What is the purpose of the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program?

• A. To regulate refrigerant prices
• B. To identify refrigerants with lower overall risks
• C. To establish safety guidelines for technicians
• D. To promote the use of traditional refrigerants

Answer: (B)

The purpose of the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program is to identify refrigerants with lower overall risks to human health and the environment. This program, implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), evaluates alternatives to ozone-depleting substances and other harmful chemicals in order to promote safer options. By assessing the safety and environmental impact of various substances, SNAP plays a crucial role in guiding industries toward the use of refrigerants that will help protect the ozone layer and minimize potential harm associated with refrigerant use.

In this framework, SNAP not only supports the transition away from harmful substances but also ensures that the substitutes are effective in their applications, thereby balancing safety with performance. This proactive approach helps industries to comply with environmental regulations while still catering to the need for effective refrigerants in cooling and refrigeration systems.