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Stratospheric Ozone Protection, CFC'S, & Refrigerants

  1. Image of car on a water bridge by the SunsetIs Ozone depletion a real problem?
  2. Why do we care if the ozone layer depletes?
  3. What depletes the ozone layer?
  4. What can you do to protect the ozone layer?
  5. What international measures are being taken to control the use of these chemicals ?
  6. What measures have been taken by the United States?
  7. What are the major categories of handling CFCs ?
  8. What do I need to do to work on stationary air conditioning systems?
  9. I have a home appliance that contains refrigerant (e.g., refrigerator, air conditioner, freezer, etc.) that I want to get rid of. What do I need to do?
  10. What do I need to do to work in the auto industry on air conditioning?
  11. Do I need to be certified to purchase ozone-depleting refrigerants such as Freon?
  12. I understand that CFC-12 is no longer being produced. Does this mean I can no longer use my vehicle air conditioner?
  13. Does EPA require that all leaks in motor vehicle air conditioners be repaired?
  14. Is   a service shop that only charges or "tops off" an air conditioning system covered by the requirements to purchase EPA certified equipment and have technicians certified?
  15. Where can I get more information on ozone depletion?
  16. Where can I go for additional information EPA's Air Conditioning Regulations ?
  17. What is Carbon Monoxide?
  18. Why is Carbon Monoxide a public health problem?
  19. How is Carbon Monoxide formed?
  20. What's been done to control carbon monoxide levels?
  21. What else Is being done?

STRATOSPHERIC OZONE PROTECTION, CFC'S, AND REFRIGERANTS

  1. Is ozone depletion a real problem?
  2. Yes! Since the early 1980's an ozone "hole" has formed over Antarctica every September and October. Rather than being a literal hole through the layer, the ozone hole is a large area of the stratosphere with extremely low amounts of ozone. Ozone levels fall by over 60% during the worst years. In addition, smaller, but still significant, stratospheric decreases have been seen at other, more populated regions of the Earth. Over the U.S., for instance, ozone levels have fallen 5-10%, depending on the season. Thus, ozone depletion is a global issue and not just a problem at the South Pole. Return to TOP

  3. Why do we care if the ozone layer depletes?
  4. The stratospheric ozone layer is the earth's main shield against the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Thus, depletion of the ozone layer can result in increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Increased UV radiation heightens the incidence of human skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened human immune systems, and it also endangers the environment by threatening important crop yields, and other plant and animal life. For instance, cases of melanoma in the United States, the most serious form of skin cancer, has almost doubled in the past two decades, with at least 32,000 new cases of  melanoma and 6,900 deaths estimated in 1994 alone. This rise in melanoma cases and deaths in America is expected to continue.  For more information on ozone depletion and its effects visit EPA's Ozone Depletion Website at  www.epa.gov/ozone/science or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at 1-800-296-1996.
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  5. What depletes the ozone layer?

    The scientific evidence, accumulated over more than two decades of study by the international research community, has shown that certain human made chemicals containing chlorine and bromine, such as CFCs and Halons, are responsible for the observed depletions of the ozone layer. These ozone-depleting chemicals are very stable in the lower atmosphere. This enables them to survive long enough to reach the stratosphere, where ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes them to break apart and release chlorine and bromine atoms. These highly reactive atoms then react with ozone, starting chemical cycles of ozone destruction that deplete the ozone layer. One chlorine atom can destroy more than 100,000 ozone molecules and bromine is 40 times more effective at destroying ozone.

    Unfortunately, the use of ozone-depleting chemicals in our every-day lives is quite prevalent. They are used, for instance, as refrigerants, solvents, foam blowing agents, fire extinguishers, and pesticides. For more information on the causes of ozone depletion visit EPA's Ozone Depletion Website at www.epa.gov/ozone/science or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Protection Hotline at 1-800-296-1996.
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  6. What can you do to protect the ozone layer?

