The damage caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to the ozone layer and the fact that their synthetic alternatives, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), contribute to global warming, have focused attention on alternative refrigerants that both are ozone-friendly and have limited or, possibly, null effect on global warming.

The various alternatives include natural refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and low GWP blends. Most of them are flammable or slightly flammable, which adds an additional challenge that impact the different lifecycle phases of the products containing them.

This document examines the current panorama regarding the use of flammable refrigerants and the standards affecting their wider use.