Hazardous Substances
Refrigerant / Freon Huffing
Street names: Freon, AC coolant, R-22, Refrigerant gas
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Brief euphoria, disorientation
- Floating sensation
⚠Key risks
- EXTREMELY dangerous — refrigerant gases (difluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane) cause sudden cardiac death at high rates
- Frostbite to airways
- Oxygen displacement — suffocation
- Refrigerant is heavier than air — pools in lungs
- Often fatal on FIRST use
✚Overdose signs
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Seizures
- Blue lips, unconsciousness
- Death within minutes
📋Quick facts
Also known asFreon, AC coolant, R-22, Refrigerant gas
CategoryHazardous Substances
Schedule / classNot a drug — HVAC refrigerant
AppearanceCompressed refrigerant gas from air conditioners, freezers, coolant cans
Street priceStolen/siphoned — no price, high death cost
Legal statusNot a drug; theft/abuse criminalized
Last updated2026-09-17
Sources: CPSC, NIDA
Category comparison — Hazardous Substances
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant / Freon Huffing | Not a drug — HVAC refrigerant | EXTREMELY dangerous — refrigerant gases (difluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane) cause sudden cardiac death at high rates; Frostbite to airways | Stolen/siphoned — no price, high death cost |
| Air Duster (Computer Duster / Canned Air) | Household product — not a drug; no age restriction on purchase | SUDDEN SNIFFING DEATH — the most deadly inhalant: difluoroethane sensitizes the heart to adrenaline; a sudden fright, chase, or exertion triggers fatal cardiac arrest. First-time users die; Frostbite to lungs and airway from direct spray | $3–$8 per can at any electronics/office store |
| Gasoline / Petrol Huffing | Not a drug — fuel product | Extremely toxic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene); Sudden sniffing death — cardiac arrest | Effectively free — siphoned fuel |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Refrigerant / Freon Huffing look like?
Compressed refrigerant gas from air conditioners, freezers, coolant cans
What are the signs of a Refrigerant / Freon Huffing overdose?
Sudden cardiac arrest; Seizures; Blue lips, unconsciousness Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
EXTREMELY dangerous — refrigerant gases (difluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane) cause sudden cardiac death at high rates Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.