**2. Refrigerant legislation**

With the discoveries of the harmful effects of synthetic refrigerants, various organizations and institutions around the world have begun to work together to develop methods for control and to standardize and also to develop some kind of awareness about the use of these refrigerants as a working fluid in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Protocols were created first to fight the fluids that negatively affect the ozone layer [1] and later to fight against the use of synthetic fluids, which are massive contributors to the greenhouse effect. Since the 1970s, some scientists have proven that there is a direct relationship between ozone depletion and the use of CFC (fluorine and chlorine-based hydrocarbons) compounds by industry, not only as refrigerants fluids but as aerosol propellants and foam blowing agents. According to photochemical reaction models involving ultraviolet irradiation, the depletion of the ozone layer is the result of a chain effect promoted by chlorine (or bromine) atoms [2].

**79**

*An Experimental Study of Synthetics and Natural Refrigerants Gases*

by 20 states, which appears to be a formality at the moment.

The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement developed by the United Nations, focusing on the environment. This protocol aims at the gradual reduction to the full transition of synthetic fluids with high ozone layer depletion potential by other types of environmentally friendly refrigerants. Since its inception in 1987, data collection through 2014 indicates that, with the Montreal Protocol, it has been possible to reduce the supply of ozone-depleting fluids by 98%, as most of this amount was used in cooling and air conditioning systems [1]. In European countries, in October 2016, HFC-lowering steps were agreed and became part of the Montreal Protocol, which entered into force on January 2019, pending ratification

In the Montreal Protocol, in addition to the mechanisms for the gradual reduction and elimination of refrigerant use discussed above, many governments are applying tax measures to reduce the consumption of high potential global warming refrigerants, such as the creation of weighted taxes according to potential for the

The production and use of HFCs such as R-32, R-125, R-134a, and R-143A and their mixtures (R-404, R-407C and R-410A) are not regulated by the Montreal Protocol but must be country-specific regulations made individually, so countries such as Spain, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have imposed taxes on the use of HFCs in their air conditioning and refrigeration systems to reduce their use and control.

Like the Montreal Protocol, the Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement, managed by the United Nations, that seeks to reduce pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. It is known that the last 150 years of industrial activities related to developed countries generated an increase in emissions and strengthening the

This protocol was prepared in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997 and, after adjustments, began to be implemented in 2005 and had its first stage, known as the first period, accounted for between 2001 and 2012. During that period 37 countries industrialized, and the European community have if pledged to reduce pollutant emissions by 5% compared to the 1990s. In the second period, in 2012 there was a meeting between the leaders of the countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations. At this meeting it was agreed that between 2013 and 2020 countries would continue to work on reducing emissions by 18% of the values stipulated in

The 517/2014 Law of the European Parliament and of the Council became known as regulating the use of fluorine-containing gases, known as F-gas, with the main objective of reducing emissions of gases with high potential for the destruction of the ozone layer, because they contribute to the greenhouse effect. Brazil is a signatory to this Law, which defines the rules on storage, recovery of synthetic fluids, as well as conditioning the trade of equipment and the refrigerants themselves in use in the Brazilian territory and also sets the practical limits on the use of

The first highlight of 517/2014 Law is the prohibition of the intentional release of any amount of F-gas into the atmosphere; however, it does not cite any criminal

implication on anyone caught doing the act of this way.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89119*

**2.1 Montreal Protocol**

use of these products.

**2.2 Kyoto Protocol**

greenhouse effect [2].

the 1990s [2].

**2.3 F-gas regulation**

F-gas in Brazil [3–5].
