TORONTO, ON, Canada — The province of Ontario in Canada is banning the use of CFC refrigerants in all car and truck air conditioners to limit damage to the ozone layer, announced Environment Minister Elizabeth Witmer. Effective January 1, 2002, vehicles made before 1996 will no longer be able to have their air conditioners refilled or recharged with CFCs.

“CFC-based refrigerants are some of the most ozone-depleting substances in existence,” stated Witmer at a news conference. She called the ban a “modest step” toward protecting the ozone layer. The cost to convert an older vehicle’s air conditioner to one that uses ozone-friendly refrigerant is estimated to be approximately $320.

Publication date: 07/30/2001