Can breathing Freon make you sick?
People often refer to these chemicals as Freon, which is a leading brand name. 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.
Do people actually huff Freon?
Huffing Freon from AC units is a well-documented — albeit dangerous — practice for adults and teenagers looking for a cheap high. The nearly odorless and tasteless gas can cause effects similar to that of alcohol, but can also damage the lungs and brain, and even cause death.
How long does Freon stay in your body?
Without care, refrigerant poisoning may be fatal after 72 hours or lead to permanent brain damage.
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.
How does Freon make you feel?
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.
How does Freon 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.
What happens if you are exposed to Freon?
Serious signs of Freon exposure include irritation of the lungs, burns on the esophagus and irritation of the stomach. 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.
What are the side effects of a Freon leak?
Are Freon Leaks Harmful?
- fluid buildup or bleeding in the lungs.
- burning sensation in the esophagus.
- vomiting up blood.
- decreased mental status.
- difficult, labored breathing.
- irregular heartbeat.
- loss of consciousness.
- seizures.
What should I do if I inhale Freon?
If you inhale or ingest refrigerant of any kind, seek immediate emergency medical assistance. The dangers of refrigerant poisoning are serious. Freon, which is often used in refrigerants and coolants, is colorless and smells like freshly cut grass.
What are symptoms of Freon 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.
- Vision loss.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Indigestion or heartburn.
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.
What happens if you breathe in 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.
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 you get high off of Freon?
People often refer to these chemicals as Freon, which is a leading brand name. 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.
Can you get high from inhaling refrigerant fumes?
Inhaling refrigerant fumes on purpose to “get high” can be very dangerous. It can be fatal even the very first time you do it. Regularly inhaling high concentrations of Freon can cause conditions such as: If you suspect refrigerant poisoning, call 911 or the National Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.