What is R-290?
Safety · EPA 608 Type I. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Decomposition products of refrigerants at high temperatures, and safe handling.
The question
What is R-290?
- A nonflammable HFC blend
- A CFC used in many older household refrigerators
- Propane, a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerantCorrect answer
- An inert gas like nitrogen
Why “Propane, a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant” is correct
R-290 is propane. The regulation lists it as an exempt substitute in several small-appliance end-uses, including household refrigerators and room air conditioners, but it is flammable and must be handled with ignition sources kept away.
Source: 40 CFR 82.154(a); EPA: Test Topics
Why the other answers are wrong
- A nonflammable HFC blend — R-290 is a single hydrocarbon, not an HFC blend.
- A CFC used in many older household refrigerators — R-290 contains no chlorine or fluorine; it is not a CFC.
- An inert gas like nitrogen — Propane is highly flammable, not inert.
Practice more of this
More EPA 608 Type I practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.
Unofficial, not affiliated with the EPA or any EPA-approved certifying organization. Questions are original practice written from public EPA material, not real exam questions.