How is Errecom protecting the ozone layer?

It was in 1995 that Mario Molina and Frank Sherwood Rowland received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the destructive power of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) on the ozone layer. Before then, no one had heard of the ozone hole, a term defined by the two scientists to denote the abnormal depletion of the ozone layer, which causes an exponential increase in UV radiation on the earth’s surface.

Visionary chemists, no doubt, whose work has been an immense contribution to the future of the planet. It was thanks to their research and studies that the governments of most of the countries decided to adopt a global solution: the Montreal Protocol, which aims to protect the planet from the ozone-depleting substances, also known as ODS, and that are responsible for the ozone hole.

The international treaty, at first, banned the use of CFCs and replaced them with HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), while later it recognized the limitations of the latter, which are as safe for the ozone layer as they are powerful greenhouse gases with a global warming potential up to 23.000 times higher than CO2.

In January 2019, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol entered into force, to gradually reduce the consumption and production of HFCs for gases with a lower global warming potential. That is how the Montreal Protocol, from being an international treaty to combat ozone depletion, has become a key player in the fight against climate change and one of the greatest environmental success stories.

Its importance has also been confirmed by a recent study published on Nature by PhD Mark Ross England. The climate scientist analyses two different scenarios: one in which CFCs are used with no limits, and another one in which restrictions are imposed, showing that in the latter case Arctic warming and sea-ice melt are only half as great as in the first scenario.

But what does Errecom have to do with the ozone layer? Much more than you might imagine! Since 2001, the in-house chemical laboratory has been studying and developing innovative leak stops to locate and permanently seal refrigerant gas leaks that may occur on residential, commercial, and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Errecom has the solution to the problem then but offers much more. The leak stops and additives should also be used for preventative maintenance. On the one hand, Extreme Ultra (Errecom’s leak stop), once placed in the system remains there, sealing any leaks that may occur over time. On the other hand, additives such as No-Acid Ultra or Super-Dry Ultra solve and prevent, respectively, the problem of acid and moisture in the systems, both potential causes of leaks.