Question 163Refrigeration & AC - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is A) Refrigerants are heavier than air and displace oxygen. When refrigerants such as CFC or HCFC leak into a confined space or limited surroundings, they can displace the oxygen in the air. Since these refrigerants are denser than air, they will sink and accumulate in the lower portions of the space, reducing the oxygen concentration. This can lead to asphyxiation, as the lack of oxygen prevents proper breathing and can cause unconsciousness and even death. The other options are incorrect because: B) Refrigerants do not contain acidic substances that would affect breathing, C) The odor of refrigerants does not prevent breathing, and D) Refrigerants are heavier than air and will not rise, but rather displace the oxygen-rich air.