Which refrigerant is commonly associated with ozone depletion?

The refrigerant commonly associated with ozone depletion is R-22. This refrigerant is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), which, while not as harmful as its predecessor, R-12 (a chlorofluorocarbon or CFC), still contains chlorine. Chlorine is a significant contributor to ozone layer depletion when it escapes into the atmosphere, where it can break down ozone molecules.

The production and use of R-22 are being phased out in many parts of the world under the Montreal Protocol, a global agreement designed to protect the ozone layer by eliminating substances that deplete it. In contrast, other refrigerants mentioned, such as R-410A, R-134A, and R-404A, are designed to have a lesser impact on ozone depletion, with R-410A being a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that contains no chlorine at all. Thus, while all refrigerants need to be managed carefully for other environmental reasons, R-22 is specifically noted for its role in ozone depletion due to its chlorine content.