January 1997

While Alberta's air quality ranks among the best in the world, we believe it is our shared responsibility to keep Alberta's air clean. This brochure provides citizens with information on how Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act helps protect the ozone layer.

The Ozone Layer

Ozone is a natural and vital gas in the upper atmosphere, about 15-40 kilometres above the earth. It varies in thickness and shields the earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Scientists have discovered that this natural protective shield is thinning, causing greater amounts of ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth's surface. Ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) are associated with sunburns, skin cancer, weakening of the immune system and other physical ailments such as cataracts. Increased exposure poses a threat to human health, wildlife, vegetation and crop production. Documented evidence shows that increased UVB radiation affects wheat, rice, corn, soybeans and other agricultural crops.

Governments and industries are taking action to reduce the emission of chemicals that destroy the ozone layer. The Government of Alberta is participating in a national program to phase out the manufacture and importation of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) by the end of 1995.

Chlorofluorocarbons

Substances like chlorofluorocarbons are extremely stable, synthetic chemical compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine and carbon. They were developed in the 1930s as a substitute for ammonia refrigerants.

CFCs are used in various applications because they are nontoxic, nonflammable and relatively inexpensive to produce. They are primarily used as a refrigerant for domestic refrigerators and for producing foam cushioning, insulation, solvents and sterilants. However, when CFCs are released into the air, these gases travel slowly upward and break down the ozone layer.

Canada banned CFCs as a propellant in aerosol cans in the 1980s, reducing their direct release into the atmosphere. As of January 1, 1996, no CFCs may be produced or imported into Canada. Alternative compounds are being developed to replace CFCs.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are chemical compounds related to CFCs. This makes HCFCs less stable and about 95 percent less damaging to the ozone layer. They are mainly used as refrigerant in domestic air conditioning systems and in manufacturing plastic, insulation and packaging.

Because HCFCs do contribute to ozone depletion, Canada is phasing out the production and use of HCFCs between the years 2010-2020. Therefore, HCFCs should only be used as a short-term alternative replacing CFCs.

Provincial Action to Reduce CFC Emissions

In 1993, the Alberta government passed legislation to prohibit the release of ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs, HCFCs and Halons. Provincial regulations require all persons servicing air conditioning or refrigeration equipment to be certified in accordance with the Apprenticeship and Industries Training Act and the associated regulations.

All persons servicing refrigeration or air conditioning equipment containing CFCs or HCFCs are required to conduct servicing procedures in accordance with the federal "Code of Practice". Anyone who commits an unauthorized release of greater than 10 kilograms of an ozone-depleting substance to the ambient air must report that release to the Pollution Control Program by calling 1-800-222-6514. Failure to report an unauthorized release is also an offence under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.

Household Refrigerators and Air Conditioning Units

Most household refrigerators contain a chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant, sometimes called CFC-12 or R-12. While units manufactured prior to 1993 can contain CFCs or HCFCs, new refrigerators manufactured after 1993 can contain an alternate refrigerant with lower or nonexistent ozone-depleting potential. Alternate refrigerants are continuously being developed. Labels attached to all household units should list the refrigerant being used.

Refrigerators and air conditioning units are sealed systems. This means they contain refrigerants within their components as they function. Units will not normally emit refrigerants unless there is a leak. If your appliance is not functioning properly, this may indicate a leak. Have your unit serviced by a qualified technician.

How CFCs and HCFCs Damage the Ozone Layer

Both CFCs and HCFCs can deplete the ozone layer. When released into the air intentionally or unintentionally, they slowly rise into the atmosphere. Between 15-40 kilometres above the earth's surface, the sun's ultraviolet rays break down the CFC and HCFC molecules. This creates a harmful chlorine by-product (chlorine monoxide), which can destroy ozone molecules. Each chlorine molecules can destroy tens of thousands of ozone molecules. These chlorine molecules can remain in the ozone layer causing damage for 60-400 years.

Consumer Information

As a consumer of refrigeration or air conditioning services, it is important to be aware of changing legislative requirements and activities designed to minimize ozone depletion.

The following points will help you to assess your service personnel's performance and your own responsibility to minimize ozone layer depletion.

• In Alberta, the "general prohibition on release" requires that no person shall release or permit the release into the ambient air of any ozone-depleting substance unless authorized pursuant to the Regulations.
• In Alberta, in order to comply with the "general prohibition release", it is mandatory for persons installing, removing, servicing, repairing, charging or recharging air conditioning systems, refrigeration equipment or fire extinguishing systems, to recover or recycle any ozone-depleting substance. Service personnel must have operational equipment or apparatus capable of servicing and containing ozone-depleting substances available at the job site. It is improper for service personnel to just "top up" or only "add refrigerant", unless the unit has first been repaired.
• Check your service bill to ensure that service personnel have checked for leaks. Only qualified service personnel are allowed to service air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
• Where and when available, choose products that contain alternate or low ozone-depleting substances.
• All used appliances going to salvage must have the refrigerants removed prior to final disposal.
• If your car has air conditioning, have it checked periodically to prevent seal damage. A certified technician can check for leaks with an electronic leak detector. The preferred method of leak testing involves removing and recovering refrigerant, pressurizing the system with dry nitrogen and then recharging the system with refrigerant.

For more information, please call:

Alberta Environment
Air and Water Approvals Division
(780) 427-5883