R-22a is a refrigerant that has been used in residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration systems for many years. It was developed as an alternative to the earlier refrigerant R-12, which was found to be contributing to ozone depletion in the Earth’s atmosphere. The use of R-22a has been linked to potential health issues for humans and animals, such as headaches and dizziness if exposure is high enough. However, these are rare occurrences and only occur when there is an accidental leak or spill of the substance. Another safety risk associated with R-22a is its flammability. It has a lower flash point than other commonly used refrigerants and poses a fire hazard in situations where there is an open flame or spark nearby. This is especially true when the air conditioning system malfunctions and causes a buildup of pressure inside the unit.