By Susan Cunningham
The Nation
Denmark won allies last week in its drive to accelerate the phase-out of two chemicals that destroy the ozone layer, hydrochloro-fluorocarbons (HCFCs) and the pesticide methyl bromide.
Twenty-two nations, including the entire European Union, pledged here to phase out their production and consumption of HCFCs by the year 2015, 15 years ahead of the present schedule. They had convened for the annual meeting of 123 signatories to the Montreal Protocol. The 22 nations also promised to limit their HCFC use “to absolutely necessary applications” in the run-up to 2015.
HCFCs were introduced as substitutes for the more destructive chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are used as refrigerants and in the manufacture of insulating foams. Beginning in 1987, CFCs were the original target of international efforts–codified under various Montreal Protocol agreements–to protect the atmospheric ozone layer.
Yet HCFCs, as well as methyl bromide and halon compounds, still destroy ozone, which means that more ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth. Higher levels of radiation increase the risks for skin cancer, eye disease, genetic mutations, and may damage to crops and aquatic life.
While HCFCs were always regarded as stopgap CFC substitutes, superior alternatives are becoming available sooner than had been anticipated. At last year’s protocol meeting in Copenhagen, developed countries agreed to freeze their HCFC consumption by 1996 and to completely phase out use by 2030.
The pesticide methyl bromide is used worldwide to fumigate soils, buildings and agricultural commodities, particularly in tropical countries such as Thailand. It is often used to kill pests that infest stored grain. A phase-out will require many countries to revise customs rules that require imported commodities to be treated with the pesticide.
Although there’s isn’t a single replacement for methyl bromide, there are chemical and non-chemical alternatives for many of its current applications. Niche markets are expected to emerge with the development of substitute compounds tailored for particular plants or for grain fumigation. At the Copenhagen meeting last year, many developing countries voiced strong opposition to any controls on methyl bromide. Read more »
March 9, 2008
Posted by Suzana |
Environment, Politics, Uncategorized | CFCs, HCFCs, methyl bromide, Montreal Protocol, ozone layer, The Nation |
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