NAFDAC advises against the trade of illegal refrigerant gases

Chuke emphasized that NAFDAC members should be continually educated on banned substances and gases.NAFDAC cautioned gas dealers in Lagos on Wednesday not to sell unlawful refrigerant goods that contribute to Ozone layer depletion.Dr Festus Ukadike, the Deputy Director, Agro Chemicals and Controlled Chemicals Division, Chemical Evaluation and Research Directorate, issued the warning during a raid on petrol stations in Lagos' Ebute-Metta neighborhood. According to Ukadike, anyone who must trade in refrigerant gases must be certified by the agency as either importers or retailers. He named R124, 406, R123, and R12 as forbidden refrigerant gases. “These are banned refrigerant gases and nobody should be allowed to bring them into Nigeria. You will not be permitted; you will not be certified to deal in them. “If you are found with them, you will be arrested and prosecuted. The operation carried out on Wednesday is part of the agency’s efforts to bring everybody involved in chemicals into regulation. “The operation was targeted at stakeholders, people that deal in chemicals, especially refrigerant gases. We visited their shops to ensure we bring them into regulation. “We want to know what they are doing or selling, especially those who do not have Listing Certificate; those without permit to import or sell chemicals,’’ he said.