Citation

Sever C, Ulkur E, Uygur F, Celikoz B. Burns 2008; 34(8): 1210-1212.

Affiliation

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Burn Unit, Haydarpasha Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burns.2007.09.017

PMID

18241998

Abstract

Freon is a trade name for a group of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used primarily as refrigerants in industry in the form of clear, colourless, non-flammable gas or liquid. Several different types of refrigeration equipment contain Freon gas, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers and water coolers. CFCs are also occasionally used as dry-cleaning solvents, aerosol propellants, blowing agents, chemical excipients and topical anaesthetics.

When CFCs were first developed in the 1930s, it was thought that they were useful and non-toxic to human health. Decades later, it was discovered that CFCs harm the environment and human health. Freon gas has low toxicity, but exposure to relatively high concentrations may have adverse effects on health. Despite its widespread use, few reports of injuries involving Freon gas have been published.

Freon gas produces rapid and profound cooling of the surrounding air, thus causing localised cold injury and cellular destruction in human tissue, and subsequent inactivation of sensory nerves results in numbness. Moreover, skin contact with Freon gas can lead to drying of the skin, contact dermatitis and mild skin irritation with discomfort or rash. The gas may also cause severe frostbite. Frostbite following exposure to cold gases is a recognised occupational hazard.

Prevention is the best strategy for reducing the morbidity and mortality of frostbite. The first step is to increase the awareness of the public and of healthcare professionals of the risks of these injuries, most of which can be prevented by education and by adequate precautions.

Language: en