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 CFCsand 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 ozonedepleting gases gradually leak into the atmosphere.

 

SIMPLE THINGS TO DO

 

Don't buy halon fire extinguishers.

 

Avoid polystyrene foam (see P. 44). This includes formfitting 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 nonaerosol 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), CFC12 (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.