Achievements in

P R O G R E S S R E P O R T

ProtectionStratospheric

Ozone

2

Contents

About This Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Achievements in Ozone Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Then and Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

The Technology Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The Phaseout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Partners in Ozone Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Military Leadership in Ozone Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Promoting Sun Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

The Impact of Ozone-Depleting Substances on Climate Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

A Walk Through History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Looking Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Office of Air and RadiationUnited States Environmental Protection Agency1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (6205J)Washington, DC 20460www.epa.gov/ozoneEPA-430-R-07-001April 2007

Achievements inStratospheric Ozone

ProtectionP R O G R E S S R E P O R T

Countries around the world are phasing out the production and use of chemicals that

destroy ozone in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The United States has already phased out

production of those substances having the greatest potential to deplete the ozone layer. At

the same time, we have ensured that businesses and consumers have alternatives that are

safer for the ozone layer than the chemicals they replace. These vital measures are helping

to protect human health and the global environment.

With our many partners, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proud to have

been part of a broad coalition that developed and implemented flexible, innovative, and

effective approaches to ensure stratospheric ozone layer protection. These partnerships

have fundamentally changed the way we do business, spurring the development of new

technologies that not only protect the ozone layer but, in many cases, also save energy and

reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Together, we continue to look for alternatives and

technologies that are as ozone- and climate-friendly as possible.

This report covers the important and substantial achievements of the people, programs,

and organizations that are working to protect the Earth’s ozone layer. As impressive as

these accomplishments are, our work is not done. Even though we have reduced or elimi-

nated the use of many ozone-depleting substances, some still remain. Additionally, since

ozone-depleting substances persist in the air for long periods of time, the past use of these

substances continues to affect the ozone layer today. We must also continue to ensure that

the alternatives being brought to the market support the country’s long-term environmen-

tal goals in a cost-effective manner.

About This Report

2

Those of us who have been fighting for the ozone layersince the early 1980s look back in amazement at whathas been accomplished. Most of us consider our workon ozone as the most important part of our lives.

—Dr. Iwona Rummel-Bulska, United Nations Environment Programme

3

“ ”

A C H I E V EOVER THE PAST SEVERAL DECADES, EPA’S STRATOSPHERIC PROTECTIONDIVISION AND ITS PARTNERS HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TO PROTECT THE EARTH’S STRATOSPHERIC OZONE LAYER, THE ENVIRON-MENT, AND PEOPLE’S HEALTH.

The ozone layer acts like a shield in theupper atmosphere (the stratosphere), toprotect life on Earth from harmful ultra-violet (UV) radiation. In 1974, scientistsdiscovered that emissions of chlorofluo-rocarbons, or CFCs, were depletingozone in the stratosphere. CFCs were acommon aerosol propellant in spraycans and were also used as refrigerants,solvents, and foam-blowing agents.

In the 1980s, scientists observed a thinningof the ozone layer over Antarctica, and peo-ple began thinking of it as an “ozone hole.”Additional research has shown that ozonedepletion occurs over every continent.

As our scientific knowledge about ozone depletiongrew, so too did the response to the issue. In 1987,leaders from many countries came together to sign alandmark environmental treaty, the Montreal Protocol onSubstances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. Today, more than 190 countries—including the United States—have ratified the treaty. Thesecountries are committed to taking action to reduce the production and use of CFCs andother ozone-depleting substances to protect the ozone layer. Countries are phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances in groups, focusing onthose chemicals with the most ozone-depleting potential first, followed by those that posethe next greatest ozone-depletion risk (in this document, these chemicals are referred to as“first-generation” and “second-generation” substances, respectively).

Healing theOzone Hole

4

M E N T SOZONE: GOOD UP HIGH, BADNEARBYOzone is a gas thatoccurs both in the Earth’supper atmosphere (thestratosphere) and atground level. Ozone canbe “good” or “bad” forpeople’s health and theenvironment, dependingon its location in theatmosphere.

“Good” ozone is pro-duced naturally in thestratosphere and is“good” because it blocksharmful UV radiationfrom reaching the Earth’ssurface where it canharm people andecosystems.

“Bad” ozone is an air pollutant found atground level and is “bad”because it is harmful tobreathe and can damagecrops, trees, and othervegetation. Ground-levelozone is a main compo-nent of urban smog.

For more information,see: <www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/gooduphigh>.

The ozone layer has not grown thinner since 1998 over most of theworld, and it appears to be recoveringbecause of reduced emissions ofozone-depleting substances. Antarcticozone is projected to return to pre-1980 levels by 2060 to 2075.

Global Ozone Depletion and Recovery4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

1980 2000 2020 2040

Year

Co

lum

n o

zon

e—d

evia

tio

n fr

om

19

80

val

ues

(%)

ObservationsRange of atmospheric model predictions

5

Sustained recovery of the ozone layer will require worldwide phase-out of ozone-depleting substances.

Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change/Technology and EconomicAssessment Panel. Special Report on Safeguarding the Ozone Layer and theGlobal Climate System: Issues Related to Hydrofluorocarbons and Perfluoro-carbons. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005.) Figure SPM-3.

We care about ozone depletion because a thinnerozone layer allows more UV radiation to reach theEarth’s surface. Overexposure to UV radiation cancause a range of health effects, including skin damage(skin cancers and premature aging), eye damage(including cataracts), and suppression of the immunesystem. Researchers believe that overexposure to UVradiation is contributing to an increase in melanoma,the most fatal of all skin cancers.

SavingLives

6

By the year 2165, actions to protect and restore the ozone layer will

save an estimated 6.3 million U.S. lives thatwould have otherwise been lost to skin cancer.*

7

* U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation. November 1999. The Benefits and Costs of the CleanAir Act, 1990-2010. EPA 4W-R-99-001. www.epa.gov/air/sect812/prospective1.html.

UV radiation can damage sensitive crops, such as soy-beans, and reduce crop yields. Some scientists believethat marine phytoplankton, which serve as the base ofthe ocean food chain, are already under stress from UVradiation. This stress could have profound effects onthe food chain and on food productivity.

Additionally, since most ozone-depleting substancesare also potent greenhouse gases, replacing these sub-stances with alternatives that are safer for the ozonelayer can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions andslow climate change.

Protecting the Planet

8

9

Generating enough electricity

to power everyU.S. home for more

than 13 years. . .

