Freon, specifically R-22, is no longer used in refrigerators due to its harmful environmental impact. It was discovered that Freon contributes significantly to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The ozone depletion caused by Freon and other chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) led to global efforts to phase out these substances. As a result, the use of Freon in refrigeration systems has been discontinued in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives that do not pose the same risks to the ozone layer. For a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of Freon and its alternatives, visit Why Freon is No Longer Used in Modern Refrigerators.
What are the environmentally friendly alternatives to Freon now used in refrigerators?
With the phasing out of Freon due to its environmental hazards, more environmentally friendly refrigerants have been introduced. These include