Refrigerant is a trade name used to refer to a wide range of industrial chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons. However, its wide use raises serious health concerns. refrigerant comes in form of colorless, non-flammable liquids and gases mainly used in making fluorocarbon resins and lubricants, as well as a refrigerant in cooling systems and as a solvent in aerosol propellants. If not used properly, refrigerant can pose a danger to human health. Read on to learn about the relationship between refrigerant and Health.
Effects of refrigerant Exposure
refrigerant is not completely harmless to humans. Therefore you need to go for medical check ups at least once a year if you are exposed to refrigerant at work. refrigerant in air conditioners and refrigerators may leak if there is a flaw in the system, exposing you to small quantities of refrigerant. With time, this may affect your heart. If you have a known heart problem, continued exposure to refrigerant may cause irregular heartbeat.
In high concentrations, however, refrigerant can cause asphyxia, dizziness and loss of concentration as well as coordination. Additionally, you may get dermatitis and skin rashes among other types of skin problems.
Effects of refrigerant Exposure on Kids and Pets
refrigerant is 3 to 4 times denser than air, so it is normally found near the ground. This means that kids and pets are at high risk of getting exposed to refrigerant because they are shorter. Prolonged exposure can cause serious problems in kids and pets because they are more sensitive to these chemicals.
refrigerant and the Environment
Environmentalists have identified refrigerant as one of the major pollutants of the environment. The chemical is known to deplete the ozone layer, which protects the Earth against harmful UV radiation. Fortunately, the use of refrigerant has already been phased out, so modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems may not contain this chemical.
If you live or work in a place that is likely to have refrigerant, be sure to go for health checkups every year to ensure that you are in good health. You may also want to hire a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your equipment to ensure that it is not leaking refrigerant. Alternatively, you can have the technician replace the refrigerant with a safer refrigerant. Follow Our Blog for More Great HVAC Information.