Phasing out ozone-depleting substances has already reduced greenhouse gas emis-sions by more than 8,900 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE) peryear*—equivalent to the cumulative carbon dioxide emissions associated with…

And

Preserving 89 millionacres of forests from

deforestation—more than

twice the size of Florida.. .

Saving more than

1.2 trillion gallonsof gas—enough to make

4.8 billion round trips from New

York to Los Angeles by car.‡

* U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Stratospheric Protection Division, Allowance Tracking System, 1989-1995.

‡ Calculations made using U.S. Climate Technology Cooperation Gateway tool at www.usctcgateway.net.

And

10

Protecting the ozone layer has enormousbenefits for the United States.

Because stratospheric ozone depletion is aglobal issue, people in other countries alsobenefit from the investments we make intechnology and sound science to protect theozone layer. In turn, we benefit from theaccomplishments of other nations.

Everyone Benefits

11

Every dollar invested in ozone protection provides $20 of societal health benefits in the United States.*

Efforts to protect the stratospheric ozone layer will produce an estimated

$4.2 trillion in societal health benefitsin the United States over the period 1990 to 2165.*

* U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation. November 1999. The Benefits and Costsof the Clean Air Act, 1990-2010. EPA 4W-R-99-001. www.epa.gov/air/sect812/prospective1.html.

Computers Then: Solvents containing CFCs andmethyl chloroform were used to cleancircuit boards during their production.

Now: Some companies have eliminatedthe need to clean circuit boards duringtheir production. Others use water orhave temporarily switched to HCFCs.

Ozone-Depleting Substances Were All Around Us…

More Ozone-Friendly Products, Better Processes, andNew Equipment Are In Use

Central AirConditioners Then: CFCs were used asthe coolant in householdair conditioners.

Now: HCFCs and HFCshave replaced CFCs.

Furniture Then: Foam-blowing agentscontaining CFCs were usedin furniture making.

Now: Water-blown foam isbeing used.

RefrigeratorsThen: CFCs were used in refrigeratorcoolants and foam insulation.

Now: HFCs have replaced CFCs, andsubstitutes are on the horizon that willhave reduced greenhouse gas impacts.

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Polystyrene Cups and Packing PeanutsThen: Some polystyrene cups and foam packing “peanuts” were made using CFCs.

Now: These products are made with materialsthat do not deplete the ozone layer.

Aerosol Cans Then: CFCs were the propellantused in various spray cans.

Now: Pumps and alternativepropellants using hydrocarbonsare being used.

All parts of our daily lives have been touched by ozone-depleting substances. Prior to the 1980s, CFCs and otherozone-depleting substances were pervasive in modern life. But thanks to the work of individuals, businesses, organ-izations, and governments around the world, substitutes that are safer for the ozone layer continue to be developedfor many ozone-depleting substances. The phaseout of ozone-depleting substances has also made a substantialcontribution toward the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since their global warming potential is very high.

Then:Now:

Substance UsesOzone-Depleting

Potential*Global Warming

Potential**

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)Refrigerants, cleaning solvents, aerosol propellants, andblowing agents for plastic foam manufacture.

0.6 – 1.0 4,680 – 10,720

HalonsFire extinguishers/fire suppression systems, explosionprotection.

3 – 10 1,620 – 7,030

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) Production of CFCs (feedstock), solvent/diluents, fireextinguishers.

1.1 1,380

Methyl chloroform (CHCl3) Industrial solvent for cleaning, inks, correction fluid. 0.1 144

Methyl bromide (CH3Br)

Fumigant used to control soil-borne pests and diseases incrops prior to planting and in commodities such asstored grains. Fumigants are substances that give offfumes; they are often used as disinfectants or to kill pests.

0.6 5

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons(HCFCs)

Transitional CFC replacements used as refrigerants, sol-vents, blowing agents for plastic foam manufacture, andfire extinguishers. HCFCs deplete stratospheric ozone,but to a much lesser extent than CFCs; however, they aregreenhouse gases.

0.01 – 0.5 76 – 2,270

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)CFC replacements used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants,solvents, and fire extinguishers. HFCs do not depletestratospheric ozone, but they are greenhouse gases.

0 122 – 14,130

Common Ozone-Depleting Substances and Some Alternatives‡

‡ This is a limited list and does not represent all of the alternatives approved by EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. For a completelist, see: www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/lists/index.html.

* Ozone-depleting potential (ODP) is the ratio of the impact on ozone caused by a chemical compared to the impact of a similar mass of CFC-11. The ODPof CFC-11 is 1.0.

** Global warming potential (GWP) is the ratio of the warming caused by a substance compared to the warming caused by a similar mass of carbon dioxide.The GWP of carbon dioxide is 1.0.

13

Fire Extinguishers Then: Halons were commonly used inhand-held fire extinguishers.

Now: Conventional dry chemicals, whichdon’t deplete the ozone layer, and waterhave replaced halons. HFCs are also used.

Car Air Conditioners Then: CFCs were used as the coolantin automobile air conditioners.

Now: HFCs have replaced CFCs.

Degreasers Then: CFCs or methyl chloroform were usedin many solvents for degreasing.

Now: Water-soluble compounds and hydrocar-bon degreasers that do not deplete the ozonelayer are available for many applications.

RevolutionThe Technology

In the 1980s, only a few businesses and gov-

ernment organizations were optimistic that

technology could be developed to meet the

challenge of effectively eliminating the use

of ozone-depleting substances. But over the

next two decades, the reductions of these

substances, called for in the Montreal Protocol,

galvanized a global technology revolution. 14

Companies around the world invested in unprecedentedresearch and development to find ways to eliminate the use ofozone-depleting substances. Creating effective product substi-tutes or rethinking processes that had been in place for decadeswas no trivial task. Many factors had to be considered and thor-oughly evaluated.

Some businesses took a traditional path—retrofitting equipment,re-engineering products or processes, or finding in-kind replace-ments. Others found an opportunity to invent completely newtechnologies or products. These efforts required major corporateinvestment to develop new technologies, test them, and speedtheir deployment to the marketplace.

There are hundreds of examples of important achievements in ozone layer protection. The following are just a few stories from some technology leaders. Many other organizations alsomade significant achievements in their fields.

