New tests by the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) confirm that HFO-1234yf which is pushed by the chemical industry as a substitute for HFCs in mobile air conditioning is dangerous.

The test results show that HFO-1234yf is not only explosive starting at a 6.2% concentration in the air but already much earlier in the presence of only minimal amounts of hydrocarbons which are common components of refrigeration lubricants, petrol, motor oils and cleaning agents. A 0.5 % to 1.3% concentration of ethane suffices to ignite the HFO-1234yf-air composite at only 2% concentration of HFO-1234yf.

BeyondHFCs is concerned that lower concentration levels leading to explosion of HFOs put users and maintenance staff at serious risk considering that the energy for ignition can arise from many sources, including car electronics, accidents, sparks from garage work and electric devices, solvents and cleaners. It also endangers passengers and rescue personnel in case of an accident.

The German Environment Agency (UBA) now strongly warns car makers against this “unsafe temporary solution”. The Agency recommends instead using the natural refrigerant R744 (CO₂): non toxic, non flammable and easily available, and urges German car manufacturers to opt for this environmentally safe solution.

BeyondHFCs has also repeatedly pointed out that all characteristics of HFO-1234yf have not been sufficiently explored yet and that the substance is likely to still bear some undesirable properties as did its predecessors HFCs and HCFCs.

“The BMA test results clearly demonstrate that HFO-1234yf is far from being the easy and safe refrigerant solution that the chemical industry claims it to be”, Ms Christianna Papazahariou Head of the BeyondHFCs campaign, explained.

BeyondHFCs also urges the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) which is considering approval of HFO-1234yf for the U.S. market under the Significant New Alternative Program (SNAP) to take into account the worrying outcomes of test results on HFO-1234yf so far.

BeyondHFCs reminds that safe and sustainable alternatives such as the by the UBA suggested R744 (CO₂) natural refrigerant exist, are available on the market and are actually less expensive than the competing flammable substance 1234yf.  

Source: BeyondHFCs

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