HCFC-123 is not completely banned yet, but it is currently being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. In the US, the EPA prohibits new production and importation of the chemical for most manufacturing, but it remains permitted for servicing existing air-conditioning, refrigeration, and fire-suppression equipment until a total phaseout.
By 01 January 2025, imports shall have been reduced by 67.5% based on the recorded baseline consumption in ODP tonnes. By this date, all importation of HCFC-123 as cooling agent for chillers and as fire extinguishing agent will likewise be absolutely prohibited, except for the servicing sector.
The EPA regulates the production and import of ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under Title VI of the Clean Air Act. Through this final rule, the EPA is issuing HCFC allowances for 2020 through 2029 for HCFC-123 and HCFC-124, leading up to a complete phaseout of all HCFCs in 2030.
While most HCFCs have been phased out, there are some uses that continue, such as for servicing refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and in fire suppression. Learn more about common HCFCs and their uses. Some HCFCs, like HCFC-22, are also a component in refrigerant blends.
Both HCFC-123 and CFC-11 refrigerants are non-flammable. Under the 1995 edition of CSA-B52, "Mechanical Refrigeration Code," CFC-11 is classified as a Group A1 refrigerant whereas HCFC-123 (R-123) is a B1 refrigerant due to its higher toxicity (see Appendix 2).
While the production of new R12 is banned, it is not illegal to sell or use R12. In fact, many of the cylinders and cans of Freon R12 sold for decades throughout the United States are still around today.
Opteon™ XP30 (R-514A) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting, low global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) based replacement for R-123.
PFAS and Use in Foam Fire Extinguishers
HCFC-123 (CAS No. 306-83-2) is a synthetic, non-combustible, volatile liquid that is used as a refrigerant in commercial and industrial air-conditioning installations, in gaseous fire extinguishants, as a foam-blowing agent, and in metal and electronics cleaning.
While the production of Halon ceased on January 1, 1994, under the Clean Air Act, it is still legal to purchase and use recycled Halon and Halon fire extinguishers. In fact, the FAA continues to recommend Halon fire extinguishers for aircraft.
A2L refrigerants, the new refrigerants for 2026, will replace R-410A in new systems. A lot about A2L refrigerants is explained in their name: The “A” means low toxicity. The “2L” is a safety classification, indicating it is mildly flammable.
Freon™ 123 refrigerant is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) replacement for the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) R-11 in centrifugal chillers. Benefits of using Freon™ 123 include: Low ozone depletion and excellent environmental properties.
One of the primary reasons for the switch from R-134a to 1234YF refrigerant is environmental impact. Traditional refrigerants like R-134a contribute significantly to global warming. While R-134a doesn't harm the ozone layer like older refrigerants (such as R-12), it still has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Because they still contain chlorine and have the potential to destroy stratospheric ozone, they are viewed only as temporary replacements for the CFCs.
Halotron is a clean, non-conductive gaseous agent that is an excellent replacement for Halon 1211 extinguishers because it has a lower environmental impact and leaves no residue.
The use of firecrackers with Barium and those not approved by the NEERI as green cracker, shall not be permitted and if found for sale or in the possession of individuals/traders, the same shall be confiscated immediately. There shall be no manufacture or sale of firecrackers joined in series (laris).
Halon replacements are environmentally friendly, ozone-safe clean agents used to suppress fires in critical facilities and aircraft without damaging sensitive electronics or leaving residue. Common substitutes include FK-5-1-12 (3M Novec 1230), FM-200, and Halotron BrX.
Although they don't have a true "expiration date," traditional fire extinguishers generally have a 10-12 year life expectancy. Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years.
For everyday use and Class A fires (wood, paper), plain water is the least toxic and most natural extinguishing agent. For sensitive electronics (Class C) or enclosed spaces, inert gases (like Inergen—a blend of nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide) are the safest clean agents for human-occupied areas.
In summary, although the HCFC-123 refrigerant may be more environmentally friendly than CFC-11, it is more toxic and poses a greater potential health risk to people working with and around it. Both HCFC-123 and CFC-11 refrigerants are nonflammable.
Yes, R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). Widely used for decades in air conditioning and refrigeration, it was designated as an ozone-depleting substance.
The four most common types of portable fire extinguishers are Water, Foam, Dry Chemical, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Each is designed to extinguish specific classes of fires (Class A, B, C, D, or K) by either cooling the fire, starving it of oxygen, or breaking the chemical reaction.
This includes various types such as soda acid, chemical foam (excluding specific agents), and certain carbon dioxide extinguishers. Additionally, any extinguisher manufactured before 1955 or that requires inversion for operation is also considered outdated.
The three P's of fire safety are prevention, protection, and preparation. Prevention involves taking steps to reduce the risk of a fire starting, such as properly storing flammable materials and regularly inspecting and maintaining electrical systems.
Purple K is commonly used in high-risk areas such as: oil refineries, airport ramps, service stations, military facilities, naval warships, power plants, and other places where flammable liquids are handled. It is the most effective dry chemical in fighting class B (flammable liquid) or Class C (electrical) fires.