A toxic chemical gets new rules, even when used to make climate-friendly refrigerants

US environmental regulators just put strict new rules on carbon tetrachloride, a chemical known to harm the ozone layer. This means companies that make, import, or use the chemical must now follow new safety procedures, keep detailed records, and stop some uses entirely.

This rule makes it more expensive and complicated to handle carbon tetrachloride. This chemical both depletes the ozone layer and is a raw material for newer refrigerants that don't warm the planet as much. Even companies trying to produce these climate-friendly alternatives will now face higher compliance costs and stricter oversight for their raw materials.