In May, EPA published a final rule expanding the list of substitutes for ozone-depleting refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and flame retardants.
This rule becomes effective June 7, 2021 and specifically:
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- Lists R–448A, R–449A and R– 449B as acceptable, subject to narrowed use limits, for use in retail food refrigeration—medium-temperature stand-alone units for new equipment
- Lists R–452B, R–454A, R–454B, R–454C and R–457A as acceptable, subject to use conditions, for use in residential and light commercial air conditioning (AC) and heat pumps for new equipment
- Lists R–32 as acceptable, subject to use conditions, for use in residential and light commercial AC and heat pumps—equipment other than self-contained room air conditioners, for new equipment
- Removes Powdered Aerosol E from the list of fire suppression substitutes subject to use conditions in total flooding applications.
What is EPA’s SNAP Program?
EPA is finalizing these new listings after its evaluation of human health and environmental information for these substitutes under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. Section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), established EPA’s SNAP program which requires the agency to reviews substitutes within a comparative risk framework in the following industrial sectors:
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- Adhesives, Coatings, and Inks
- Aerosols
- Cleaning Solvents
- Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
- Foam Blowing Agents
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Sterilants
- Tobacco Expansion
The SNAP program evolves the list as EPA makes decisions that are informed by its overall understanding of the environmental and human health impacts as well as its current knowledge about available substitutes. Section 612 also provides that EPA must prohibit the use of a substitute where EPA has determined that there are other available substitutes that pose less overall risk to human health and the environment.
Read the full rule in the Federal Register