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.
Under Montreal Protocol 1987, production and use of substances that have been identified to deplete the ozone layer will be phased out by 2000, with other substances following in subsequent years. These substances are chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Also included are hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which contribute to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used 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.
Currently, Montreal Protocol 1987 requires developed countries to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons based on this established schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction by 2010; 90% decrease by 2015; 99.5% reduction by 2020; and 100% elimination by 2030. However, 0.5% will remain in use temporarily to service current refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons is required by 2040.
When setting guidelines to eliminate ozone depleting substances, Montreal Protocol 1987 analyzed scientific, environmental, technical and economic data. Currently, a variety of information is being examined to find improved alternatives to replace ozone depleting substances for refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.
One major part of Montreal Protocol 1987 is its monitoring and reporting requirements. This means facilities have to take steps and document them to show how they are monitoring harmful substances. Verisae is a top company that focuses on refrigerant management programs. These programs help businesses and industries comply with the law. A valuable tool is the Refrigerant Tracker from Verisae that makes certain the required forms are submitted to meet compliance requirements.
Because various industries have focused their efforts on air pollutants, the use of many ozone depleting substances has already been greatly reduced. As a result, the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is ahead of schedule in its goals. The focus, however, remains on companies and industries that fail to comply with the protocols under the agreement.
Montreal Protocol 1987 is being called the most successful international agreement in history. Currently, the agreement has been approved by 194 of the 196 United Nations member states. If all remains on schedule, the ozone layer will show significant recovery by 2050. - 15254
Under Montreal Protocol 1987, production and use of substances that have been identified to deplete the ozone layer will be phased out by 2000, with other substances following in subsequent years. These substances are chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Also included are hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which contribute to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used 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.
Currently, Montreal Protocol 1987 requires developed countries to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons based on this established schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction by 2010; 90% decrease by 2015; 99.5% reduction by 2020; and 100% elimination by 2030. However, 0.5% will remain in use temporarily to service current refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons is required by 2040.
When setting guidelines to eliminate ozone depleting substances, Montreal Protocol 1987 analyzed scientific, environmental, technical and economic data. Currently, a variety of information is being examined to find improved alternatives to replace ozone depleting substances for refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.
One major part of Montreal Protocol 1987 is its monitoring and reporting requirements. This means facilities have to take steps and document them to show how they are monitoring harmful substances. Verisae is a top company that focuses on refrigerant management programs. These programs help businesses and industries comply with the law. A valuable tool is the Refrigerant Tracker from Verisae that makes certain the required forms are submitted to meet compliance requirements.
Because various industries have focused their efforts on air pollutants, the use of many ozone depleting substances has already been greatly reduced. As a result, the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is ahead of schedule in its goals. The focus, however, remains on companies and industries that fail to comply with the protocols under the agreement.
Montreal Protocol 1987 is being called the most successful international agreement in history. Currently, the agreement has been approved by 194 of the 196 United Nations member states. If all remains on schedule, the ozone layer will show significant recovery by 2050. - 15254
About the Author:
Daniel Stouffer has much more information on the importance of good refrigerant gas management and the significance of the Montreal Protocol 1987.
