Final answer:
Non-toxic refrigerants can cause death by displacing oxygen in an area, decreasing the oxygen available to cells and potentially leading to asphyxiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-toxic refrigerants can still cause death because b. They displace oxygen. Refrigerants, while not inherently toxic, can lead to oxygen displacement in an enclosed space. When refrigerants are released in a poorly ventilated area, the denser gas can accumulate and effectively reduce the amount of oxygen available. This can prevent adequate oxygen from reaching the cells of the body, a condition that can lead to asphyxiation and ultimately, death. This is similar to the way carbon dioxide fire extinguishers work, by cutting off the flow of oxygen to a fire. Regularly maintaining equipment such as gas and kerosene heaters is important to prevent the buildup of dangerous gases in an environment.