Honeywell reveals 71% of U.A.E. residents are fearful of the dangers of counterfeit refrigerants used in their homes

A survey released today by Honeywell found that residents of the United Arab Emirates are concerned about potentially dangerous counterfeit refrigerants, which are increasingly found in the Middle East.

Counterfeit refrigerants are a dangerous, persistent problem around the world. After several containers carrying counterfeit refrigerants exploded in 2012, the United Nations Environment Programme said that counterfeit refrigerants “appear to be a global issue of concern and a wider range of stakeholders are possibly at risk.”

Honeywell, who conducted the survey as part of its ongoing campaign to fight counterfeiting, found that more than half of respondents believe there are counterfeit refrigerants fraudulently labeled as brand-name, authentic refrigerants sold in the U.A.E., and more than eight of 10 respondents said they would prefer brand-name refrigerants to limit the risks posed by counterfeits, which can often be flammable, toxic and damaging to air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Incidents around the world point to a significant danger from counterfeit refrigerants. In 2011, three refrigerated containers containing a counterfeit refrigerant exploded, killing three people. In 2012, an air conditioning unit in Brazil exploded due to a counterfeit refrigerant. Similar incidents in Greece, Germany, and Australia have also been reported.

Honeywell has fought the use of counterfeits for more than 10 years, helping local governments identify and seize counterfeit products all over the world. During the last two years, local governments working with Honeywell have seized more than 200,000 counterfeit products.

“We would like to applaud the local law enforcement and other government authorities in U.A.E. for taking the issue of counterfeiting seriously and cooperating with the industry to protect safety of citizens,” said Norm Gilsdorf, president, Honeywell Middle East, Russia and Central Asia. “Their efforts have resulted in confiscations in U.A.E. and around the world. We continue to introduce technology solutions to help combat this problem.”

Honeywell Fluorine Products is a world leader in the development and manufacture of refrigerants that are sold worldwide under the Genetron^® and Solstice^® brand names for a range applications, including building and mobile air conditioning as well as refrigeration applications.

Ipsos, a survey specialist company, working on behalf of Honeywell, surveyed 400 people via telephone in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah who own and operate one or more refrigerators or air conditioners for their home, office or vehicle. The survey found that:

57% of those surveyed in U.A.E. believe counterfeit refrigerants fraudulently labeled as brand-name, authentic refrigerants are sold in their country

81% indicate they would prefer a brand-name refrigerant for their home, office, car or refrigerator if it would limit the risks posed by counterfeit refrigerants

73% believe that counterfeit refrigerants can cause equipment failure more serious and costly than genuine brand name products

71% believe that counterfeit refrigerants can be toxic, and 67% believe they can be flammable.

In 2011, Honeywell announced that the combined efforts of police, customs, local municipalities and other government officials in UAE resulted in the seizure of approximately 6,000 containers of counterfeit refrigerants being fraudulently sold under the Honeywell Genetron brand name. The counterfeit product actually contained dangerous toxic and flammable substances. According to local authorities, the counterfeit refrigerant was marked as Honeywell’s Genetron 134a, a common refrigerant for automobile air conditioning.

Honeywell continues its efforts to build awareness among end customers on risks of using counterfeit products. These include holding training seminars for contractors and distributors and providing them with information about the dangers of non-genuine products to share with end customers.

All Honeywell refrigerants are subject to extensive quality and safety testing before they are sold. The safety and quality of Genetron and Solstice refrigerants can only be guaranteed when buying from Honeywell-authorized suppliers.