Refrigerant poisoning can occur if you inhale or ingest large amounts of refrigerant or if you come into contact with it on your skin or eyes. Refrigerant poisoning can be acute or chronic, depending on the duration and level of exposure. Acute poisoning happens when you are exposed to a high concentration of refrigerant in a short period of time, such as during a sudden leak or intentional inhalation. Chronic poisoning happens when you are exposed to low levels of refrigerant over a long period of time, such as during a slow leak or occupational exposure.
The symptoms of refrigerant poisoning vary depending on the type and amount of refrigerant involved, but they may include:
Refrigerant poisoning can also cause sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS), which is a fatal cardiac arrhythmia that can occur when a person inhales a volatile substance. SSDS can happen even after a single inhalation of refrigerant.
If you suspect that you or someone else has been exposed to leaking refrigerant, you should seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local poison control center for guidance. Do not try to induce vomiting or give anything by mouth unless instructed by a medical professional. Move away from the source of the leak and get fresh air. If possible, identify the type and amount of refrigerant involved and inform the emergency responders.
Leaking refrigerant can also damage your cooling system and reduce its efficiency and performance. Refrigerant is essential for the proper functioning of your air conditioner or refrigerator, as it absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it outside. When there is not enough refrigerant in the system due to a leak, the system cannot cool the air effectively and may overheat or freeze up.
Some signs that your cooling system may have a refrigerant leak include:
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system and repair the leak. Do not attempt to fix the leak yourself, as this may be dangerous and illegal. Only licensed technicians are allowed to handle refrigerants according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
Leaking refrigerant can also harm the environment and contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. Refrigerants are greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and increase the earth’s temperature. Some refrigerants also contain chlorine or bromine atoms that can break down the ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
According to the EPA, one pound of leaked R-22 (a common type of refrigerant) has the same global warming potential as 1,810 pounds of carbon dioxide over 100 years. The EPA estimates that about 7% to 10% of all R-22 used in residential air conditioners leaks every year in the United States.
To reduce the environmental impact of leaking refrigerants, the EPA has implemented several regulations and programs, such as:
As a consumer, you can also help protect the environment by choosing energy-efficient and eco-friendly cooling systems that use approved refrigerants and have low leak rates. You can also regularly check your system for leaks and have it serviced by a qualified technician.
Leaking refrigerant is dangerous for your health, your cooling system, and the environment. It can cause various symptoms and complications, such as skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, nervous system damage, and even death. It can also damage your air conditioner or refrigerator and reduce its cooling efficiency and performance. It can also harm the environment and contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your home or workplace, you should seek immediate medical attention and contact a professional HVAC technician to repair the leak. You should also choose energy-efficient and eco-friendly cooling systems that use approved refrigerants and have low leak rates.
