ICARMA Position Statement on Use of Hydrocarbons as Refrigerants Recognizing that: hydrocarbons are highly flammable chemicals; at present, hydrocarbons are used as refrigerants in only small quantities in some domestic refrigerators and air-conditioning applications; the use of hydrocarbons poses risks to manufacturing personnel, service technicians and consumers during servicing and handling; more technician education and training is required to ensure the safe handling of hydrocarbons; there has not been adequate safety testing of equipment using hydrocarbons as refrigerants; The International Council of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Manufacturers' Associations (ICARMA) supports the following position with respect to use of hydrocarbons: Safety issues associated with the use of hydrocarbons in air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, other than small home appliances, have not been adequately addressed. Further, there exists a wide range of time-tested alternative refrigerants, which when used according to operating parameters established by manufacturers, engineering societies, trade associations, government agencies and code bodies, are more effective, reliable and safer compounds for use in these applications. The use of hydrocarbons should be opposed until research provides sufficient evidence that the safe use of hydrocarbons in air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment is assured.