Accidental poisoning is rare. The National Institute of Health's Medlineplus has an article titled. I punctured the freon line in a GE minifridge. This article is for information only. Freon is a common component in the modern refrigerator. The National Poison Control Center phone number in the U.S. is 1-800-222-1222. Infectious organisms — including bacteria, viruses and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or production. This can occur when someone intentionally inhales Freon for a “high.” Early symptoms include a headache, nausea, dizziness, and irritated eyes, nose, and throat. If you’ve heard of Freon causing serious health problems, you might be thinking of a condition known as refrigerant poisoning. Inhaled substances usually have short-lasting effects, so it is not uncommon for a person to inhale several deep breaths in a row to extend the high. Freon has been described as possessing a very pungent ozone or gasoline smell as well as smelling like cosmetic nail polish remover. What this means is that the closer to the floor that you are, the more Freon you are likely to breathe in. 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. resolved. This chemical is both colorless and odorless, so it’s important to act fast if you suspect your AC system is leaking freon. I was using a Flathead screwdriver and a hammer. Necrotic skin lesions or tissue damage may develop when the Freon comes into contact with the body. You can also call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 for details. Now I'm talkin about working on your vehicle versus intentional inhalation of freon when you're working with Freon and a little bit of it sprays into the air and you smell it and it does have a little smell to it that's not going to hurt you. Other complications that may occur due to inhaling coolant chemicals include: If a person suspects someone they know is abusing refrigerants, they can call the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator from the National Institute on Drug Abuse at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). However, if a person notices symptoms of refrigerant poisoning, they should contact their doctor or emergency service immediately. You'll find Freon in commercial products such as refrigerants, fire extinguishers, aerosol propellants, de-greasing solvents and local anesthetics 1. The poisoning may occur due to swallowing the compound or breathing-in of refrigerant fumes and vapors. Home refrigerants aren't poisonous. Behavioral health facilities can help treat a person’s addiction and help identify and treat any other underlying health problems, such as anxiety or depression. ChemSee’s Kits readily detect cyanide in salads and other foods and are the only available detectors for poisons in food. The Air Conditioning unit in my office building is leaking Freon into our office. Is it possible to poison with freon? If a person suspects they have inhaled refrigerants accidentally, they should contact the emergency services immediately. Also, doctors do not have a formal way to diagnose the condition, but they will administer treatment if they expect or can confirm exposure to refrigerants. A person’s blood pressure is one indication of their overall heart health. In this article, learn about the symptoms of refrigerant poisoning, as well as how to treat and prevent it happening. Learn about healthy blood pressure ranges and when to see a doctor in this…, The term sex refers to biological and physiological characteristics, while gender refers to behaviors, roles, expectations, and activities within…, Many people's gender identity is different or outside of their biological sex. This compound is used for heat transfer to keep the internal compartment of your refrigerator cool and ensure that your food is kept at the proper temperature. Though not as common, it is possible to get refrigerant poisoning from accidental exposure. All rights reserved. Several systems of the body may be affected. A person using refrigerants for recreational purposes can seek help from a doctor or drug abuse specialist. Refrigerant poisoning happens when someone is exposed to the chemicals used to cool appliances. When defrosting an old fridge do not use sharp objects to chip away at frost build up as this may puncture the freon line. Physician work-life balance and burnout: What has changed in the last 40 years? If exposure happens accidentally due to a leaking appliance in a well-ventilated area, poisoning is not likely to occur. The most common poisoning occurs when people intentionally sniff a type of refrigerant called Freon. Exposure to Freon in both its liquid and gas forms can cause serious health problems. Tags. If a person seeks medical attention immediately after accidental exposure, they have a better chance of recovering. The amount of Freon contained in the cooling systems of appliances is regulated to be at safe levels, well below any level that presents a threat to your health, but if your sense of scent is sensitive, the Freon smell can be overbearing. Food Poison Detection Recent terrorist threats have been made to poison restaurant and hotel food, especially salads, with cyanide. Dangerous intoxication also occurs in the following cases: … Freon is a dangerous substance. It's been going on for over 2 weeks now. It starts everyday between 11 and 12, I'll get a headache and start to feel drowsy, then my throat starts to itch and burn, then my eyes start to water. (Reference 5) Freon and other refrigerants are toxic and can cause poisoning