PFAS and Refrigeration
Folks of a certain age may have the “hole in the ozone layer” burned into their memory as one of the first widely discussed environmental concerns. After it was confirmed that Chlorofluorocarbon’s (CFCs) were significant contributors to this ecological disaster, government regulations helped to alleviate the long-term damage by strictly limiting the use of CFC’s in the refrigeration industry. Modern day refrigerant discussions are focused on GWP or global warming potential. Recently, a new environmental threat has begun to get more attention. Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), or forever chemicals, are manmade substances being found almost everywhere on earth, and their effects are concerning.
PFAS are being reported as having detrimental effects on humans and animals. Studies have indicated PFAS can contribute to many problems such as cancer, hormonal and immune system disruptions, reduced fertility, and many similarly dangerous symptoms. We certainly don’t have all the fact on these substances, but we can detect them in most everything from soil to the water, and even in the bloodstream. It is also known that these substances are very resistant to natural decay and therefore are aptly named as “forever chemicals”.
While PFAS exposure is a problem for everyone, PFAS may be of particular note for the refrigeration industry. This is because many refrigerants contain intentionally added PFAS. Refrigerants such as R404A, R410A, R448A, R449A and many others contain PFAS chemicals. Direct contact with refrigerant is already a known immediate danger, and is already avoided, so direct contact to customers and technicians isn’t necessarily the focus of this newfound concern. The environmental effects of PFAS, however, may soon fall under heavy scrutiny and heavy restrictions. Minnesota has taken steps already to ban PFAS, especially where it is considered non-essential to a product. Therefore, it may be wise to consider the long-term impact of PFAS on refrigerant selections in the future. Natural refrigerators, such as Ammonia and CO2, do not contain PFAS. Natural refrigerants are once again proving to be a future proof and environmentally conscious decision.
If environmental or cost concerns are making you consider a move from your current refrigerant, please reach out to Carlson and Stewart Refrigeration. The ever-changing world of commercial refrigerants can be confusing and difficult to predict. While CSR certainly doesn’t claim to know everything about politics and governmental policy, our engineers would be happy to layout the current state of affairs and help plan according to what works for you.
Reference: www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained