EPA, FBI Warn of Dangerous, Fake R-22

EPA, FBI Warn of Dangerous, Fake R-22
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is cautioning homeowners, manufacturers of propane-based refrigerants, home improvement contractors and air-conditioning technicians of the safety hazards related to the use of propane in existing motor vehicle and home air-conditioning systems. EPA says a number of unapproved refrigerants with “22a” or “R-22a” in the name contain highly flammable hydrocarbons, such as propane. These refrigerants are being marketed to consumers seeking to recharge existing home and motor vehicle air-conditioning systems that were not designed to use propane or other flammable refrigerants. The FBI has joined EPA in issuing warnings and has launched an investigation into the sale of unapproved refrigerants. Specifically, it says the two agencies, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation—Office of Inspector General “are conducting an investigation into a flammable ‘refrigerant’ sold as Super-Freeze 22a, Super-Freeze12a, Super-Freeze 134a, Enviro-Safe 22a, and R134a.”