SC JOHNSONELIMINATES USEOF CFCS IN AEROSOLSOne of the first instances of U.S. corporate leader-ship for protection of the ozone layer occurred onJune 18, 1975, twelve years before the MontrealProtocol, when SC Johnson announced its plan for acorporate elimination of CFCs used as aerosol prod-uct propellants. Its announcement was also wellahead of the announcement by the federal govern-ment that most CFC-based aerosol products forconsumers would be banned in the United States.SC Johnson demonstrated that hydrocarbon propel-lants were more economical and that its customerspreferred products that were more protective of theozone layer. By March 1978, when EPA banned CFCsas propellants in cosmetic products, consumers hadalready virtually halted the purchase of cosmeticproducts that contained CFCs.

DUPONT™ LEADSWITH SOUND SCIENCEFor more than two decades, DuPont™ has providedindustrial leadership in the protection of stratos-pheric ozone. In the 1970s, the company’s manage-ment made a business decision to invest in goodscience and conduct its own atmospheric modelingto help decipher the evidence that CFCs wereaffecting stratospheric ozone. By the time theMontreal Protocol was signed, DuPont™ had alreadyled the chemical industry by abandoning CFCs anddeveloping alternatives. The company helped toform the international Programme for AlternativeFluorocarbon Toxicity Testing (PAFT), through whichit invited producers to examine the environmentalimpacts of the potential new alternatives.

Corporate Leaders

The unprecedented progress we have seen inozone layer protection was a direct result ofcooperation among governments, industry,environmental organizations, and scientistsworldwide. Industry’s innovations sped CFCphaseout while providing essential servicessuch as air conditioning and refrigeration. Weare very optimistic that the same spirit of coop-eration can carry forward to other environmen-tal issues such as global climate change.

—Thierry Vanlancker, Director, DuPont™ Fluorochemicals

Today, technology isbeing developedand deployed thatprotects the ozonelayer while savingenergy and prevent-ing greenhouse gasemissions.

15”

“

Private and public leaders around the worldcollaborated to develop and test new technolo-gies to eliminate the need for ozone-depletingsubstances. These organizations and individu-als broke down many technical, institutional,and financial barriers, paving the way for thecommercialization and standardization of newmaterials, products, and processes. In addition,corporate leadership played a key role in thenegotiation of the Montreal Protocol phaseoutschedules. As a result of this leadership, phase-out targets were more easily achieved.

Multi-Industry Coalition

The Alliance for Responsible AtmosphericPolicy, one of the first multi-industry environ-mental coalitions, was formed in 1980 toaddress the issue of stratospheric ozonedepletion. It represents industry sectors thatrely on fluorocarbons (such as CFCs, HCFCs,and HFCs). In 1986, the Alliance called for aglobal solution to address ozone depletion. In1992, the Alliance requested the phaseoutschedule for CFCs and certain HCFCs be accel-erated. The Alliance continues to be a leadingindustry voice in ozone protection and climatechange issues.

Fire Protection

The fire protection sector played a key role inthe U.S. transition from first-generation ozone-depleting substances to a variety of similar

substitutes (such asHFCs and inert gases)and alternatives(including water,aerosols, and foam) asfire protection agents.Early collaboration byindustry, government,and the military toresearch, develop, andtest the alternativesallowed the sector toachieve its dual goals of

1) fire protection to save property and lives and2) environmental protection for many—andoften challenging—applications. Leadership inthe revision of national and internationalindustry standards have ensured the adoptionof the alternatives and continued worldwideprogress away from halons. The sector has alsotaken steps to reduce emissions of halons dur-ing system testing and servicing, and of HFCsused as halon alternatives.

Four fire protection industry organizationsdeveloped a Voluntary Code of Practice thatencourages its members to follow governmentregulations andindustry standards;limit the use ofHFCs for testing andtraining; and minimize emissions from false dischargesand during storage, handling, and transport.The organizations thatdeveloped the code arethe Fire EquipmentManufacturers’Association (FEMA), the Fire SuppressionSystems Association(FSSA), the HalonAlternatives ResearchCorporation (HARC),

16

Partnerships for ProgressThe industry accepted the challenge toprotect the ozone layer and managedthe transition to new technologieswhile preserving the significant societalbenefits offered by fluorocarbon tech-nologies. The result has been good forthe environment, consumers, and theparticipating industries. The success isunprecedented.

— Kevin FayFormer Executive Director

Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy”

“

and the National Association of Fire EquipmentDistributors (NAFED®).

As part of the Voluntary Code of Practice, thesector also created a program known as theHFC Emissions Estimating Program to collectdata about HFC emissions from fire protectionapplications. This program is helping theindustry set benchmarks to minimize unneces-sary greenhouse gas emissions and documentthe progress being made.

Air Conditioning andRefrigeration

EPA and the air-conditioning andrefrigeration sector have worked closely to

find acceptable substitutes for the use of CFCsas coolants in household and car air condition-ers and commercial refrigeration systems. In2006, EPA and the Air-Conditioning andRefrigeration Institute joined forces to mini-mize the use of HCFCs and HFCs in the manu-facture of more than 8 million residential andcommercial air-conditioning units and refriger-ation systems annually. HCFCs are far lessdamaging to the ozone layer than CFCs, andHFCs are not ozone-depleting substances.However, both HCFCs and HFCs are green-house gases. EPA and the Association of HomeAppliance Manufacturers took this into accountand agreed to work together to significantlyreduce HFC emissions during the manufactur-ing of 12 million refrigerator-freezers in theUnited States and more than 60 million world-wide each year.

The partnerships plan to reduce HCFCs andHFCs emissions during all stages of production,including delivery, storage, transfer of refriger-ants and system charging, testing, and refrigerantrecovery. The guidelines provide a framework forprotecting the global environment beyond cur-rent mandates through advanced technologies.

Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning

Prior to 1994, most air-conditioning systemsused in cars and othervehicles required CFCrefrigerants. While vehi-cles manufactured in1995 and later do not useCFCs in their air-conditioning systems,many older cars still require them for servicing.Industry partners have developed proceduresto retrofit cars to use alternative refrigerants,such as HFC-134a, and to reduce the amount ofrefrigerant leaked into the air during servicing.

SAE InternationalTM, Delphi, and the Mobile AirConditioning Society (MACS), together withEPA, established a precedent-setting servicingprocedure using new technology that allowsfor onsite recovery and recycling of motor vehi-cle air-conditioning refrigerant. The procedureprevents millions of pounds of refrigerant frombeing released to the environment and enablesit to be reused, thereby reducing the need fornew refrigerant. Automobile manufacturersworldwide have approved this process andallowed it to be covered under vehicle war-ranties. It has also been adopted for HFC-134arefrigerant, which is used in modern car air-conditioning systems.

