THE TWILIGHT OZONE
According to the NRDC, "Leaky
auto air conditioners are the single largest source of CFC emissions to the
atmosphere in the U.S."
BACKGROUND
Rectifying ozone depletion is one of
the greatest challenges we will ever face. The problern is immediate and
severe, but it's not out of control yet. The ozone layer is still there, and we
can save it.
Constructive action begins with an understanding of whaes
causing the depletion, and what each of us can do about it.
DID YOU KNOW
The ozone layer is being depleted by
manmade gases (chlorofluorocarbon&‑also called CFCs‑and halons) that are found in homes
and offices all over the world.
At one time, CFCs were considered
harmless. So manufacturers used them in many different products.
They're still being used today.
Freon, used as a coolant in car and residential air conditioning and
refrigerators, is a CFC.
Some types of polystyrene foam
(which people often refer to as" styrofoam") are still made with
CFCs. Contrary to what you might assume, CFCs aren't just released in the
manufacturing process; they're also released into the atmosphere as the foam
breaks or crumbles. So the "styrofoam" cooler you took to a picnic
last week could be contributing to destruction of the ozone layer right now. 0 For
many years, CFCs were commonly used as propellants in aerosol cans. However, in
1978, the Federal government passed a law banning most of them from aerosol
cans.
Nonetheless, 10% of aerosols still
use CFCs as propellants. For example: asthma medication sprays and cleaning
sprays for VCRs and sewing machines. And according to NRDC, "the world's
silliest use of CFCs" is canned confetti.
Some fire extinguishers sold for the
home use halons as propellants. Unfortunately, these halons will eventually
attack the ozone layer, even if the fire extinguishers are never used. Why? The
ozone‑depleting gases gradually leak into
the atmosphere.
SIMPLE THINGS TO DO
Don't buy halon fire extinguishers.
Avoid polystyrene foam (see P. 44). This includes form‑fitting packing materials (like the
materials that protect electronics in boxes during shipping), coolers, and foam
"peanuts." If you can't tell whether the foam was made with CFCs,
ask. Eventually, retailers will pass on your concern to manufacturers.
If you're planning to use hard foam insulation, make sure
there are no CFCs in it. Non~CFC foam insulation is available. It's nearly as
effective, and won't make a hole in the sky. Check out fiberglass and cellulose
insulation, too.
Be careful with car air~conditioners. If you feel you must
have a/c, the NRDC suggests: "When your air‑ conditioner breaks, don't just refill it; get it fixed
properly .... If you don't fix the leak, the CFCs put in today just go into the
air next week." The NRDC also suggests that you only patronize repair
shops that use CFC recycling equipment. Otherwise, the CFCs removed from your
air conditioner are allowed to evaporate into the atmosphere.
Don't buy aerosol cans containing CFCs (see list below).
Better yet: don't use aerosols at all. Even with substitute gases, aerosol
sprays aren't benign; propane and butane, the hydrocarbons used as propellants
in most aerosols today, help create smog when they interact with sunlight. Lots
of products come with non‑aerosol vacuum pumps. They don't
need gases, and they're just as easy to use.
SAY IT DON'T SPRAY IT!
If you're still buying aerosols, always try to check the
labels. Don't buy anything if the following CFCs or halons are listed: CFC‑ 11 (Trichlorofluoromethane), CFC‑12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane), CFC‑ 113 (Trichlorotrifluoroethane), CFC‑ 114 (Dichlorotetrafluoroethane),
CFC‑ 115 (Monochloropentafluoroethane) ‑
SOURCES
Natural Resources Defense Council,
40 W. 20th St., New York,
NY 10011. Write for their
invaluable pamphlet, "Saving the Ozone
Layer: A Citizen Action
Guide." It includes a handy "Stratospheric
Distress Card" to carry in your wallet for checking
labels in stores.