name for a group of man-made chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs contain chlorine, fluorine and carbon and are often found in air conditioners and refrigerators. The manufacturing and use of Freons is restricted and is gradually being phased out. People are usually exposed to Freon by accidentally or deliberately breathing it in.

  1. Dangers

    • Inhaling Freons can cause heart palpitations and dizziness. It can also irritate the mouth, eyes, nose, throat and lungs. High concentrations can reduce the activity of the central nervous system, cause weakness, irregular heat beat, convulsions and death. In addition, it can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting -- including vomiting of blood -- and loss of vision. According to the National Institute of Health, most symptoms are a consequence of inhaling Freon.

    Standards

    • There are no federal standards for the amount of Freons allowed in the air of your house or in drinking water; however, some states have set their own standards.

    Occupational Exposure

    • Although CFCs are being phased out, they can still be found in some old cars, refrigerators and air conditioners. Workers who are exposed to chlorofluorocarbons at work may need to use supplied-air respirators (SARs) or a self-contained breathing apparatus, especially when working in confined spaces or areas without good ventilation. Workers who take certain medications like epinephrine, dopamine, norepinephrine and other medications used by asthmatics may face a greater risk and should avoid too much exposure.

    Huffing

    • Some people get high on Freon by "huffing" or inhaling it. Huffing Freon can cause memory problems, behavioral problems and death. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2006-2008 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health reports that 6.9 percent of 12 year olds have used inhalants like Freon. Inhaling Freon can cause frostbite around the nose, so one symptom of huffing is spots or sores around the mouth or nose. Other symptoms include a drunk or dazed look, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, a short temper or an unusual smell on the clothing.

    Long-Term

    • According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Health, long-term exposure to Freons doesn't increase your risk of cancer. Freon doesn't cause genetic mutations or damage the liver; neither does it interfere with embryonic development. When inhaled, it's eliminated from the body by exhaling, so doesn't build up in tissues, organs, or blood.

    Emergencies

    • Someone suffering from Freon poisoning needs immediate emergency medical care. Medline, a website sponsored by the National Institute of Health and the US National Library of Medicine, says the person should be moved to fresh air. Whoever is helping him should be careful not to inhale any fumes. Poison Control should be contacted for additional information. The phone number for The National Poison Control Center is 1-800-222-1222.

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