'Please start now, prevent thinning of ozone layer'

Today is the 10th International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The theme this year is: ‘Ozone layer protection: governance and compliance at their best.’ Noted environmentalist AN Yellappa Reddy spoke to DNA of the damage caused by air conditioners, and the rising dependence on AC even in Bangalore, once known as the ‘AC city’ for its natural coolness. The United Nations general assembly has designated September 15  as the day to reflect on the adoption of the Montreal Protocol, which was signed in 1987, on this day.

What does ozone day mean for a city like Bangalore?
The Montreal Protocol, to which we are also signatories, committed us to the phasing out of products that cause a depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer extends from 15 km-55 km height in the atmosphere, and is responsible for preventing harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun from reaching the earth’s surface. As the ozone layer thins, these rays penetrate through the atmosphere more easily, causing health hazards like skin cancer.
With the rampant use of air conditioning and various products that use chlorine, the ozone layer is threatened.

Besides the use of air-conditioners that release chloroflurocarbons, what other causes are there for the depletion of the ozone layer?
The prime cause is air-conditioning. However, even perfumes, deodorants, hair sprays, shaving creams and nearly 200 products that are commonly used release chloroflurocarbons. The Montreal Protocol had offered directions on reducing the consumption of substances that cause the thinning of the ozone layer. In other nations, systematic efforts are being made to limit the release of CFCs into the atmosphere. However, in India, there are no regulations for manufacturers, and consumers continue to liberally use substances that are harmful for the ozone layer, as awareness is still very limited.

What can be done to better the situation?
At present, nothing is being done, so there is much that can be achieved. There is very little awareness about this issue, and we continue to consume a lot of chlorine products without even an awareness of the harm caused. Precautionary measures should be taken so that substances that release CFCs are used sparingly, and disposed scientifically.

Consumers should take care to see that electronic items like refrigerators and ACs are disposed carefully, ideally handed back to companies equipped to deal with such waste. Use of chlorine in swimming pools should also be regulated.

Does planting trees help in preserving the ozone layer?
No, planting trees helps improve ambient air quality, but it can do little for the ozone layer.