What is the dual effect of refrigerants on environmental health?

The dual effect of refrigerants on environmental health primarily relates to their potential to cause ozone depletion and contribute to global warming. Refrigerants, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are known to deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When these substances are released into the atmosphere, they can rise to the stratosphere where they undergo photolytic reactions, breaking down ozone molecules and leading to an increase in UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. This can have harmful effects on human health, ecosystems, and wildlife.

In addition to ozone depletion, many refrigerants have a high global warming potential (GWP). This means that when they enter the atmosphere, they can trap heat more effectively than carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. The accumulation of these gases amplifies the greenhouse effect, resulting in increasing global temperatures and associated climate-related issues.

Together, these two impacts—ozone layer depletion and global warming—illustrate the significant environmental health concerns associated with the use of certain refrigerants, highlighting the importance of using alternatives with lower environmental impacts.