What’s the dark side of air conditioning?
About this episode
Melissa and Jam explore the complex history and environmental implications of refrigerants used in air conditioning.
Could a cheaper, more environmentally friendly refrigerant already exist, and could corporate lobbying be helping keep it out of American air conditioners? Why did the chemicals once hailed as safe alternatives become environmental villains, and are their replacements actually much better? Melissa and Jam follow the twisty history of Freon, ozone depletion, greenhouse gases, propane, and air-conditioning regulations to find out why choosing a refrigerant is never as simple as “this one works.” Grab your red string and conspiracy board, because the chemistry drama is heating up.
People in this episode
Hosts: Melissa, Jam
Topics covered
- air conditioning
- refrigerants
- environmental impact
- corporate lobbying
- ozone depletion
- greenhouse gases
- chemical history
Keywords
- air conditioning
- refrigerant
- Freon
- ozone depletion
- greenhouse gases
- propane
- corporate lobbying
- environmental impact
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: American air conditioners, air-conditioning regulations
Products: Freon, propane
Places: America
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- Why do people hate organic chemistry?
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