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 Environ-ment 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: 08/13/2001