What is CFC

Soucers : Department Of Environmental (DOE)
Published :18 Sept,2007

DO YOU KNOW.......

Our earth is protected by a thin ozone layer which filters out harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays

WHAT IS CFC?

CFC or Chloroflourocarbon is a chemical compound that contains atoms of carbon, flourine and chlorine. The chlorine atoms from CFCs can deplete the ozone layer and reduce its ability to protect against the ultra violet radiation consequently. The increase of ultra violet radiation from the sun will render serious negative effects to human and ecosystem such as increase cases of skin cancer, cataract and reduced immunity.
MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER

The world community realised the importance of protecting the ozone layer and has acted decisively by committing themselves to phase out the use and production of ozone depleting substances (ODS) through an international treaty: the Montreal Protocol. Malaysia is one of the 190 countries that had signed the Protocol.

WHAT IS IN YOUR MOBILE AIR-CONDITIONER?

CFC 12 is the chemical use in the mobile air-conditioner (MAC) as refrigerant. It is also known commercially as R12 or FREON gas. Generally, CFC 12 is released into the atmosphere before the service for MAC is carried out.

WHEN CFC WILL BE PHASED OUT?

All developed countries stopped producing and consuming CFCs in 1996. Malaysia have stopped producing CFCs Mobile Air-conditioning System in year 2000 and ultimately will phase out the import of CFCs starting January 2010 as mandatory date under the Montreal Protocol.


WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO PROTECT THE OZONE LAYER AND YOURSELF?


· Have your CFC-12 MAC system is serviced regularly by a trained technician
· Have your CFC-12 MAC system serviced at an accredited service centre that is equipped with an approved refrigerant recovery and recycling machine
· Do not vent any refrigerant from your CFC-12 MAC system. It is an offence under the Environmental Quality (Refrigerant Management) Regulations, 1999
· Any new installation of CFC-12 MAC is prohibited under the Environmental Quality (refrigerant Management) Regulations, 1999
· Any person who handles CFC refrigerant from A MAC system must be trained and must possess an approved refrigerant recovery and recycling machine.
· Make sure that your HFC-134A MAC System is serviced at an accredited service centre by a trained technician to avoid unscrupulous practice of topping up your MAC with CFC-12 and being charged for the price of HFC-134A refrigerant
· Make sure that your HFC-134A MAC is not refilled with CFC-12 refrigerant because it will reduce the lifespan of your HFC-134A MAC compressor drastically or damage the MAC system due to unsuitability of the combination of CFC-12 refrigerant with the PAG oil used in the HFC-134A MAC system.