Where It Comes From
Leaks and releases from older cooling equipment and during servicing; industrial use as a feedstock to make fluoropolymers; legacy foam insulation. [1][2]
How You Are Exposed
Breathing air near a leak, especially indoors or in confined spaces; during equipment maintenance; skin/eye contact with the very cold liquid. [1][3]
Why It Matters
Can displace oxygen and cause dizziness, headache, and confusion; very high levels may trigger irregular heartbeat, unconsciousness, or death; liquid can cause frostbite. Environmentally, it depletes ozone and is a potent greenhouse gas. [1][3][2]
Who Is at Risk
HVAC/refrigeration workers; people in small or poorly ventilated rooms with older R‑22 units; workers making or transporting the gas; people with heart disease or using stimulants; anyone who intentionally inhales refrigerants. [1][3]
How to Lower Your Exposure
Repair leaks promptly; use certified technicians; ensure good ventilation; replace aging R‑22 equipment with non‑ozone‑depleting alternatives; follow EPA rules for recovery and disposal; never inhale refrigerants. [2][3][1]
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Phaseout of HCFCs (including R‑22) and ozone layer protection resources.
- [3]CDC/NIOSH. Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Chlorodifluoromethane (R‑22).