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PhaseoutThe

Historically, the United States has been one

of the largest consumers of ozone-depleting

substances in the world. Over the past two

decades, however, EPA and its partners have

eliminated U.S. production of the most

damaging first-generation ozone-depleting

substances, such as CFCs and halons, and

developed options that are safer for the ozone

layer than the chemicals they replace. Some of

the second-generation replacement sub-

stances, such as HCFCs, are themselves under

phaseout schedules. These compounds are

slated for complete phaseout by 2030.

EPA is responsible for controlling chemicals that

damage the ozone layer by implementing the

requirements of Title VI of the Clean Air Act,

which is the legal framework for U.S. compliance

with the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.

The United States has met its commitments and

deadlines under both the Montreal Protocol and

Clean Air Act. We could not have achieved these

results without the collaboration of our partners

from all sectors of our economy.

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19

Chemical GroupProduction

Phaseout DatesDeadline

Met

Halons January 1, 1994 ✓

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) January 1, 1996 ✓

Carbon tetrachloride January 1, 1996 ✓

Hydrobromofluorocarbons(HBFCs)

January 1, 1996 ✓

Methyl chloroform January 1, 1996 ✓

Chlorobromomethane August 18, 2003 ✓

Methyl bromide January 1, 2005 ✓

U.S. Production of First-Generation Ozone-Depleting Substances Phased Out on Schedule

Chemical GroupProduction

Phaseout DatesDeadline Met

Hydrochlorofluoro-carbons (HCFCs)

Cut production 35 percentby January 1, 2004

✓✓

(One year

ahead of

schedule)

Cut production 65 percentby January 1, 2010

Cut production 90 percentby January 1, 2015

Cut production 99.5 per-cent by January 1, 2020

Complete phaseout byJanuary 1, 2030

On track to

meet all future

requirements

U.S. Production of Second-Generation Ozone-Depleting Substances Phaseout on Schedule

Spurring Action The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)played a key role in spurring international treatytalks, domestic regulatory action, and adoption ofClean Air Act provisions targeting ozone-depletingsubstances. In 1986, NRDC made the first proposalto phase out CFCs and halons over a 10-year period. The environmentalcommunity, government, and industry collaborated in developing practi-cal, sector-by-sector schedules for phasing out ozone-depleting chemicalsand introducing safer alterna-tives. As a result, industri-alized countries endedhalon production by 1994and nearly all CFC pro-duction by 1996. Today,developing countries arealso well on the way toeliminating thesechemicals.

Achieving Goals Through FlexibilityBecause eliminating or replacing some ozone-depleting substances haspresented technical and other challenges, EPA has used flexibility andinnovative strategies to achieve the phaseout targets set forth in theMontreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act. For example, EPA has:

• Granted exemptions allowed under law for devicesor applications for which immediate full-scale replace-ment is not feasible, such as critical uses of methylbromide, used to control pests in agriculture and foodstorage, and essential uses of CFCs for medicaldevices, such as metered dose inhalers.

• Supported careful management of existing invento-ries of ozone-depleting substances and encouragedtheir proper destruction.

• Established tradable permits for import and produc-tion of ozone-depleting substances. The system pro-vides flexibility while also ensuring that the phaseout

20

Many people thought that the phase-out of CFCs would be very hard. Yetwhen countries agreed to the MontrealProtocol, companies found new solu-tions, discovered business opportuni-ties, and saved money. There’s a lessonhere for global warming: It will not beas hard as many people think.

—David D. Doniger,Policy Director, Climate Center

Natural Resources Defense Council”

“

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SELF-CHILLING CANSMost technology applications reviewedby the SNAP program have broad andimmediate market implications. Theseapplications include mobile and station-ary air conditioning, domestic and com-mercial refrigeration, fire suppression,solvent cleaning, and aerosols, to name afew. The SNAP program also reviews newtechnologies with potentially large mar-ket penetration, such as a portable, self-chilling can that would allow consumersto drink cold beverages any time and anyplace. To work, the coolant must bedirectly vented to the environment; how-ever, the Clean Air Act prohibits inten-tional venting of refrigeration devicesexcept where the refrigerants used arefound to be safe for the environment.EPA worked to make sure that this newtechnology could remain viable by allow-ing the use of recycled carbon dioxide inself-chilling cans, and in 2001 disallowingthe use of two HFCs. As a result, emis-sions equivalent to 8 million tons of car-bon per year were avoided, which isroughly equivalent to the emissionsassociated with burning more than 68 million barrels of oil.

*Note: This figure assumes 1 percent of the bever-age can industry had adopted HFC-134a as therefrigerant in self-chilling cans.

schedules for these substances are met. The sys-tem also allows imports of ozone-depleting sub-stances to encourage their proper destruction andto reduce the ultimate amount of harmful materi-als released to the atmosphere.

• Supported efforts to reclaim and recycle ozone-depleting substances to reduce emissions whilemeeting the needs of critical users as they transi-tion to alternatives.

EPA’s SNAP ProgramThe foundation for EPA’s regulatory efforts to adoptmore ozone-friendly substances is its Significant NewAlternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The programwas established in 1994 to ensure a smooth transitionto safer, practical, and economically feasible alterna-tives across multiple industrial, consumer, and mili-tary sectors.

The SNAP program provides a regulatory frame-work for EPA to evaluate the health and environ-mental impacts of alternatives to ozone-depletingsubstances that companies develop. Under the program, EPA reviews alternatives for a variety ofend uses, such as refrigeration, air conditioning,insulation foam, and fire suppression. Based on thisevaluation, EPA determines which substitutes areacceptable, which are acceptable with conditions,and which are unacceptable.

Through the SNAP program, EPA hasapproved more than 300 alternatives formore than 60 industrial, commercial, andconsumer end uses.

2222

Partners in

22

Many organizations are playing a pivotal role in protecting the stratosphericozone layer—both in the past efforts they made to eliminate use of first-generation ozone-depleting substances and in their current undertakings toreduce their use of second-generation ozone-depleting substances. Leadership,investment, and innovation are the keys to these important achievements.

Ozone Protection

STRATOSPHERIC OZONE PROTECTION AWARDSSince 1990, EPA has recognized outstanding achievement in ozone layer protection.Nearly 500 organizations, teams, and individuals from 40 countries have receivedStratospheric Ozone Protection Awards for their exceptional leadership, personal dedication, and technical achievements.

