[Sudden death caused by freon 22?].

Case report of a plumber's fatal work accident. Investigations on the causes of death made at post mortem showed that the worker had absorbed a large quantity of freon 22 (chlorodifluoromethane) which is known to be a narcotic agent and capable of inducing cardiac arrhythmia. It is believed freon inhalation was the cause of loss of consciousness with consequent death from drowning in the water issuing from the pipes. It is concluded that preventive measures need to be reinforced by adequate information to the workforce on the risks connected to this type of gas.