Environment
Ozone Layer Protection
In recent years, ozone has taken on international attention because of its measurable decline in the upper atmosphere.
Ozone, which consists of 3 oxygen atoms, occurs naturally and tends to concentrate in the upper atmosphere 15-35 km above the Earth's surface. It acts like a protective sun screen, blocking dangerous UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun. Extended exposure to UV has been proven dangerous to human health and detrimental to crops. Since 1985, gaps or holes in the ozone layer have been discovered, particularly at the South Pole. In September 1987, Montreal hosted 156 nations at a conference aimed at dealing with the issue of ozone depletion. They agreed to gradually phase out chemicals known as ozone depleting substances (ODS) which were identified as contributing to the thinning of the ozone layer. One of the first products to eliminate the use of ODS were aerosol sprays. These have not contained chemicals known as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) since 1980. Today, the cooling systems of new refrigerators and air conditioners are no longer using CFCs.
In the last decade, carbon tetrachloride and halons began gradually being phased out in fire extinguishers, dry cleaning solutions, and industrial solvents. Car air conditioners made before 1994 contain CFCs. Most provinces in Canada now prohibit the refilling of vehicle air conditioning systems containing CFCs. PEI has had legislation in place to deal with the management of ODS materials since 1995. These regulations require handlers (including installers and service persons) to take environmental awareness training and be licensed with the PEI Department of Environment, Justice and Labour.
The Ozone Layer Protection Regulations are available online as a PDF document.
This information has been taken from website "Environment"