The dangers of R22 gases

R22 gases are used widely in refrigeration and heating systems. The systems that utilise R22 gases are found in domestic, commercial and industrial environments. One of the major defects of using R22 gases is that once they leak, hydrochloroflurocarbons (HCFCs) are released into the atmosphere. These carbon compounds are known to speed up the depletion of the ozone layer.

The ozone layer is important for the survival of life on planet Earth. The ozone protects the world from the harmful UV radiation released by the sun. UV radiation is known to cause a lot of problems in the eco-system while also accelerating global warming. Due to the wide ranging environmental problems caused by R22 gases, their phase out is being implemented by the government of UK.

New generation refrigerants which do not cause ozone layer depletion have been found and the R22 gas based refrigerants are being phased out. The conversion process has already started and a lot of organizations, which utilise R22 gases in their refrigeration systems, are being asked to replace them at the earliest. The phase-out of R22 gases however, is also a very tedious task due to their considerable penetration into everyone’s lives. It is then important to spread awareness about their harmful nature as soon as possible.