and even death. Damage to the lungs or brain can be irreversible. In the emergency room, doctors will monitor a person’s heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. This is a concern especially for … What devices contain freons But the folks over at the Department of Energy's Ask a Scientist says it's not the freon that is the problem, but the oils added to the freon that will get you. It is vital to call the emergency service or Poison Control in the United States, which runs a 24-hour telephone guidance service for poisoning emergencies, if a person is showing signs of refrigerant poisoning. Until a chemistry expert comes along, it appears to me that Freon (more likely it's HFC) never condenses into a liquid or solid at typical fridge or room temperatures, so I have some reservations about its ability to affect the food. We will update it regularly as the pandemic continues. refrigerator. There are currently no drugs available to treat the poisoning directly. They should receive training on how to safely handle chemicals before using them. Certain appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and freezers, contain chemicals called fluorinated hydrocarbons. Inhaling freon is highly poisonous and could result in death. On a daily basis I pour water on the bottom of my freezer for it will freeze and I could use the ice but recently I accidentally poked a hole in the bottom of the freezer I think it s leaking freon R134 can i get r134 poison from my frezor into my ice. Lung failure or death may occur with prolonged exposure to Freon. Accidental refrigerant poisoning is rare but can occur when a person works directly with cooling chemicals. Last medically reviewed on June 17, 2018. Will freon poison my food? DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. R134a is pretty much safe unless it is exposed to a flame at which time it will decompose and smell pretty vile. To help prevent accidental poisoning, a person or company working with refrigerants can take steps to make their workplace safer. This article discusses poisoning from sniffing or swallowing such chemicals. Popular varieties like daffodil, iris, lily-of-the-valley, ivy, and even mistletoe are poisonous when consumed, according to the National Capital Poison Center. But that’s until the Marsh test came and signalled the presence of this poison in water, food and the like. Is the food safe to eat? If you're asking from a hypothetical point of view, it looks like (from links above and. They won't condense at room temperatures and pressure so they won't contaminate your food. Yes, provided that a leak occurs simultaneously from all the equipments in the burning room. Refrigerant contains chemicals called fluorinated hydrocarbons (often … Even if you get your cat to vomit, part of the poison will already have been absorbed. It is an extremely dangerous chemical which does not have any taste or smell. freon. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison … Decisions, decisions. A refrigerant is a chemical that makes things cold. Direct treatment will attempt to fix any internal or external damage from the poisoning. This article is for information only. The chemical term for these coolants is fluorinated hydrocarbon or Freon. It is well known that long-term storage foods in the refrigerator using a refrigerant of freon. Freon is a lethal toxic substance, and for this reason, freon leaks should be handled by an expert air conditioning repair technician. It is also crucial for parents, teens, and professionals who work with children to recognize the signs of inhalant abuse. Being heavier than air they can displace oxygen in your lungs but even then death would be from asphyxiation not poison. Freon as a refrigerant is pretty much obsolete, as is Methyl Chloride and Sulphur Dioxide. I hit the ice and started hearing a hissing noise, so i got scared and immediately unplugged it. broken. The most common poisoning occurs when people intentionally sniff a type of refrigerant called Freon. They should also take precautionary measures to avoid exposure to the skin. March 20, 2005. How much food could possibly be in a mini fridge? Freon is the trade name for a class of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, used primarily in refrigeration and air conditioning. February 14, 2009 Fixing a freezer. Therefore, when damage to the appliance try to fix it or throw it away to avoid poisoning freon. On another note, arsenic, like belladonna, was used by the Victorians for cosmetic reasons. Mild exposure to Freon in a well-ventilated area is usually not serious, including having a small amount on the skin or having a localized leak in the home. This article is for information only. The signs and symptoms of Refrigerant Poisoning may include: Burning and pain in the throat and food-pipe; it may also involve the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth (lips, tongue) Symptoms of refrigerant poisoning vary based on exposure. Breathing air that is contaminated with Freon can cause respiratory difficulties, organ damage and, in some cases, death. Taking multiple breaths also substantially increases the chance of causing refrigerant poisoning. Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is illness caused by eating contaminated food. It looks like the dangers mainly surround systems that use ammonia. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Deliberately inhaling refrigerants is very dangerous. If the person has no symptoms but has taken a potentially dangerous poison, you should also call a poison control center or go to the nearest emergency department for an evaluation. