How Fluorocarbon Refrigerant Gases Are Destroying the Environment

Most people have heard of the environmental damage caused by carbon emissions, a greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to global warming. What many people don't realize is that refrigerants such as fluorocarbons are also contributing to the problem. While far fewer fluorocarbon molecules escape into the atmosphere, the ones that do are extremely potent. By recovering, reclaiming, or recycling refrigerants, businesses can save money and help protect the environment from these harmful compounds.

What Are Fluorocarbons? 

A fluorocarbon is a molecular compound composed of the elements fluorine and carbon. In common parlance, however, the term is often applied to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), molecules with chlorine in addition to fluorine and carbon, or perfluorocarbons (PFCs), which include hydrogen atoms. They are inert, stable, nonflammable, and have a high vapor temperature, making them ideal refrigerants. Unfortunately, they are also extremely harmful to the environment.

Why Are Fluorocarbons So Harmful?

The characteristics that make CFC's and other fluorocarbons desirable refrigerants also make them environmentally damaging. Because their bonds are strong and stable, they last in the atmosphere for a long time. Like carbon, they are greenhouse gases, meaning that they absorb heat reflected off the earth's surface that would otherwise escape into space. According to a report done by the Australian Government's Department of the Environment and Energy, refrigerants are particularly harmful because they release ozone-depleting chlorine into the stratosphere, allowing more solar radiation in and exacerbating temperature increase.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Fluorocarbons From Reaching the Atmosphere?

Refrigerants escape into the atmosphere from faulty or poorly maintained cooling equipment, or when they are improperly disposed of. The best way to minimize refrigerants escaping into our atmosphere is to use experienced and licensed professionals to replace and dispose of faulty tanks. 

Refrigerant Solutions is an industry leader in responsible refrigerant solutions. We are one of less than 60 companies in the U.S. certified by the EPA to perform this work. If you're in need of recycling for your old refrigerant tank or are concerned about the safety of your current one, contact us right away. We can perform hydrostatic testing to check for any needed repairs. We can also travel to New York, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Vermont for your convenience.