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Freon Warnings

Freon is a non-organic chemical typically used as an industrial refrigerant, aerosol or to clean metallic surfaces. While Freon is a stable and noncombustible substance, it can pose dangers to human beings and the environment. With prolonged exposure, Freon can cause a variety of ailments from mild eye and throat irritation to -- in severe cases -- death.

  1. Dizziness

    • While an individual's reaction to Freon is dependent on factors such as their overall health and the density of Freon in the air, prolonged exposure to large amounts of airborne Freon can cause dizziness. In some cases, breathing in large amounts of Freon in a short period of time can also cause dizziness. If a person has dizziness, move the individual to a well-ventilated area or the open air immediately.

    Irregular Heartbeat

    • Exposure to Freon can cause irregular heartbeat, especially in cases where an individual has a previous heart condition or when a working space has poor or inadequate ventilation. Prolonged exposure to Freon through inhalation can cause life-threatening heart problems.

    Atmospheric Damage

    • While low levels of liquid or gaseous Freon are unlikely to have an adverse effect on plants and animals, evaporated Freon can have a negative effect on the Earth's protective ozone layer. While Freon is not dangerous in low amounts to humans, evaporated gaseous Freon can remain in the air long enough to reach the planet's upper atmosphere. Freon's chlorine atoms can remain in the Earth's upper atmosphere long enough to erode the ozone layer, allowing increased levels of ultraviolet rays to reach the Earth's surface. Increased ultraviolet rays can be hazardous to human beings as well as the environment.

    Skin, Throat, Eye and Nasal Irritation

    • Exposure to Freon vapor can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and nasal cavities. Freon contact to the eyes may cause irritation, reddening, blurred vision and burning sensations. In the event that the eyes come in contact with Freon, they should be flushed immediately with water for at least 15 minutes while medical attention is sought. Since Freon is often used as a refrigerant, frostbite can occur in the event of contact with the skin or the nasal cavity.

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