232323

Replacing Halons in Fire ProtectionBefore the U.S. production of halons ceased in January 1994,these chemicals were extensively used as fire extinguishingagents because they were effective and safe, and left no agentresidues. Most halon-based fire extinguishing applications cannow be replaced with other means of fire protection, particularlyfor new installations. However, halons are still employed forsome essential uses, such as on civil aircraft, legacy militarysystems, and other important, existing installations. The halonsnecessary for these essential uses must be derived from existingsupplies.

The National Fire Protection Association(NFPA®) develops voluntary standards for the fire protection industry that areadopted as industry practices in theUnited States and around the world. Theassociation has developed U.S. standards for importanthalon replacement technologies and worked to changetesting procedures and streamline the acceptance criteriafor alternatives. The standards have been instrumental insupporting adoption of halon replacement agents world-wide. In addition, NFPA® has organized conferencesinternationally to promote the elimination of halon emis-sions caused by testing, training, leaks, and accidentaldischarges. It has also worked closely with the fire pro-tection industry to approve a nonchemical pressure testfor fire extinguishers in place of discharge testing—thereby preventing significant emissions of ozone-depleting substances.

The Halon Alternatives ResearchCorporation (HARC) was originallyfounded as a U.S. government partnership with industryto develop halon alternatives. It has since evolved intoan industry-led effort. HARC members include the majorchemical manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and serv-icing companies in the fire protection industry. In addi-tion to serving as a clearinghouse and facilitating organi-zation for research on halon alternatives, HARC has beena leader in establishing the mechanisms by which recy-cled halons are internationally traded in order to meetessential uses. It implemented a comprehensive halonrecycling and banking program and helped to focusglobal attention on the need for proper recycling ofhalons.

PROTECTING PATIENTSAND THE PLANET As originally designed, metereddose inhalers used CFCs to delivervital medication (such as albuterol)to asthma sufferers. Thanks to theavailability of alternative albuteroltherapies, in 2005, the U.S. Foodand Drug Administration removedCFC-based metered dose inhalerscontaining albuterol from the list ofessential and exempted medicaldevices. As a result, hundreds ofthousands of metered dose inhalerssold each year will be CFC-free. Theswitch is expected to result in areduction of the consumption ofCFCs by 850 metric tons per year.

3M developed theworld’s first safe andeffective alternative toCFC-driven asthma inhalers—atechnology that had remainedunchanged for some 40 years.Collaborating with more than sevendifferent companies, 3M redesignedvirtually all of the inhaler’s compo-nents and helped to reformulatenumerous drugs to use CFC-freetechnology. The company has alsoworked worldwide to educatepatients and physicians on howozone layer protection and patients’safety can go hand-in-hand. 3M setthe stage for the ultimate, substan-tive phaseout of CFCs in metereddose inhalers with no impact onpatient safety.

24

Improving Commercial RefrigerationRefrigeration and air conditioning typically use a compressed refrigerant tocool and/or dehumidify. CFCs were once used pervasively in refrigerationapplications but have since been replaced by HCFCs—a transitional substi-tute—HFCs, or, in some cases, hydrocarbons.

Raley’s® Family of Fine Storesis a pioneer among grocerystore chains in transitioningthe coolants in its refrigeration systems toozone-friendly alternatives. Raley’s® is alreadyusing HFCs for all major remodels and newstore construction and has successfully convert-ed more than 70 percent of its inventory toHFCs. Raley’s® is also pioneering a spirit ofcooperation among grocers by sharing its techni-cal expertise with its competitors. This exchangeof information will reduce refrigerant emissionsfrom grocery stores as they convert to alterna-tives and build new stores that do not rely onozone-depleting refrigerants.

The Coca-ColaCompany has committed to using refrigeration equipment thatcontains no ozone-depleting substances and to

spreading the ozone protection message world-wide. Since Coca-Cola is one of the world’slargest multinational corporations, these effortsare having far-reaching results. In 1994, the com-pany stopped purchasing refrigeration equip-ment containing CFCs. All of the company’snew vending machines and dispensing equip-ment use more ozone-friendly alternatives.Additionally, Coca-Cola requires the capture ofall refrigerants during maintenance of thesemachines. The company also created an OzoneProtection Seminar for its worldwide operations,which are based in both developed and devel-oping nations. At EPA’s request, the companycreated a generic version of the seminar, whichEPA and the World Health Organization use as atraining program in developing countries. Coca-Cola has also made the program available toother companies and organizations to encourageadoption of similar environmental practices.

TRANSFORMING SOLVENT USE IN ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING The phaseout of ozone-depleting substances launched a global change in the way solvent users clean metalparts, deflux wiring assemblies on printed circuit boards, and remove contaminants from precision mechanicalparts and assemblies. In the 1980s, two first-generation ozone-depleting substances, CFC-113 and methyl chloroform, were used extensively as solvents in industrial cleaning operations. The solvent cleaning industryconducted far-reaching research and development to reduce the demand for solvents in the first place, findappropriate ozone-friendly chemical substitutes (such as HFCs and HCFCs), and replace existing cleaning methods with substitute technologies, including aqueous cleaning and no-clean technologies.

In 1988, AT&T® and Petrofermjointly announced that AT&T®

was using a naturally derived Petroferm product to deflux electronic circuit assemblies. The announcement signaled that CFCs were nolonger essential for sophisticated electronics manufacturing. AT&T®

also set the first aggressive phaseout goal for ozone-depleting substances of any electronics manufacturer: 50 percent reductionby 1991 and complete elimination by 1994.

Another company, Motorola, also took greatstrides to completely eliminate the use of allozone-depleting substances from its manufacturing processes.Motorola accomplished this goal in 1993.

…Eliminating the use ofozone-depleting sub-stances was one of themost challenging techno-logical problems ever faced,but the efforts of mankindworldwide prevailed andsolutions were found.

— Robert G. Holcomb, Corporate Director,

Environmental Affairs, Motorola”

“

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New Technologies in Pest ManagementMethyl bromide is a first-generation ozone-depleting substance, and it has long been used in agricultureand food storage to effectively control a wide variety of pests in the United States and other countries. TheU.S. phaseout of methyl bromide took effect on January 1, 2005, except for allowable exemptions.

In 1993, before the phaseoutof methyl bromide, theGeneral Mills-ownedPillsbury Company® madethe decision to eliminate asmuch pesticide use as possi-ble. In just four years, thecompany completely eliminated its use ofmethyl bromide. To provide customers withsafe food products, General Mills continues touse heat treatment and other non-methyl bro-mide materials, as well as integrated pest man-agement programs, in high-volume flour millsand food processing plants.

