By what year is HCFC-22 scheduled for total phase out?

HCFC-22, commonly known as hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22, is a refrigerant that has been widely used but is recognized for its potential to harm the ozone layer. Under the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer, HCFC-22 is scheduled for a complete phase-out in developed countries by the year 2020.

The rationale behind this timeline is to protect the ozone layer, which is vital for absorbing the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. The phase-out is part of a broader effort to transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants that have a lower or zero ozone depletion potential.

Though some countries, particularly developing nations, have extensions allowing for the continued use of HCFCs, the target for phase-out in the developed world was firmly set for 2020. Thus, the choice indicating that HCFC-22 would be entirely phased out by 2020 aligns with international agreements and regulatory timelines.