In
recent years, scientific
research has proved that
several chemicals such
as chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), halons and methyl
bromide contribute substantially
to ozone depletion. CFCs
developed in the early
1930s are non-toxic, non-flammable
and are used extensively
as coolants for commercial
and home refrigeration
units, aerosol propellants,
electronic cleaning solvents,
and blowing agents. Over
time, these CFCs are released
into the air and often,
strong winds carry them
into the stratosphere.
When CFC molecules drift
into the stratosphere,
the UV-B and UV-C radiation
from the sun releases their
chlorine atoms. Complex
chemical reactions in the
atmosphere result in the
formation of chlorine monoxide,
which reacts with the ozone
molecule to form oxygen
and regenerates more chlorine
atoms that carry on converting
the ozone molecules. Each
chlorine atom can destroy
as many as 100,000 ozone
molecules over 100 years.
Thus, even a small amount
of CFCs can cause tremendous
damage to the ozone layer.
THE
MONTREAL PROTOCOL
In 1987, several countries across
the world signed an international
treaty, the Montreal Protocol, On
Substances that Deplete the Ozone
Layer. According to this protocol,
countries would phase out CFCs and
other ODS as per a given schedule,
with a complete halt by 2010. 190
countries are signatories to the
Montreal Protocol.
Under the Protocol, industrialized
nations have rapidly eliminated
most ozone depleting substances.
Developing countries are
following suit, with critical
assistance from the Protocol's
Multilateral Fund, which
has already committed over
US $ 1.5 billion to assist
developing countries in
the difficult transition
to ozone-friendly substances.
BENEFITS OF CFC
PHASE OUT
-
Protection
of the Ozone Layer: The phasing out
of CFCs will help tremendously
in the recovery of the
ozone layer. As a result
of the phasing out, lesser
amounts of CFCs will accumulate
in the atmosphere, thereby
leading to the less depletion
of ozone.
-
Reduced
Health Risks: The
phase out of CFCs will
have a positive impact
on health risks posed by
the depleting of the ozone
layer. These health benefits
include reduced incidence
of skin cancer and cataracts,
decreased risks to human
immune systems, and increased
protection of plant and
animal life from excessive
UV exposure. A United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP)
study shows that a sustained
1 percent decrease in stratospheric
ozone will result in about
a 2 percent increase in
the incidence of non-melanoma
skin cancer, which can
be fatal. With the successful
phase out of CFCs, fewer
instances of this fatal
cancer are expected.
-
New
Technologies: Phasing
out of CFCs is prompting
research and development
of alternative technologies
specially for cleaning
applications in electronic
assemblies and precision
parts.
-
Energy
Savings: As a consequence
of CFC phase out, there
has been considerable effort
in many countries to develop
and invest in a new generation
of energy efficient air-conditioning
and refrigeration equipment.
This also impacts positively
on global warming and climate
change.
-
Pollution
Prevention: The
energy
savings from equipment
upgrades
mean that less
fossil fuel are
burned
at
the power plant,
leading to reduced
emissions of
air
pollutants including
carbon
dioxide (CO2),
nitrogen oxides
(NOx), and sulfur
dioxide
(SO2). These pollutants
are
responsible for
global
warming
and acid rain.
Indian
Scenario
As
per the Montreal
Protocol, India is one
of the
Article 5 (1) countries
consuming
a large volume of
CFCs, second only to China.
India ratified the
Montreal Protocol agreement
in
1992 and the Government
of India has taken
many progressive steps
to
phase-out ODS in
India.
These include:
