Officially called the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, or Montreal Protocol 1987, for short, the international treaty is aimed at lessening the harm to the stratospheric ozone layer by air pollutants, among them refrigerant gases. The ozone layer shields the earth from detrimental UV-B radiation. If damage to the ozone layer continues, it will cause increased cases of skin cancer, ruin crops and harm marine phytoplankton.
Montreal Protocol 1987 calls for a phase out of the making and use of chemicals and gases that deplete the ozone layer. The original treaty set 2000 for the completion of the phase out. Substances identified are chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are also includes because they contribute to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons can be found in refrigerants, solvents, fire extinguishers and the manufacture of plastic foam.
The identification of environmentally harmful substances was initially set forth in the international Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer agreement. When it expired in 1985, Montreal Protocol 1987 took its place. Amendments were made in 1990 and 1992, extending the 2000 phase out deadline. The changes allowed developed countries to continue production of chlorofluorocarbons, but only up to 15% of their 1986 baseline. This ease in requirements was made because developing countries needed chlorofluorocarbons for necessary items, among them medical devices. But developing companies must phase out their use of chlorofluorocarbons and carbon tetrachloride by 2010 and methyl chloroform by 2015.
The revised Montreal Protocol 1987 currently calls for developed countries, such as the United States, to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons according to the following schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction in 2010; 90% reduction in 2015; 99.5% reduction in 2020; and 100% phase out in 2030. The agreement calls for 0.5% to be allowable in order to service existing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, 2040 is the deadline for a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
In the creation of Montreal Protocol 1987, scientific, environmental, technical and economic information was reviewed to identify the substances that cause the most harm to the ozone layer. Alternatives are being investigated to replace ozone depleting chemicals and gases used for refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.
Monitoring is a major part of the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement. By monitoring substances that harm the ozone layer, both the government and industry will gain a better understanding of how much of the harmful chemicals are being used and how much escapes into the air. To make the task easier, Verisae, which has developed a refrigerant management program, assists businesses, facilities and industries in complying with the law. The Verisae program includes a Refrigerant Tracker, which is a tool that helps in the completion of the required compliance forms.
The Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is ahead of its goals, thanks to the commitment being made by various industries. As a result, the use of many ozone depleting substances has been substantially reduced. But concern remains for facilities that are behind in their compliance to the protocols.
Currently 194 of 196 United Nations member states have approved Montreal Protocol 1987. If all requirements under Montreal Protocol 1987 are followed according to schedule, it is expected that the ozone layer will recover by 2050. So far, the protocol is considered by many to be the most successful international agreement in history.
Montreal Protocol 1987 calls for a phase out of the making and use of chemicals and gases that deplete the ozone layer. The original treaty set 2000 for the completion of the phase out. Substances identified are chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are also includes because they contribute to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons can be found in refrigerants, solvents, fire extinguishers and the manufacture of plastic foam.
The identification of environmentally harmful substances was initially set forth in the international Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer agreement. When it expired in 1985, Montreal Protocol 1987 took its place. Amendments were made in 1990 and 1992, extending the 2000 phase out deadline. The changes allowed developed countries to continue production of chlorofluorocarbons, but only up to 15% of their 1986 baseline. This ease in requirements was made because developing countries needed chlorofluorocarbons for necessary items, among them medical devices. But developing companies must phase out their use of chlorofluorocarbons and carbon tetrachloride by 2010 and methyl chloroform by 2015.
The revised Montreal Protocol 1987 currently calls for developed countries, such as the United States, to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons according to the following schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction in 2010; 90% reduction in 2015; 99.5% reduction in 2020; and 100% phase out in 2030. The agreement calls for 0.5% to be allowable in order to service existing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, 2040 is the deadline for a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
In the creation of Montreal Protocol 1987, scientific, environmental, technical and economic information was reviewed to identify the substances that cause the most harm to the ozone layer. Alternatives are being investigated to replace ozone depleting chemicals and gases used for refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.
Monitoring is a major part of the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement. By monitoring substances that harm the ozone layer, both the government and industry will gain a better understanding of how much of the harmful chemicals are being used and how much escapes into the air. To make the task easier, Verisae, which has developed a refrigerant management program, assists businesses, facilities and industries in complying with the law. The Verisae program includes a Refrigerant Tracker, which is a tool that helps in the completion of the required compliance forms.
The Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is ahead of its goals, thanks to the commitment being made by various industries. As a result, the use of many ozone depleting substances has been substantially reduced. But concern remains for facilities that are behind in their compliance to the protocols.
Currently 194 of 196 United Nations member states have approved Montreal Protocol 1987. If all requirements under Montreal Protocol 1987 are followed according to schedule, it is expected that the ozone layer will recover by 2050. So far, the protocol is considered by many to be the most successful international agreement in history.
About the Author:
Daniel Stouffer has much more information on the importance of adequate refrigerant gas management and the role of the Montreal Protocol 1987.
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