THE Department of Environment yesterday revealed it had detected and seized fake gas used in airconditioning and fridges that were harmful to humans.
The fake refrigeration gas that was smuggled into the country could have had a drastic impact on health and safety at homes and hospitals, as well as the tourism industry.
The discovery and seriousness of the issue has led the department to implement control measures and this includes the verification of any imported gas.
Speaking to the media at the Pacific Island Countries Ozone Depleting Substances forum in Nadi yesterday, Vika Rogers, the national co-ordinator ozone unit at the Environment Department, said it was fortunate that the gas was detected in time.
Without divulging when the discovery was made or the name of the exporting country, she said the department was alerted after numerous complaints were received about faulty airconditioners and refrigerators.
“Our officers found gas cylinders stamped with the label R22, which were supposed to contain hydro chloro fluoro carbon gas or HCFC, in fact contained alternative gases which were highly unstable and flammable,” she said.
“The impacts of unlicensed technicians handling suspect refrigerants are enormous,” she said.
“In the tourism industry, if they use one of these fake gases, it could displace air and people could suffocate in their sleep and this could be drastic for tourism.
“We already have an issue with domestic fridges, a lot of refrigeration technicians are afraid of conducting repairs and maintenance when complaints are lodged because the unstable nature of these fake gases.
“And there are real safety issues for home residents because cylinders could explode if placed next to a stove.”
Ms Rogers said while alternative gases to HCFCs were being encouraged because HCFCs were an ozone depleting substance, the phasing-in process was still being mapped out.
“If we are not careful with the alternative refrigerants being used, we could have flammable issues and these could lead to explosions that could affect the health, safety and wellbeing of the general public.”
She said alternative gases to HCFC had to be handled according to very stringent regulations and only by licensed technicians.
