Can anyone buy refrigerant?

Can anyone buy refrigerant?

Refrigerant can only be sold to technicians certified under the Section 608 or Section 609 technician certification programs, where individuals may only purchase refrigerant consistent with the appliances covered by their certification.

Is it illegal to release refrigerants?

EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act prohibit individuals from intentionally venting ozone-depleting substances (ODS) or their substitutes while maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment.

What is the name of the act passed by the government in 1990 that sought to regulate freon?

As part of the Clean Air Act passed in 1990, the production and import of ozone-depleting substances is heavily regulated. Freon – also known as R-22 and hydro-chlorofluorocarbon, or HCFC-22 – was originally slated for restrictions back in 2010.

Which refrigerants have sales restrictions to technicians who are EPA certified under section 608?

Refrigerant Sales Restriction Section 608 technician certification is required to purchase ozone depleting or non-exempt substitute refrigerants, such as HFC refrigerants. Section 609 technician certification is required to purchase CFC-12 or EPA-approved substitutes for MVACs containing an ODS.

Do you need a license to buy R-410A refrigerant?

Per the EPA, no license or certification is required to purchase R-410a or to work on R-410a systems: (For example, there is no technician certification requirement for those that purchase HFC refrigerants, such as R-410A or R-134a.)

Do you have to have a license to buy 410A refrigerant?

You are required to have an EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification license to handle R-410A but no license is legally necessary for purchase.

What happens if you breathe R134a?

The inhalation of high concentrations of R134a vapour may cause temporary central nervous system depression, with narcosis, lethargy and anaesthetic effects. Continued breathing of high concentrations of R134a vapours may produce cardiac irregularities, unconsciousness and death.

What date did the production of CFC type refrigerants became illegal?

The atmospherically benign HFC refrigerants will remain in production, but CFC and HCFC refrigerants will be phased out. Production of CFCs ceased in 1995.

Why was the 1990 Clean Air Act amended?

The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act were designed to curb four major threats to both the environment and the health of millions of Americans: acid rain, urban smog, toxic air pollution and the hole in the Earth’s ozone layer. 27 years later, we have made massive progress on all four fronts.

What did the 1990 Clean Air Act do?

The 1990 amendment of the Clean Air Act introduced a nationwide approach to reduce acid pollution. The law is designed to reduce acid rain and improve public health by dramatically reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

What refrigerants are regulated?

HFC refrigerants, such as R-410A, R-407C, R-134a, and R-404A, are listed as regulated substances. The AIM Act provides details around the management of such regulated substances.

Can a homeowner buy 410A refrigerant?

ANYONE can purchase and handle 410a. NO certification or license needed.

Is there a sales restriction on refrigerants?

The sales restriction covers refrigerants contained in cylinders, cans, or drums, except for the sale of small cans of substitute refrigerants (e.g., R-134a for use in motor vehicle air conditioners). This sales restriction does not cover refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment or components containing refrigerants.

Can refrefrigerant be purchased by anyone?

Refrigerant can only be sold to technicians certified under the Section 608 or Section 609 technician certification programs, where individuals may only purchase refrigerant consistent with the appliances covered by their certification.

Why is it important to keep records when selling refrigerant?

Because the onus is on you, the person selling, distributing, or offering refrigerant for sale or distribution, to ensure compliance with the refrigerant sales restriction, EPA recommends that you keep sufficient records to establish that the purchaser of the refrigerant is going to resell it to certified technicians.

Can refrigerants be sold for reclamation or destruction?

This does not apply to the sale of used refrigerant for reclamation or destruction. Some refrigerants are exempt from the refrigerant management requirements. Examples include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. For a full list of exempt refrigerants, see 40 CFR § 82.154(a).