Freon Exposure

[Ray7999]

I have a refridgerator that is leaking Freon gas. Is it okay to eat the food that smells of the Freon?

[gagetlover38]

Are you getting uncomfortable to go out to the grocery store like you have a bit of agoraphobia? Even a leak like that in a big house can effect you. It's slow and subtle. A bit of anxiety perhaps. In my opinion you need a new fridge carefully moved in. Good luck

[BethanyAllison]

The Air Conditioning unit in my office building is leaking Freon into our office. 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. By 2:00 or so you can start to actually see the gas leaking into the room through the vent. It looks like smoke. It has actually set the Fire Alarm off 2 or 3 times. The owner of the building keeps claiming that he has turned the compressors off, but each day the same thing happens. I know this can't be good for me, because of the way it makes me feel, but am I at any serious health risk? I read online that exposure can be dangerous for people with heart conditions, which I do not have, but are there any other dangers from extended exposure?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

You need not worry about the food. Even though it is contaminated with Freon, it is still safe. Freon will cause harm only if a large amount of the gas is 'inhaled'.

Regards

[gagetlover38]

I have been poisoned by freon, one unit being r401a in a new window ac unit of 8000 BTUs. Please check peer reviewed papers for HVAC workers and workers who fell into it, died, caused rescuers to get very sick. Also note if people are getting high (and dying)  from it IT'S TOXIC. I know there are safety papers from Dupont, etc., that don't let on and the poison control number in Ohio and California  say it's  not a danger as of 2015 but it is. Sorry-personal.