The World Needs F-gases
Fluorinated gases (F-gases), such as HFCs, HFOs, and HFO blends, power the largest industries and value chains, touching nearly every sector of the economy.
Why F-gases are Essential to the World of Today and Tomorrow
F-gases make many aspects of our society possible, including the green transition, the electrification of heating, the cold chain, new technologies, and much more.
Believe the Science. Not the Hype.
Fluorinated gases offer an innovative, reliable, and sustainable answer to the hazards and shortcomings of outdated industrial gases in three key ways:
Paving the Way to Decarbonization
EXPLORE F-GASES AND DECARBONIZATION
Driving Innovation, Value & Reliability
EXPLORE F-GASES AND SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT
How F-gases Measure Up: Myth vs. Fact
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Myth: “Naturals” are safer refrigerants than fluorinated gases.
Fact:
Studies have concluded that F-gases are safe for their intended use.
Propane is easily combustible—even a static discharge from walking on a carpet can ignite propane built up during an accidental leak—whereas HFOs require 2,000 times more energy to ignite.
Ammonia's use is already restricted due to health risks associated with leaks from its higher toxicity. Ammonia is considered a serious health hazard, because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs, and exposure to 300 parts per million (ppm) is dangerous.
Supporting Resources:
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Myth: "Natural” refrigerants are better for the environment.
Fact:
“Natural” is a marketing buzzword and not based on engineering or sound science. Refrigerant-grade CO₂, hydrocarbons, and ammonia are not extracted from nature. They are made through industrial processes like all other refrigerants.
“Naturals” are the chemically manufactured industrial gases that were adopted more than a century ago and broadly abandoned for good reason. "Natural” refrigerants often incur higher lifecycle emissions compared to F-gases.
Supporting Resources:
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.osha.gov/ammonia-refrigeration#:~:text=Ammonia%20is%20considered%20a%20high,dangerous%20to%20life%20and%20health
https://ozone.unep.org/system/files/documents/EEAP-2022-Assessment-Report-May2023.pdf
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Myth: “Naturals” will help achieve global climate targets.
Fact:
Fluorinated gases help advance global climate goals by moving heating and cooling away from fossil fuel use and towards energy-efficient solutions, like the adoption of heat pumps. Limiting access to F-gases would slow adoption, increase transition costs, create an incredible amount of material waste by crippling existing equipment infrastructure, and jeopardize the widespread deployment of heat pumps and other energy efficient solutions.
Our Position on PFAS
Fluoropolymers and fluorinated gases are critical solutions that will enable the energy transition, electrify transport, power AI, and battle the next pandemic. While some PFAS definitions include these chemistries, studies confirm they are safe for their intended use and can be responsibly manufactured and used with strict emissions control. They are critical components in technologies we use every day and are vital to decarbonization and the energy transition.
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Get Involved to Support F-gases
Proposed regulations aim to restrict the manufacturing, use, and import of F-gases. Such a restriction would have a devastating impact on jobs, supply chains, the economy, and the ability to achieve global climate goals.
Prepare for the latest regulations and their impact. Contact us to learn how.
Prepare for the latest regulations and their impact. Contact us to learn how.