    Have your car air conditioning system properly serviced.  Check for leaks. Fixing leaks in car air conditioners before more refrigerant is added helps prevent unnecessary loss of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants and conserves supplies.  Ask about retrofitting; most car air conditioners sold prior to 1994 were designed to use CFCs, but can be modified to use a non-ozone depleting refrigerant. Dispose of old appliances containing refrigerant responsibly. Chlorofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant must be removed from an appliance before it is discarded.  Help start a refrigerant recovery and recycling program in your area: contact EPAs Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at 1-800-296-1996.  Ensure that the refrigerant is recovered from air conditioners, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers. Refrigerant must not be "vented" during the servicing of home appliances. Used refrigerant can be recycled. 
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  7. What international measures are being taken to control the use of these chemicals?

    The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a landmark international agreement (signed by over 160 countries) that sets specific deadlines for the phaseout of production and importation of ozone depleting chemicals. It was originally signed in 1987, and has been amended three times so far, in London in 1990, in Copenhagen in 1992, and recently in Montreal in 1997. Under this treaty, developed countries agreed to end production and importation of halons by the beginning of 1994, CFCs, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and hydrobromofluorocarbons by the beginning of 1996, methyl bromide by the beginning of 2005, and HCFCs by the beginning of 2030. Developing countries will stop the production and import of these ozone-depleting substances on a different, later phaseout schedule. For more information on international ozone protection policies, please visit EPA's Ozone Depletion Website at www.epa.gov/ozone/intpol or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at 1-800-296-1996.
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  8. What measures have been taken by the United States?

    The U.S. first moved to protect the ozone layer in 1978 when CFCs were banned as propellants in most aerosol products. In 1990, Congress passed the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 that included additional measures to protect the ozone layer. Most importantly, the law requires a gradual end to the production of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer. The chemicals that cause the most damage will be phased out first. The phase-out schedule can be speeded up if an earlier end to production of ozone depleting substances is needed to protect the ozone layer (see table below for current phase-out dates). In addition, the law also bans the release of refrigerants during the service, maintenance and disposal of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, requires the labeling of products containing or manufactured with ozone-depleting chemicals, bans nonessential uses of ozone depleting chemicals, and establishes a program to review the health and environmental acceptability of alternatives.

    Ozone Depleting Chemical

    When U.S. production ends*                                 DATE
    Halons January 1, 1994 
    CFCs,
    Carbon Tetrachloride
    Methyl Chloroform
    HBFCs 
    January 1, 1996
    Methyl Bromide January 1, 2001
    HCFC-141b January 1, 2003
    HCFC-142b and HCFC-22  January 1, 2020
    All other HCFCS January 1, 2030   

    * Some essential use exemptions For more information, visit EPA's Ozone Depletion Web Site at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6 or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Protection Hotline at 1-800-296-1996. 
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  9. What are the major categories of handling CFC's?

    Reclaim - to reprocess refrigerant to at least the purity specified in the ARI Standard 700-1993 and to chemically analyze the refrigerant to determine that it meets this level of purity. 

    Recycle- To extract refrigerant from an appliance and to clean refrigerant for reuse without meeting all the requirements of reclamation. 

    Recover - To remove refrigerant in any condition from an appliance and to store it in an external container without necessarily testing or processing it in any way
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  10.  What do I need to do to work on stationary air conditioning systems?

    You must pass an EPA-approved test given by an EPA-approved certifying organization to become certified under EPA's Section 608 Technician Certification Program. Under this program, there are four types of certification: 

    • Type I - for servicing small appliances;
    • Type II- for servicing or disposing of high or very high pressure appliances, except small appliances;
    • Type III - for servicing or disposing of low pressure appliances; and
    • Universal - for servicing all types of appliances.

    When opening an appliance, you must evacuate the appliance to established vacuum levels using EPA-approved Section 608 recovery or recycling equipment. For the current list of EPA approved Section 608 certifying organizations and a summary of the Section 608 Refrigerant Recycling Rule, visit EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Web Site at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/608 or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at 1-800-296-1996
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  11. I have a home appliance that contains refrigerant (e.g., refrigerator, air conditioner, freezer, etc.) that I want to get rid of.  What do I need to do?

