Which refrigerant must be treated differently due to its ozone depletion potential?

• A. R-22
• B. R-134a
• C. R-12
• D. R-410A

Answer: (C)

The refrigerant R-12 is classified as a substance with a significant ozone depletion potential (ODP). This means that its release into the atmosphere can contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Due to its high ODP, R-12 has been phased out in many countries under regulations such as the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to reduce substances that harm the ozone layer.

As a result, R-12 requires special handling, recovery, and disposal procedures to minimize its release into the atmosphere. Technicians must be particularly diligent when working with R-12, ensuring that systems are properly evacuated and that any residual refrigerant is captured in recovery equipment designed specifically for ozone-depleting substances.

In contrast, the other refrigerants mentioned have a lower or negligible ozone depletion potential. For example, R-22, while less environmentally friendly due to its greenhouse gas potential, has been subject to phase-out efforts due to other environmental concerns beyond ozone depletion. R-134a and R-410A are both considered to have minimal impact on the ozone layer, which is why they have become more widely used as alternatives to R-12.