Managing Refrigerant Emissions

Many refrigerants that are commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems are ozone-depleting substances ( ODS ozone-depleting substance (ODS) A compound that contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. ODS include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrobromofluorocarbons, chlorobromomethane, and methyl chloroform. ODS are generally very stable in the troposphere and only degrade under intense ultraviolet light in the stratosphere. When they break down, they release chlorine or bromine atoms, which then deplete ozone. A detailed list of class I and class II substances with their ODPs, GWPs, and CAS numbers is available. ). Managing refrigerant emissions is an important strategy for addressing ozone layer depletion and protecting human health and the environment.