Dow AgroSciences™developed alterna-tives to methyl bromide that can be economicand effective. Since 1998, the company hasdeveloped alternatives that approach methylbromide’s ability to control pests and disease.These products are being used successfully on awide variety of crops around the world. DowAgroSciences™ has also developed new uses forsulfuryl fluoride (a pest control tool in thebuilding fumigation industry for more than 40years) that can replace methyl bromide in somefood processing, grain milling, and storedcommodity applications.

NASA maintains satellites invarious Earth orbits and con-ducts research to acquire along-term, comprehensive setof environmental measure-ments about the Earth. NASAhas also been instrumental in assessing theeffects of worldwide aviation on the globalatmosphere. In addition to its data gatheringefforts, NASA has reduced the use of ozone-depleting substances in its space program bymore than 96 percent—from more than 3.5 mil-lion pounds in 1991 to less than 150,000 poundsin 2004. To achieve such significant reductions,NASA invested years of focused effort andresources to research, test, develop, qualify, and

implement important techno-logical advances for mission-critical uses of ozone-deplet-ing substances.

NOAA determines the extentof depletion over Antarctica(the ozone hole), makes ground-based measurements of ozone inthe atmosphere, and monitors thegases responsible for depletingstratospheric ozone. Its globalnetwork of research stations andscientists continues to play an important role inmonitoring and tracking the recovery of theozone layer.

Sound ScienceUnderscores Achievements

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been key players in advancing theworld’s understanding of stratospheric ozone depletion and trends.

Ozone ProtectionMilitary Leadership in

26

T he U.S. military has led the way in the technology revolu-

tion. Since 1990, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

has reduced its overall usage of first-generation ozone-

depleting substances from more than 16.5 million pounds to

less than half a million pounds in 2005, a 97 percent reduction. The Armed

Services and defense agencies have been key players in discovering, testing,

and implementing important alternatives to ozone-depleting substances.

This work has served as a foundation and model for technology changes and

advancement in the global marketplace.

Fire SuppressionAlternativesDoD spearheaded efforts to identify moreozone-friendly alternatives to halons used forfire suppression in aircraft engines. Five dif-ferent DoD aircraft are using HFCs instead ofhalons, including three fighter aircraft andtwo helicopters. DoD also developed solidpropellant inert gas generators, similar to theinflation devicesused for automobileairbags, as alterna-tives for halons inaircraft dry bay firesuppression appli-cations.

HFC Refrigerants on VesselsIn 1993, DoD began converting its shipand watercraft air-conditioning and refrig-eration systems to those that use moreozone-friendly alternatives. More than 400vessels now use alternative refrigerantssuch as HFCs. The switch is not only pro-tecting the ozone layer but also reducinggreenhouse gas emissions. When complete,the project will result in annual green-house gas emission reductions equivalentto the emissions from more than 5,000automobiles per year.

PROTECTING SOLDIERS ON THE BATTLEFIELD DoD was the first in the world to design an effective alternative to the halonsystems used in ground combat vehicles to suppress explosions in crew com-partments. The new halon-free systems have been used successfully in Iraqand Afghanistan, and all new ground combat vehicles are expected to be out-fitted with this alternative system.

27

Sun SafetyPromoting

Because it will not be possible tosee the full effect of efforts torestore the Earth’s protectiveozone layer for at least another 50 years, EPA is also working to protect public health from UVradiation. EPA’s SunWise Programpromotes sun safety in schoolsand communities around thecountry. Sun safety can include a variety of measures, such aswearing sunglasses, hats, andother protective clothing; applying sunscreen; and planningoutdoor activities around the UVIndex to avoid overexposure to thesun as UV levels get higher.

The UV Index provides a dailyforecast of the expected risk ofoverexposure. The Index predictsUV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where 1 indicates a lowrisk of overexposure and 11+ signifies an extreme risk.

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EPA’s SunWise ProgramEPA launched theSunWise Program in 2000 to teach thepublic about therisks of overexposure to UV radiation. SunWise start-ed out as a school-based program for kindergartenthrough eighth grade students and has grown toinclude a number of informal education, sports, com-munity, and nonprofit organizations. By formingpartnerships with these groups, SunWise pursues amore comprehensive approach to teaching childrenand their caregivers about sun safety.

SunWise continues to expand its reach. By the end of2006, the program had registered more than 13,700partner schools involving more than 17,000 educatorsin all 50 states. In addition, 1,500 partner organiza-tions, such as science museums, children’s museums,and camps, have partnered with SunWise.

SUNWISE IN ARIZONAIn Arizona, lessons about using sunscreen, covering up, andwearing sunglasses now join reading and writing as part of thestandard curriculum. In 2005, Arizona became the first state tomandate the use of SunWise educational materials in every K-8

public and charter school. Arizona children are at a high risk of developing skin cancerbecause of the amount of time that they spend outdoors all year and the intense levelof UV radiation in the state. Teachers are encouraged to spend five to 10 hours on sunsafety education each year.

Percentage of K-8 Schools Participating in EPA’s SunWise Program

29

Source: EPA

in Sun SafetyRecognizing Leaders

T he SunWise Recognition Program recognizes elementary and middle school educators andadministrators and other organizations showing exemplary and enthusiastic commitmentto sun safety education.

The Shining Star Award recognizes partner schools and educators that have shown a lastingcommitment to sun safety education, either by adapting the program in new and effective ways,

discovering unique ways to share the SunWise mes-sage more broadly, or implementing the program inmultiple classrooms or grade levels.

The Helios Leadership Award is given to SunWisepartners that meet all of the eligibility criteria for theShining Star Award and that have shown outstandingleadership in school-based sun safety education byeither 1) instituting a policy to address sun safety thatcan serve as a model for other schools/districts, 2) erecting a shade structure, or 3) addressing theissue of sun safety in a way that distinguishes themfrom Shining Star Schools.

Shining Star Award WinnersMcWane Science Center

In Birmingham, Alabama, theMcWane Science Center is teachingthousands of visitors about sun safe-ty. The hands-on, interactive sciencecenter and aquarium is one of themany informal learning centers across the nation that isteaming up with SunWise. Led by the efforts of JanMattingly, the center has hosted teacher and museumtraining workshops and created family event days so theentire community can learn about sun safety.

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Screenshot of the UV Index Forecast, prepared dailyby the National Weather Service.

