Report highlights hidden impacts of HFOs

Persistent Problems – The hidden impacts of hydrofluoroolefins, the latest generation of fluorinated gases makes the case to end the use of fluorinated refrigerants.

The EIA notes the transitions that have taken place in refrigerant production and usage over the years. Ozone-depleting CFCs and HCFCs were phased out via the Montreal Protocol and replaced with HFCs, which are now being phased down via the Kigali Amendment due to their high global warming potential (GWP). The report focuses on the latest generation of refrigerants, known as HFOs, which are being billed by manufacturers as a replacement for HFCs and as a sustainable solution for the HVAC&R industry.

The report questions these claims and highlights the environmental, trade and governance issues associated with HFOs. These include the atmospheric decomposition of HFOs into TFA – a form of PFAS or forever chemical – and ultra-high GWP gases, as well as emissions of high-GWP and ozone depleting chemicals during HFO production. It argues that the adoption of HFOs is at odds with the precautionary principle, a cornerstone of the Montreal Protocol.

“The illusion of HFO’s sustainability is shattered by the emissions of climate- and ozone-damaging gases associated with their production and use,” says EIA Climate Campaigner Joanna Sparks.

“Add to this the fact that HFOs are a source of persistent and pervasive per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, aka ‘forever chemicals’) pollution, meaning their use is irreversibly contaminating the environment and contributing to yet another planetary crisis, and it is clear that, regardless of what the fluorochemical industry claims, HFOs pose unnecessary risks to people and to our environment.”

The report also emphasises the widespread availability of non-fluorinated alternatives, including natural refrigerants.

The report is available to download at the EIA website.

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