Sir — This refers to the editorial, ‘For cleaner air to breathe” (October 19). Refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins are fluorinated and are, therefore, harmful to the environment. As an eco-friendly alternative to these gases, hydrocarbons (HCs) have no fluorine or chlorine and have zero ozone-depleting potential.
Besides, they are low on global warming, cheap, energy-efficient and non-patented. However, the only disadvantage with this refrigerant is that it is inflammable — although no serious cases have been reported till date. India must switch to HCs and further undertake research to remove the inflammability drawbacks. Only such measures will enable us to meet our sustainable development goals.