Refrigerator and Freezer Hazards Loss of electrical power can produce extremely hazardous situations. Flammable or toxic vapors may be released from refrigerators and freezers as chemicals warm up and/or certain reactive materials may decompose energetically upon warming.
The risks associated with the use of refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment can include toxicity, flammability, asphyxiation, and physical hazards.
Refrigerators May contain liquefied gases or an ammonia solution. Repair kits May contain organic peroxides and flammable adhesives, solvent-based paints, resins, etc.
A refrigerator contains several hazardous chemicals such as CFCs, PVC, and PUR foams as well as mercury in the light bulbs. These should be handled with care.
Many old refrigerants damage the ozone layer. Other refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases. They can contribute to climate change and impact human health. This video explains how refrigerants contribute to climate change and what you can do to help reduce emissions.
Fridges, freezers, chillers and air-conditioning units
Components such as circuit boards, motors and any plastic parts may contain hazardous chemicals or POPs .
Refrigerators and air conditioners release Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs damage the ozone layer of the atmosphere. The ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiations.
Over time, the motor can wear out and stop working properly. Another is dirt and debris build-up, preventing the motor from running smoothly. Sometimes, a refrigerator motor can also be damaged by a power surge. If there's a sudden spike in electricity, it can fry the motor, causing it to stop working.
CFCs and HCFCs are the most harmful because they contain chlorine. These refrigerants are also relatively stable, meaning they don't get destroyed easily by rain or sunlight. This makes it more likely that they will reach the stratosphere, where the ozone layer is.
Modern refrigerators use other types of refrigerants like HFCs and HFOs, which don't affect the ozone layer. Although Freon is not used anymore in new refrigerators, older refrigerators may still run on Freon if they were made before CFCs were phased out.
Improperly storing hazardous materials in a refrigerator can cause explosions, fires, and poisonings. Cooling elements, internal lights, defrost switches, and timers inside refrigerators are often capable of producing enough of a spark to ignite flammable vapors.
Exposure to refrigerant gases can cause headaches, skin irritation, and in severe cases, respiratory problems. Moreover, a malfunctioning fridge can also lead to mould growth, releasing spores into the air and causing allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Food that has been stored too long in the refrigerator or freezer may be of lessened quality, but most likely would not make anyone sick. (However, some bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes thrive at cold temperatures, and if present, will multiply in the refrigerator over time and could cause illness.)
Severe lung damage may occur. Survival past 72 hours usually means the person will have a complete recovery. Sniffing Freon is extremely dangerous and can lead to long-term brain damage and sudden death.
The long term effects of working in cold may include arthritis (wear and tear of tissue), rheumatism (damage of tissue from immune response), breathing difficulties (bronchitis) and heart disease due to the strain placed on the heart from changes in blood circulation.
Hazards in cold storage facilities include: entrapment. exposure to cold. hazardous / oxygen deficient atmospheres.
R22 (also known as HCFC-22) is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) once widely used as a refrigerant. If your home or office AC is over 10 years old, it's probably using R22 freon. However, R22 Freon is banned in the U.S. today.
However, certain HC refrigerants like R600a are also known to be highly flammable and may be hazardous to consumers in the unlikely event of leakages. To prevent such accidents, all refrigerants must be hermetically sealed within the refrigerator as part of product safety standards.
Some people describe this smell as similar to acetone, nail polish remover, or even chloroform. The odor may become stronger with larger leaks, but it's often subtle enough to go unnoticed. If you notice an unusual sweet or chemical-like scent near your HVAC unit or air vents, it could be a sign of a refrigerant leak.
The most common issues with refrigerators include incorrect or inconsistent temperature, moisture inside the appliance, and water dispenser or ice maker problems. These issues might be resolved by adjusting the temperature settings, checking the door seal, or calling in a professional for help.
A refrigerator is cold, making it unthinkable that the appliance can catch fire. However, its interior parts, such as the compressor, can overheat and spark.
As per experts, the process of refrigeration and storage often leads to loss of essential nutrients. Also, their is some loss of colour, flavour and texture. However, refrigeration does prolong the shelf life of the food. But caution must be exercised and one should always set the right temperature while storing foods.
The US banned the manufacturing of new air conditioners or refrigeration systems that use Freon back in 2010. As of 2020, no new Freon can be manufactured or imported into the US. Puron, also known as R-410A; Suva; Forane; and EcoFluor, was approved by the EPA as a substitute for Freon.
Potential freon leaks
Freon is a liquid gas that could leak. If it leaks in a liquid form, it is only mildly damaging. However, if it leaks in a gas form, it can be highly toxic. If inhaled, it can prove to be fatal.