Date:19/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/09/19/stories/2005091900550200.htm

Back Call to protect ozone layer

Our Bureau

Kochi , Sept.18

NATURE lovers at a meeting organised as part of `Ozone Day' here have called upon the public to realise the dangers of depletion of the ozone layer as there is a serious lack of awareness among people on ozone layer protection.

According to Mr V. Sasikumar, scientist at the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), attempts should be made to educate the younger generation on the need to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. He also stressed the need to phase out substances that deplete ozone in the stratosphere.

The Montreal Protocol had stipulated that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere had to be phased out. According to scientists, release of compounds like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform could significantly deplete the stratospheric ozone layer that shields the planet from ultraviolet-B radiation.

Mr S. Sitaraman, Secretary, Association for Environment Protection, pointed out that CFCs are used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and household applications. These substances are non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-reactive with other chemical compounds. CFCs are used as coolants for refrigeration units, aerosol propellants and electronic cleaning solvents.