The picture is somewhat complicated if one takes into account that even in the United States, where compliance with regulations is supposed to be stricter, there are still no concrete dates for the achievement of certain objectives.
For example, US media have revealed that certain legislative actions that could affect HFCs are still pending to become law, while the proposal launched by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) that will govern HCFC quotas and the sale of equipment operating with R22 has not yet been finalized.
The issue is tangled and options such as the replacement, for example, of R22 by R410-A are not yet very feasible. Although this is a fact, there are many alternatives to replace it, but each compound has different characteristics. Another aspect in which not much progress has been made is in the same cut in the production of virgin R22. Something has been achieved, not as much as expected.
But let's turn our eyes to Latin America. If that's happening in the United States, how will the transition happen in this region? We cannot repeat the mistakes, especially when those who have made them are countries with more advanced and strict legislation. While I don't think this is a legal problem in that country, what I advocate is for us to come first and not let the night come with these programs.
It may sound utopian, but just as Latin America has been declared a territory free of nuclear weapons, according to the OAS, it should also become more aware and invest a little more to make it a region free of ozone-capable refrigerants. We must act more and talk less. In general it can be said that the road has begun, but it is still far from over.
The good part is that this environment will undoubtedly provide endless opportunities for the best-prepared contractors.
