Because it is a liquid that does not bind well to soil, freon 113 that makes its way into the ground can move through the ground and enter groundwater. Plants and animals are not likely to store freon 113. Effects of freon 113 on human health and the environment depend on how much freon 113 is present and the length and frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or the condition of the environment when exposure occurs. Breathing large amounts of freon 113 for short periods of time adversely affects the human nervous system.
Effects range from dizziness to incoordination and irregular heart beat.
These effects are not likely to occur at levels of freon 113 that are normally found in the environment. Freon 113 is not likely to cause adverse human health effects following repeat exposure to smaller amounts of the chemical over long periods of time. Freon 113 is not likely to cause immediate environmental harm at levels normally found in the environment. However, it is likely to remain in the air long enough to reach the upper atmosphere. Here it can be a source of chlorine atoms that damage the Earth's ozone layer.