PARTNERING FOR SUNPROTECTIONTogether with a pair ofexperts—the NationalWeather Service (NWS)and the AmericanMeteorological Society(AMS)—SunWise devel-oped a tool kit to helpmeteorologists educatechildren about UV radia-tion and sun protection.

SunWise and NWS also developed theUV Alert, a real-time tool the public canuse to protect themselves from over-exposure to UV radiation. People whosubscribe to the UV Alert receive e-mailnotification when the level of solar UVradiation is predicted to be unusuallyhigh in their area. They can also receivedaily notification of the UV Index to helpthem plan their outdoor activities.

For more information about the UV Alert,visit <www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvalert.html>

Kyrene de la Colina Elementary School

Stephanie Smith andKyrene de la ColinaElementary School inPhoenix, Arizona, have spread the SunWise mes-sage in a number of creative ways. Each year,students conduct the “Hats on Heads” activity—keeping track of how many children are wearinghats outdoors throughout the year. The ArizonaCommission on the Arts also awarded the schoolthe state’s first sun safety grant and provided aplaywright who helps children write creativeplays about sun safety. Ms. Smith and the schoolalso raised funds for the building of two shadestructures on the school property.

Sea Gate Elementary School

In their six years ofcollaboration, TerylBrzeski and SeaGate Elementary School in Naples, Florida, haveachieved great things in sun safety. Ms. Brzeskihas helped convince the School Board in CollierCounty, where Sea Gate is located, to devote morethan $2 million for shade structures to cover play-grounds at all of its 22 elementary schools—thefirst project of its kind in the country. She also hasworked to provide 1,200 hats and 600 pairs ofsunglasses for students.

The SHADE® Foundation of America

The SHADE® Foundation of Americahas been a SunWise partner since2003. It has helped spread the mes-sage of sun safety to schools acrossthe country and fund shade structures for a num-ber of organizations. With EPA, the foundationalso sponsors an annual national poster contest forchildren in kindergarten through eighth grade.Posters submitted to the contest are original, cre-ative, and suggest ways to prevent skin cancer andraise sun safety awareness. In 2006, the winner gotto throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game atFenway Park in Boston. More than 40,000 studentshave participated in the annual contest since itsinception in 2003.

Holy Cross Lutheran School

Carlos Olivo and Holy CrossLutheran School in Dallas, Texas,have developed a SunWiseschool policy involving theentire school and local healthadvisors. The policy teacheschildren to apply sunscreenproperly and encourages them to wear hats,sunglasses, and protective clothing. The schoolhas constructed one shade structure and startedwork to install a second one.

Helios Leadership Award Winners

Evansville Cancer Center

Robin Lawrence-Broeschof the Evansville CancerCenter in Indiana hasdone a remarkable job ofspreading the SunWisemessage to her community. She has conducted morethan 50 presentations that have reached more than10,000 students. She organized a “Pool Patrol” pro-gram that distributed free sunscreen and demon-strated the importance of sun safety using theSunWise UV-sensitive Frisbee. She also arrangedfree skin cancer screenings at the center and wasfeatured in local media for her sun safety work.

Paul Gross, WDIV-TV

Paul Gross of WDIV-TV inDetroit, Michigan, is one of the many meteorol-ogists across the countryusing the SunWise Programto teach his communityabout UV radiation and sunsafety. On a TV spot featur-ing the UV Index, Mr. Gross used the SunWiseFrisbee and UV meter to demonstrate the effect ofUV radiation. He also travels to local schools pro-moting sun safety and utilizes SunWise activitieswith students and their teachers.

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Kyrene de la ColinaElementary School

32

Depleting Substances onThe Impact of Ozone-

Climate Change

ENERGY EFFICIENCY CO-BENEFITSThe search for alternatives for ozone-depleting substances has also led to opportunities to enhanceenergy efficiency. For example, to avoid potential efficiency losses in some refrigeration applications,EPA has worked extensively with automobile and equipment manufacturers and the supermarketindustry to transition to alternative refrigerants that not only protect the stratospheric ozone layer, butthat also contribute to better energy efficiency. This transition has improved cooling performance andenhanced fuel efficiency, leading to a reduced demand for fossil fuel combustion and reduced emis-sions and concentrations of greenhouse gases.

CURRENT AND FUTURECLIMATE CHANGEFor over the past 200 years, the burn-ing of fossil fuels, such as coal andoil, and deforestation have causedthe concentrations of heat-trapping“greenhouse gases” to increase sig-nificantly in our atmosphere. Thesegases prevent heat from escaping tospace, somewhat like the glass pan-els of a greenhouse.

Greenhouse gases are necessary tolife as we know it, because they keepthe planet’s surface warmer than itotherwise would be. But, as the con-centrations of these gases continue toincrease in the atmosphere, theEarth’s temperature is climbing abovepast levels. According to NOAA andNASA data, the Earth’s average sur-face temperature has increased byabout 1.2 to 1.4ºF since 1900. Thewarmest global average temperatureson record have all occurred within thepast 15 years, with the warmest twoyears being 1998 and 2005. Most ofthe warming in recent decades is like-ly the result of human activities. Otheraspects of the climate are also chang-ing, such as rainfall patterns, snowand ice cover, and sea level.

If greenhouse gases continue toincrease, climate models predict thatthe average temperature at theEarth’s surface could increase from2.5 to 10.4ºF above 1990 levels bythe end of this century. Scientists arecertain that human activities arechanging the composition of theatmosphere, and that increasing theconcentration of greenhouse gaseswill change the planet’s climate. Butthey are not sure by how much it willchange, at what rate it will change,or what the exact effects will be.

33

Phasing out ozone-depleting substances in order to protect theozone layer directly benefits the Earth’s climate in two ways.First, because most ozone-depleting substances are also potent

greenhouse gases, phasing out these substances directly reducesgreenhouse gas emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChange (IPCC) noted that the global decline in emissions of ozone-depleting substances has substantial climate benefits. The combinedemissions of CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs have fallen from about 33 per-cent of the annual carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combus-tion around 1990 to about 10 percent around 2000.*

The U.S. phaseout ofCFCs and halons willresult in substantialreductions in green-house gas emissionsover the period 1990to 2010, as well asadditional reductionsfrom the phaseout ofHCFCs over the peri-od 2000 to 2030.

Second, when substi-tute materials areintroduced, theequipment in whichthey are used is usuallyupgraded. This meansthat the equipment is often less leaky and more energy efficient.Less leakage reduces direct emissions of the substitute materials tothe environment. Greater energy efficiency requires less powerproduction, which in turn reduces the greenhouse gases emittedduring fossil fuel combustion.

