Man hospitalised after air conditioning leak
A MAN has been taken to hospital this morning after coming into contact with refrigerant from an air conditioning unit.
The fluid reportedly leaked from a portable unit at a Gordon Ct address just before 8am.
The man was taken to Warwick Hospital as a precaution following the exposure.
Refrigerant contains chemicals called fluorinated hydrocarbons, which when uncontained is mostly a tasteless and odourless gas.
Limited exposure such as breathing in near an open container or spilling small amounts on skin is only mildly harmful.
Exposure to high concentrations however can cause health problems such a fluid build-up in the lungs, breathing issues and organ failure.
In an emergency phone 000 or phone the Queensland Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
