Freon

Freon ( FREE-on) is a registered trademark of Chemours and generic descriptor for a number of halocarbon products. They are stable, nonflammable, low toxicity gases or liquids which have generally been used as refrigerants and as aerosol propellants. They include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), both of which cause ozone depletion (although the latter much less so) and contribute to global warming. "Freon" is the brand name for the refrigerants R-12, R-13B1, R-22, R-410A, R-502, and R-503 manufactured by Chemours. They emit a strong smell similar to acetone. Freon has been found to cause damage to human health when inhaled in large amounts. Studies have been conducted in the pursuit to find beneficial reuses for gases under the Freon umbrella as an alternative to disposal.