The International PerspectiveEPA’s work to achieve climate co-benefits extends globally as well.For example, EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy’s NationalRenewable Energy Laboratory have partnered with The Energy andResources Institute (TERI) in India to quantify fuel consumption dueto car air-conditioning use in India. In Europe and the United States,car air conditioning systems are responsible for 4 to 6 percent of totalcar fuel use. In India, that figure can be as high as 20 to 30 percent oftotal car fuel consumption due to India’s climatic conditions and thepredominance of smaller engine vehicles. TERI is examining variousregulatory and voluntary options that the government of India canexercise to improve engine efficiency and reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases.

0

50

100

150

200

250

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

2019

2021

2023

2025

2027

2029

MMT

CE

Emissions

Avoided

Year

HCFC Phaseout

Refrigerant Emissions Management Efforts

This graph illustrates the projected annual greenhouse gas emis-sions (measured in million metric tons of carbon equivalent) thatwill be avoided as a result of both the U.S. phaseout of HCFCsand the improved management of refrigerant emissions.

Source: EPA

Projected Greenhouse Gas EmissionsAvoided Through HCFC Phaseout andManagement of Refrigerant Emissions

* Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change/Technology and Economic Assessment Panel. SpecialReport on Safeguarding the Ozone Layer and the Global Climate System: Issues Related to Hydrofluo-rocarbons and Perfluorocarbons. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005.) Figure SPM-3.

34

1928ScientistssynthesizeCFCs.

1973Scientists detect CFCs in atmosphere.

1974Nobel prize winners Molina andRowland discover that CFCs can

break down stratospheric ozone.

1975Scientists discoverthat bromine, usedin fire-retardinghalons and agricul-tural fumigants, isa potent ozone-depleting substance.

1985British Antarctic Survey

team discovers Antarcticozone hole (7.3 millionsquare miles), marking

the first evidence of stratos-pheric ozone depletion.

Scientific research revealsstratospheric ozone layer

depletion has adverse envi-ronmental and human

health effects.

1991International scientistsagree that CFCs aredepleting the stratos-pheric ozone layer inthe northern and south-ern hemispheres.

1976United Nations Environment

Programme (UNEP) calls for aninternational conference to dis-cuss an international response

to the ozone issue.

1978U.S. bans non-essential uses of

CFCs as a propellant in someaerosols (e.g., hair sprays,

deodorants, antiperspirants).Canada, Norway, and Sweden

follow with a similar ban.1981

UNEP develops a globalconvention to protect

the ozone layer.

1987Twenty-four

countries signthe Montreal

Protocol onSubstances That

Deplete theOzone Layer.

1989All developed coun-tries that are parties

to the MontrealProtocol freeze

production and consumption of CFCs

at 1986 levels.

1990Clean Air Act Amendments, includingTitle VI for Stratospheric OzoneProtection, signed into law.

1992U.S. announces an acceler-ated CFC phaseout date ofDecember 31, 1995, inresponse to new scientificinformation about ozonedepletion.

1993DuPont™ announces that itwill halt its production ofCFCs by the end of 1994.

Science

Action

1994U.S. eliminates production andimport of halons.

1996U.S. eliminates production and import of CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane, and hydrobromofluorocarbons.

1975SC Johnson announces

corporate phaseout of CFCs as aerosol

product propellants.

HistoryA Walk Through

2000Japan Meteorological Agencyreports the hole in the stratosphericozone layer over the Antarctic is atits largest to date—more than twicethe size of Antarctica.

2060-2075Earliest timeframe projected for the ozonelayer to recover.*

2040All developing countriesthat are parties to theMontreal Protocolscheduled to completelyphase out HCFCs.

2002All developing countries thatare parties to the MontrealProtocol freeze methylbromide production at1995–1998 average level.

2004All developed coun-tries reduce con-sumption of HCFCsby 35 percent frombaseline levels.

2010All developedcountriesreduce con-sumption ofHCFCs by 65percent frombaseline levels.

2015All developedcountriesreduce con-sumption ofHCFCs by 90percent frombaseline levels.

* Executive Summary, WMO/UNEP Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2006, Scientific AssessmentPanel of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, August 18, 2006. p. 7.

COLLABORATORSIN ATMOSPHERICCHEMISTRY

In the 1970s, chemistsSherwood Rowland andMario Molina discoveredthat CFCs contribute toozone depletion. The twocollaborators theorizedthat CFC gases react withsolar radiation and decom-pose in the stratosphere,releasing chlorine atomsthat are able to destroylarge numbers of ozonemolecules.

Their research was firstpublished in Nature maga-zine in 1974. The NationalAcademy of Sciences con-curred with their findingsin 1976, and in 1978 CFC-based aerosols werebanned in the UnitedStates. Further validation oftheir work came in 1985with the discovery of theozone hole over Antarctica.In 1995, the two chemistsshared the Nobel Prize forChemistry with PaulCrutzen, a Dutch chemistwho demonstrated thatchemical compounds ofnitrogen oxides acceleratethe destruction of stratos-pheric ozone.

35

2006The ozone hole is reported to be thebiggest ever, exceeding that of 2000.

2030All developedcountriesscheduled tocomplete thephaseout ofozone deplet-ing substances.

3636

LookingAhead

FOR MORE INFORMATIONU.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Stratospheric Protection Division1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (6205J)

Washington, DC 20460

www.epa.gov/ozonewww.epa.gov/sunwise

37

Although EPA and its partners have achieved excellent results, our jobis not done. Healing the ozone layer will take many years—andrequire a concerted worldwide effort—to accomplish.

In our work to expedite the recovery of the ozone layer, EPA plans to:

• Complete the phaseout of ozone-depleting substances.

• Continue educating the public, especially children, on how to protectthemselves from excess exposure to UV radiation through the SunWiseprogram.

• Continue to implement smart, flexible approaches.

• Continue to foster domestic and international partnerships to protectthe ozone layer.

• Encourage the development of products, technologies, and initiativesthat reap co-benefits in climate change and energy efficiency.

We’ve demonstrated that we can successfully meet the global challenge ofozone layer protection, and we will continue to work with our partners tomake the environment safer for all generations.

37

United States Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Air and Radiation1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (6205J)Washington, DC 20460

www.epa.gov/ozoneEPA-430-R-07-001April 2007

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