    Section 608 of the Clean Air Act prohibits individuals from knowingly venting refrigerants (unless specifically exempted by EPA) into the atmosphere while disposing of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. As a result, EPA has established safe disposal requirements to ensure recovery of refrigerants from home appliances. These rules, however, do not require that recovery take place at any specific point along the disposal chain. Instead, the "final processor" (e.g., scrap metal processing facility, or landfill) is required to verify that the refrigerant has been recovered from discarded appliances or remove the refrigerant themselves. Where final processors choose not to recover the refrigerant themselves, they need a signed statement from the person delivering the appliance that all the refrigerant that had not leaked previously has been recovered from the appliance. Therefore, before arranging for pickup or disposal of your used appliances, please take one of the following steps: Contact the department in your town or county that is responsible for disposal of appliances (e.g., public works, solid waste, utility authority trash pickup authority) and ask about their CFC/HCFC recovery programs; or ask your local home appliance retailers about their refrigerator and home appliance collection programs or about the availability of refrigerant-recovery services. For more information on EPA's safe disposal program, please call our stratospheric ozone hotline at 1-800-296-1996.  
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  12. What do I need to do to work in the auto industry on air conditioning?

    You must be trained and certified by a Section 609 EPA approved organization. You must use EPA-approved Section 609 recover/recycle or recover-only equipment. For more information on EPA's regulatory requirements for servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners, including the current list of EPA approved Section 609 technician certification programs and Section 609 recover/recycle and recover-only equipment, visit EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Web Site at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609 or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at 1-800-296-1996.
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  13. Do I need to be certified to purchase ozone-depleting refrigerants, such as Freon?

    The sale of any type of ozone-depleting refrigerant in any size container is restricted to certified technicians. Sales of CFC-12 in containers smaller than 20 lbs are restricted solely to Section 609 certified technicians. However, all larger containers of CFC-12 and all containers (regardless of size) of other ozone depleting refrigerants (e.g., HCFC-22, CFC-11) may be bought by both Section 608 and Section 609 certified technicians. For more information on EPA's refrigerant sales restrictions, visit EPA's Ozone Depletion Web Site at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/608/sales98.html or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at 1-800-296-1996.
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  14. I understand that CFC-12 is no longer being produced? Does this mean I can no longer use my vehicle air conditioner?

    While production of CFC-12 ceased at the end of 1995, use of existing supplies of CFC-12 is permitted. There are no laws requiring you to retrofit your air conditioning system by having new parts installed that allow it to use a non-CFC based refrigerant. However, as the supply decreases and the cost increases to use CFC-12, you may find it makes sense to shift to an alternative to CFC-12. The modifications required will differ according to the make and model of the car. Information on specific recommended changes is available from the manufacturer of your auto (or dealer in your area) and should be done only by qualified service technicians. In addition, make sure your service facility uses refrigerants listed as acceptable by EPA. For more information, on retrofitting your car's air conditioning system, visit EPA's Ozone Depletion Web Site at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/choice.html or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at 1-800-296-1996.
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  15. Does EPA require that all leaks in motor vehicle air conditioners be repaired?

    EPA does not require leaks to be repaired, although it suggests vehicle owners repair leaks to reduce emissions, avoid the need to continue to refill systems with high priced refrigerant, and extend the useful life of their air conditioner. Check with your own state to determine if a leak repair requirement exists.  
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  16. Is a service shop that only charges or "tops off" an air conditioning system covered by the requirements to purchase EPA certified equipment and have technicians certified?

    Yes. All shops performing service on motor vehicle air conditioner systems are covered by the regulations.  Charging systems is defined as performing service.   
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  17. Where can I get more information on ozone depletion?

    For more information on the depletion of the ozone layer, and the United States ozone protection program,  EPA's Ozone Depletion Web site at www.epa.gov/ozone or call EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at 1-800-296-1996.
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  18. Where can I go for additional information on EPA's Air Conditioning regulations?

