Romanian authorities have blocked the import of over 4,000 cylinders of polluting R134a refrigerant from China at the Black Sea port of Constanta.
The four container-loads of refrigerant, which was destined for an address in the city of Reghin in northwest Romania, did not carry evidence of allocated quota.
In total, the shipment involved 4,136 12kg cylinders of R134a.
According to the Constanta Environmental Guard, document checks carried out with the coast guard and the Constanta customs revealed that the importing company was registered in the F-gas register, but failed to provide proof of the allocated quota.
Refrigerants are among the most potent greenhouse gases in the world, and their use is becoming more widespread.
It is more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide which comes from burning coal and gasoline.
The inhalation of high concentrations of R134a vapor may cause temporary central nervous system depression, with narcosis, lethargy and anesthetic effects.
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