Freon: an unsuspected problem.

Abstract

Freon 113 is not usually considered a toxic chemical and is not generally included in toxicology text lists of dangerous chemicals. However, during one 7-year period, the U.S. Navy recorded 38 freon-related mishaps, including 16 chemical burns and 22 inhalation injuries. Several deaths were also recorded. Part of the problem seems to be that freon compounds are excellent degreasing and cleaning agents. Consequently, they are widely and inappropriately used by aviation ground crews for this purpose. Such use usually presents no problem, except when the agent is used in small, closed, unventilated areas. This paper outlines the properties of freon that make it dangerous in the aviation community, some case histories of freon-related mishaps, what the Navy has done to control or prevent the problem from recurring, and the Navy's relative success with its prevention policies.