R-22 was originally widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems, including in cars. However, it was found that R-22 contributes to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer, which can lead to increased levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the surface, causing damage to human and animal life.
In response to the ozone depletion issue, the international community agreed on the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which aimed to significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including R-22. As a result, the production and use of R-22 were gradually phased out in various applications, including in car air conditioning systems.
Alternative refrigerants with lower or zero ozone-depleting potential, such as R-134a, have been developed and adopted for use in cars instead of R-22. These alternatives help minimize damage to the ozone layer.
