What deadly gas is created when freon is heated?

When freon, which is a type of refrigerant, is heated to high temperatures, it can decompose and form phosgene. Phosgene is a highly toxic gas that can pose serious health risks, including respiratory damage, if inhaled. The process of thermal decomposition occurs when freon is subjected to excessive heat, leading to chemical reactions that yield phosgene among other products.

In the context of refrigeration systems, it’s crucial to manage and maintain the refrigerants within safe temperature ranges to prevent any dangerous decompositions. Understanding these risks is essential for refrigeration operating engineers, as it contributes to safety protocols and effective system management in industrial and commercial applications.

The other substances listed, while potentially harmful in other contexts, do not arise from the thermal decomposition of freon. Therefore, identifying phosgene as the resulting gas is key in recognizing the hazards associated with improper handling of refrigerants.