Are any alternative refrigerants more environmentally beneficial than others?
HFC-134a does not contain chlorine and therefore does not contribute to ozone depletion, although like other HFCs, it contributes to global warming. HCFC-22 and all other HCFCs contribute to both ozone depletion and global warming. All blend refrigerants listed as acceptable for motor vehicle use contain HCFCs. R-134a Rationing?According to a recent article in the March 15, 1999, issue of The NEWS magazine, there may not be enough HFC-134a (R-134a) to go around.Jay Kestenbaum of Refron, a Long Island refrigerant distributor, believes that this summer mobile A/C technicians may experience a shortage in R-134a. Early warnings from the European market have begun, where supplies have tightened severely, according to Kestenbaum. This situation could easily spill over into the US mobile A/C market, where demand is very strong. An estimated 50 million cars will need supplies of R-134a and R-12 to keep their cooling systems operating between now and 2006, according to a federal study. Another