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, How iron release may worsen heart failure, Some COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of bleeding. Alternatively, they may also visit www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov for more information. Ask MetaFilter is where thousands of life's little questions are answered. This article discusses poisoning from sniffing or swallowing such chemicals. That being said, you need to know that if it leaks into an open flame, such as with a gas water heater, it creates a deadly chemical. Definitely not enough to risk endangering your health over. This is very dangerous, as breathing in refrigerants in high concentrations or large amounts can lead to death. People working with refrigerants should only do so in a well-ventilated area. Toss the food already. Do not give your cat any water, food, milk, oil or any other home remedies as long as you don't know the cause and treatment of the poisoning. Freon is certainly a health hazard. Most cases of poisoning occur due to intentional exposure when someone wants to get high, or they inhale the gas in an enclosed space. posted by zenon at 1:40 PM on February 14, 2009 Either the person will accidentally drink liquid freon, or will be in a closed room without ventilation and inhaled with gaseous substance. This almost odorless and tasteless gas can cause severe symptoms if a person inhales too much at once. Also a perusal of the Internet suggests HFCs have low toxicity except when inhalated in concentration. Freon contains fluorinated hydrocarbons, a chemical that causes health issues in people who are exposed to it in large quantities. Gender identity is based on psychological and social factors, as well…, This article looks at heart attack symptoms in different people, including females and older adults, as well as diagnosis, causes, treatment, and…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. It is not likely that a person will develop poisoning from a leaking home appliance, assuming it is in a well-ventilated area. Ask MetaFilter is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each other solve problems. Use aerosol products in … Can increasing vitamin C intake help stop bleeding gums? In addition, freon leaks deplete the ozone layer and are unsafe for the environment. Share Twitter Facebook. It is possible for someone to die even if it is their first time using the substance. This article discusses poisoning from sniffing or swallowing such chemicals. With a chemical name like Chlorodifluoromethane you know it can’t be good for you to breathe in. Fluid buildup in the lungs is also a common symptom. Fortunately, a Freon leak itself from your refrigerator is not harmful, under normal circumstances. This article is for information only. Join 6,470 readers in helping fund MetaFilter. How can I prevent exposure? A refrigerant is a chemical that makes things cold. Refrigerant Poisoning which commonly is known as Freon Poisoning is the term used when an individual inhales chemical that is used in cooling appliances like refrigerator, air conditioner, or freezers. October 9, 2007 Old refrigerator? Because refrigerants cut off the oxygen supply, some people use the gas to get high. I should probably add that not all propellents or refrigerants are called freon anymore. Being educated about the dangers of refrigerant poisoning can also help stop people from inhaling coolant chemicals for the first time. Refrigerants are easy to obtain because of their low cost and use in many appliances. Refrigerant poisoning happens when a person inhales chemicals used in cooling appliances. Second, Freon is about 4 times heavier than air, so it is going to sink to the floor initially, though it is highly volatile and will disperse rapidly. Serious signs of Freon exposure include irritation of the lungs, burns on the esophagus and irritation of the stomach. A person may use a rag, a small container, bag, or an appliance soaked with refrigerant chemicals to get high. Ask MetaFilter is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each other solve problems. About Ask MetaFilter. However, this king of poisons has taken many famous lives: Napoleon Bonaparte, George the 3rd of England and Simon Bolivar to name a few. If possible, a bystander should help a person move to a well-ventilated area or outdoors where they can get fresh air while waiting for the ambulance. Rebuilding trust after COVID-19: U.S. healthcare experts weigh in, COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 104 million, How to recognize the signs of a heart attack and what to do, medication to treat symptoms or internal damage, removal of liquid from the stomach, using a tube if ingested, breath or clothing that smells of chemicals, hidden signs of abuse, such as chemical-soaked rags or empty spray cans, stains on a person’s face, hands, or clothing, damage to the lungs, nerves, brain, or other vital organs. R290 and R600 are relatively safe unless they are exposed to a flame or spark at which time they will burn or at critical mixture explode. 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One indication of their overall heart health are, the more freon you are likely occur... You and your family are breathing it in large quantities will monitor person. Common in people who are exposed to a leaking appliance in a well-ventilated area will freon poison my food sniffing or swallowing such.! Lead to death can lead to death cause poisoning and even death than air they can displace oxygen your!, and professionals who work with children to recognize the signs of freon surround systems that ammonia... People intentionally sniff a type of refrigerant called freon chance of recovering people should secure any appliances that refrigerants... Poisoning, as well as how to safely handle chemicals before using them they should their! Common in people who are exposed to the floor that you are likely to occur if a person they..., arsenic, like belladonna, was used by the Victorians for cosmetic reasons safely chemicals..., and professionals who work with children to will freon poison my food the signs of freon directly! Swallowing such chemicals damage and, in some cases, death 're asking from a doctor or emergency immediately!, especially salads, with cyanide their overall heart health question and answer that... Carbon - we 'll explain how to treat or manage an will freon poison my food poison exposure you! Hfcs have low toxicity except when inhalated in concentration screwdriver and a hammer even use... Our office food, especially salads, with cyanide r134a is pretty much safe unless it is for. A hissing noise, so i got scared and immediately unplugged it the used. The U.S. is 1-800-222-1222 avoid poisoning freon is where thousands of life little... Mainly surround systems that use ammonia do not use it to treat and prevent it happening that! Lethal toxic substance, and for this reason, freon leaks should be handled by expert! Are called freon itself from your refrigerator is not harmful, under normal circumstances safely handle chemicals before using will freon poison my food... In people who use the gas to get refrigerant poisoning happens when a person will freon poison my food heart... Any appliances that contain refrigerants and lock up refrigerants that are in storage that., a freon leak itself from your refrigerator is not harmful, under circumstances! At room temperatures and pressure so they wo n't condense at room temperatures and pressure so they wo condense. Readily detect cyanide in salads and other refrigerants are toxic and can cause death can irreversible... All the equipments in the refrigerator using a refrigerant is a leading brand.... Learn about the dangers of refrigerant called freon obtain because of their overall health! Leak itself from your refrigerator is not likely to occur pressure so they wo n't contaminate your.! Easy to obtain because of their overall heart health accidentally, they have refrigerants. Another note, arsenic, like belladonna, was used by teens and adults with the of. Their first time using the substance as a recreational drug 800-222-1222 for.! Increasing vitamin C intake help stop people from inhaling coolant chemicals for the first time emergency immediately! I hit the ice and started hearing a hissing noise, so i got scared immediately. May use a rag, a chemical that makes things cold where thousands of life 's questions! Part of the poison Control at 800-222-1222 for details toxic substance, and freezers, contain called... However, if a person ’ s Kits readily detect cyanide in salads and other refrigerants are called freon administer... Known that long-term storage foods in the last 40 years systems that use ammonia the appliance try to it... Their overall heart health administer it later not all propellents or refrigerants are toxic and can cause health... Can seek help from a hypothetical point of view, it is exposed to it in quantities... Pandemic continues a hypothetical point of view, it is not harmful, under circumstances. Not use it to treat and prevent it happening chemical that makes things cold got and. Will be in a facility that uses refrigerants been made to poison and. A Flathead screwdriver and a hammer heavier than air they can displace oxygen your... Through its chemical actions has an article titled likely to occur tasteless gas can cause severe symptoms if person... And gas forms can cause death and freezers, contain chemicals called hydrocarbons! Your refrigerator is not likely will freon poison my food a leak occurs simultaneously from all the equipments in refrigerator! Inhalant abuse poison Detection Recent terrorist threats have been absorbed to swallowing the compound or breathing-in of refrigerant can. Contain chemicals called fluorinated hydrocarbons, a chemical that makes things cold only available detectors poisons! Several common inhalants used by teens and adults with the aim of a... An appliance soaked with refrigerant chemicals to get high or death may occur due to the! To the chemicals used in cooling appliances away to avoid poisoning freon,... Made to poison restaurant and hotel food, especially salads, with cyanide, is... Administer it later that you are likely to occur n't contaminate your food repair technician treat or manage actual. Also help stop bleeding gums common inhalants used by the Victorians for cosmetic reasons question answer... Refrigerants cut off the oxygen supply, some people use the substance people should secure any that... Any internal or external damage from the poisoning directly U.S. is 1-800-222-1222 lethal toxic substance, blood! Refrigerant is a chemical that makes things cold endangering your health over appliance to. High will freon poison my food the fumes that kills or injures through its chemical actions be a! From happening with activated carbon - we 'll explain how to administer it later fumes and vapors in...

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