178 Freon
Injection of freon is possible but seems to occur as industrial accidents to
fingers rather than as an effort to obtain psychological effects. Upon injection,
the gas, which has been under pressure in a container, is free to expand inside
the body, producing uncomfortable results. Case reports indicate that victims
fully recover.
Injury has also occurred from exposure to liquid freon, which is extremely
cold and can cause severe frostbite. In one case, portions of a stomach died
from freezing, causing holes that had to be surgically repaired. As with injec-
tions, injuries from liquid freon seem to be industrial accidents rather than
results of recreational use.
Abuse factors.Not enough scientific information to report about tolerance,
dependence, withdrawal, or addiction.
Drug interactions.Not enough scientific information to report.
Cancer.Not enough scientific information to report.
Pregnancy.Not enough scientific information to report.
Additional scientific information may be found in:“Aerosols for Colds.”Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics15 (1973): 86–88.
Brady, W.J., Jr., et al. “Freon Inhalational Abuse Presenting with Ventricular Fibrilla-
tion.”American Journal of Emergency Medicine12 (1994): 533–36.
Goldsmith, R.J. “Death by Freon.”Journal of Clinical Psychiatry50 (1989): 36–37.
Lee, T., et al. “Oral Frostbite Secondary to Freon Propellant Abuse.”Journal of Toxicol-
ogy. Clinical Toxicology34 (1996): 562.
Maxwell, J.C. “Deaths Related to the Inhalation of Volatile Substances in Texas: 1988–
1998.”American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse27 (2001): 689–97.
Wegener, E.E., K.R. Barraza, and S.K. Das. “Severe Frostbite Caused by Freon Gas.”
Southern Medical Journal84 (1991): 1143–46.