What could happen if a refrigerant is vented into the atmosphere?

Venting refrigerants into the atmosphere can lead to significant environmental damage and legal penalties. Many refrigerants, especially hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are known to contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming when released into the air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established strict regulations to prevent the release of these substances to protect the environment.

Violating these regulations by improperly venting refrigerants not only harms the atmosphere but can also result in substantial legal penalties for individuals and companies that fail to comply. Thus, the act of venting refrigerants poses serious risks both to the environment and in terms of compliance with the law, which is why this answer is considered the most accurate.