Question from HEG
I just moved into a new apartment and noticed that my refrigerator has a warning sticker on it saying that it contains CFC-12. Is this something I should be concerned about – should I get a new one?
Thank you
Debra’s Answer
CFC-12 is a refrigerant that is inside the refrigerator. You are not exposed to it. However, it depletes the ozone layer and contributes to global warming, so it is important that it be disposed of properly.
The EPA has established a Global Warming Potential (GWP)– a number that refers to the amount of global warming caused by a substance. The GWP is the ratio of the warming caused by a substance to the warming caused by a similar mass of carbon dioxide. The GWP of CO2 is defined to be 1.0. By comparison, CFC-12 has a GWP of 8,500. So it is of high concern.
There are other CFCs and HCFCs with much lower GWPs. If you were buying a new refrigerator it would be a good idea to consider the GWP of the refrigerant. However, I don’t see the need to buy another refrigerator and dispose of this one. Might as well get the use out of it.
