Question

Refrigerant vapors should never be inhaled because they ________.

a) cause skin irritation
b) are odorless
c) are toxic and can cause respiratory harm
d) are flammable

Answer 1

Refrigerant vapors are toxic and can cause significant respiratory harm if inhaled. They are part of the chemicals that can deplete the ozone layer and contribute to photochemical smog, which also poses health risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Refrigerant vapors should never be inhaled because they are toxic and can cause respiratory harm. Refrigerants are chemicals used in cooling and refrigeration processes and can be present as aerosol propellants in spray cans and as refrigerants which cause depletion of the ozone layer. However, their immediate threat to human health if inhaled is due to their toxicity. Refrigerants like CFCs, when decomposed by ultraviolet light, release chlorine atoms which react with ozone molecules. While this process affects the stratospheric ozone layer, related chemicals in the troposphere can be part of photochemical smog, which is toxic when inhaled.

In a laboratory setting, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines such as using fume hoods, not inhaling fumes, and keeping the room well ventilated to prevent exposure to harmful vapors. Many chemicals are flammable or highly flammable, making it also a fire hazard to handle them improperly.