EC Declares R1234 Refrigerant Safe

The EC is the latest group to declare Europe's required R1234yf "green" refrigerant safe.

The commission says its scientific review of previous research concludes there is "no evidence of a serious risk" in using the fluid under "normal and foreseeable conditions."

Carmakers have been required to use R1234 since January 2013 in vehicles sold in the EU. Daimler AG refused to switch, citing results of its own tests showing the refrigerant could catch fire. Numerous other researchers say Daimler's test procedure involves "unrealistic" conditions unlikely to occur in an actual vehicle.

The EC describes its technical review as a "confidence-building measure" for member states. It also has requested that German authorities enforce the refrigerant directive by ordering Daimler to comply. EU infringement procedures allow the country two months to respond.