Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Harmful Affects of Freon
Freon today is both a benefactor and a subtle threat to humans. The gas helped replaced a harmful alternative and is now regularly used in both automotive air conditioning systems and food coolers. At the same time, the chemical also contributes to an environmental threat that could make being in the sun dangerous for millions in the future.
History
During the 1920s, chemicals used in cooling processes had caused a number of fatal accidents, forcing many to move their food coolers out into the backyard and garage to avoid being poisoned. In 1928, Freon was developed and answered the problem of circulating a refrigerant for cooling that wasnt poisonous. By 1930, Freon was being installed in both kitchen appliances and cars on a regular basis. To this day, the brand name of Freon is still owned by DuPont, one of the primary manufacturers of the product.
Human Interaction
Incidental exposure to Freon is nontoxic, which made it a great replacement chemical for refrigerators versus the prior, poisonous chemicals used for the same purpose. However, skin exposure to concentrated leakage can cause freezing burns on contact. Very concentrated forms of Freon can cause core organ damage if long-term exposure occurs.
Environmental Damage
Freon has been documented to be quite harmful to the earths ozone layer. Proliferation of the chemical and its eventual escape as a gas has added significant amounts to the atmosphere. This particular chemical reacts with the planets atmospheric ozone layer, disintegrating it. It can also bond with water and contaminate water sources and deposits.
Special Situation for Heart Conditions
Those with acute heart problems should maintain a heightened awareness of Freon leaks. While Freon inhaled will get ejected from the body quickly with exhalation, it can replace oxygen cells in high concentration. This effect can cause heart palpitations or an irregular heart rate at initial exposure. For those with a weak heart, the situation can lead to all sorts of circulatory side effects and possibly a heart attack.
Regulatory Phaseout
Freons days are numbered. Per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Freon needs to eventually be eliminated from use due to its ozone depletion threat. As part of the Montreal Protocol, of which the U.S. is a partner, Freons demise is to begin en masse by 2015. By 2020 the Agency wants to ban 99.5 percent of all production Freon available in all products. By 2030 all use of Freon in any form is to be eliminated in the U.S.
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