    If you're looking for information on regulations applicable to motor vehicle air conditioning click on  EPA's Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Regulations .

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  19. What is Carbon Monoxide?

    Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. A product of incomplete burning of hydrocarbon-based fuels,(such as gasoline). Carbon monoxide consists of a carbon atom and an oxygen atom linked together. 
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  20. Why is Carbon Monoxide a public health problem?

    Carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream through the lungs and forms carboxyhemoglobin, a compound that inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to organs and tissues. Persons with heart disease are especially sensitive to carbon monoxide poisoning and may experience chest pain if they breathe the gas while exercising. Infants, elderly persons, and individuals with respiratory diseases are also particularly sensitive. Carbon monoxide can affect healthy individuals, impairing exercise capacity, visual perception, manual dexterity, learning functions, and ability to perform  complex tasks.  In 1992, carbon monoxide levels exceeded the Federal air quality standard in 20 U.S. cities, home to more than 14 million people.
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  21. How is Carbon Monoxide formed? 

    Carbon monoxide results from incomplete combustion of fuel and is emitted directly from vehicle tailpipes. Incomplete combustion is most likely to occur at low air-to-fuel ratios in the engine. These  conditions are common during vehicle starting when air supply is restricted ("choked"), when cars are not tuned properly, and at altitude, where "thin" air effectively reduces the amount of oxygen available for combustion (except in cars that are designed or adjusted to compensate for altitude). Nationwide, two-thirds of the carbon monoxide emissions come from transportation sources, with the largest contribution coming from highway motor vehicles. In urban areas, the motor vehicle contribution to carbon monoxide pollution can exceed 90 percent. 
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  22. What's been done to control Carbon Monoxide levels?

    The Clean Air Act gives state and local governments primary responsibility for regulating pollution from power plants, factories, and other "stationary sources." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has primary responsibility for "mobile source" pollution control.  The EPA motor vehicle program has achieved considerable success in reducing carbon  monoxide emissions. EPA standards in the early 1970's prompted auto makers to improve basic engine design. By 1975, most new cars were equipped with catalytic converters designed to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Catalysts typically reduce carbon monoxide emissions upwards of 80 percent. In the early 1980's, automakers introduced more sophisticated converters, plus  on-board computers and oxygen sensors to help optimize the efficiency of the catalytic converter.   

    Today's passenger cars are capable of emitting 90 percent less carbon monoxide over their lifetimes than their uncontrolled counterparts of the 1960's. As a result, ambient carbon monoxide levels have dropped, despite large increases in the number of vehicles on the road and the number of miles they travel. With continued increases in vehicle travel projected, however, carbon monoxide levels will begin to climb again unless even more effective emission controls are employed.
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  23. What else Is being done?

    Carbon monoxide emissions from automobiles increase dramatically in cold weather. This is because cars need more fuel to start at cold temperatures, and because some emission control devices (such as oxygen sensors and catalytic converters) operate less efficiently when they are cold. Until 1994, vehicles were tested for carbon monoxide emissions only at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. But recognizing the effect of cold weather, the 1990 Clean Air Act calls for 1994, and later, cars and light trucks to meet a carbon monoxide standard at 20 degrees Fahrenheit as well. The 1990 Clean Air Act also stipulates expanded requirements for Inspection and Maintenance programs. These routine emission system checks should help identify malfunctioning vehicles that emit excessive levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants. The inspections will be complemented by requirements for on-board warning devices to alert drivers when their emission control systems are not working properly.  Another strategy to reduce carbon monoxide emissions from motor vehicles is to add oxygen-containing compounds to gasoline. This has the effect of "leaning out" the air-to-fuel ratio, thereby promoting complete fuel combustion. The most common oxygen additives are  alcohols or their derivatives.

    Several Western U.S. cities have successfully employed wintertime oxygenated gasoline for many years. The 1990 Clean Air Act expands this concept and requires that oxygenated gasoline be used during the winter months in certain metropolitan areas with high carbon monoxide levels . 

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    Additional Questions on:
               Disposal /Hazardous Waste

               General Auto Operations


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