ZEMA to phase out harmful refrigerant chemicals
By Esther Chisola
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has announced the gradual phasing out of chemicals used in refrigerators and air conditioners to reduce climate-damaging emissions and protect the ozone layer.
ZEMA inspector Nanyinza Nakaundi said the refrigerant R22, scientifically known as HCFC-22, had long been the backbone of Zambia’s cooling sector but carried a “double threat” of depleting the ozone layer and contributing to global warming.
“R22 powers air conditioners in homes and offices, preserves food in supermarkets, and supports cold chains in industries. But its continued use poses a serious environmental risk,” Nakaundi said during a media training in Lusaka on Friday.
She explained that ZEMA is working closely with customs officers, refrigeration technicians, and importers to ensure a smooth transition to safer alternatives.
Meanwhile, Refrigerant Air-condition Association of Zambia (RAAZ) assistant secretary, Ethel Phiri, urged Zambians to adopt alternatives such as R290 (propane), R600a (isobutane), HFC blends like R410A, and new-generation hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).
“These alternatives are more climate- and ozone-friendly, but some are flammable and require technicians to follow strict safety standards,” Phiri said.
ZEMA national ozone coordinator, Bruce Simfukwe, said training programmes for refrigeration technicians were already underway in collaboration with RAAZ.
“Technicians trained and certified by ZEMA will be issued with identification cards to ensure only qualified individuals handle these flammable alternative refrigerants safely,” Simfukwe said.
The move is part of Zambia’s international commitments under the Kigali Amendment to phase out ozone-depleting substances while reducing global warming emissions.
