It would be very hard to survive the hot summers without a properly working air conditioner. For an air conditioner to cool the air in your home, it must have a refrigerant known as Freon. While it is necessary for this, there is also the potential risk of it causing some health issues to anyone in the home under certain conditions. Primary Side Effects of Freon Exposure There are numerous side effects and symptoms of exposure to Freon at home or in the workplace.