Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Reduce the use of ozone depleting products.
• Method 2 of 2: Advocacy for the protection of the ozone layer
• What do you need

Stratospheric ozone, also known as the ozone layer, is a layer of gas that protects the earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An increase in UV rays can lead to skin cancer, eye problems, and suppression of the immune system. The use of greenhouse gases in industry and in everyday life has caused severe depletion of the ozone layer. If people stop using chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, it will gradually recover over the next 50 years.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Reduce the use of ozone depleting products.

1. 1 Check your fire extinguisher to see the active ingredients it contains. If the main ingredient is a halogenated hydrocarbon, take the fire extinguisher for recycling to a hazardous waste collection center and purchase a non-ozone depleting model. And if you use your fire extinguisher, you will not be violently destroying the ozone layer.
2. 2 Do not buy aerosol products containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). While CFCs have been banned or phased out in many areas, the only way to be sure is to check the labels on all of your hairsprays, deodorants, and household products. To reduce the chance of buying CFC products, choose products with pump sprays over those sold in high pressure cans.
3. 3 Repair refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners if they show any problems, without delay. These devices use ozone depleting substances, so leaks will release these substances into the atmosphere. If the device breaks down, find a place where it can be safely recycled so that it does not release Freon into the atmosphere.
4. 4 Buy new refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners that do not contain CFCs or other CFCs. Many manufacturers make models with fluorine, not chlorine, which depletes the ozone layer.
5. 5 Buy wood, wood products, and plywood that have not been treated with methyl bromide. This pesticide is mainly used for fumigation; however, its industrial use actively depletes the ozone layer.
   • Finding and using bromine-free building materials is perhaps as important as avoiding the use of CFCs in the home, as bromine has been found to be more toxic to the ozone layer than chlorine.
6. 6 Do not buy office supplies such as putty or compressed air containing methyl chloroform. A substance also known as 1,1,1-trichloroethane. It is widely used as a solvent and also depletes the ozone layer.

Method 2 of 2: Advocacy for the protection of the ozone layer

1. 1 Take a closer look at food manufacturers. If bromomethane is still permitted in your area or country, write or call your local authorities to request that this ozone depleting substance be banned.
2. 2 Ask your doctor to recommend medical devices that do not emit CID. This is especially important for people with a common illness such as asthma. Inhalers still use CFCs to release the life-saving drug.
3. 3 Sign petitions with manufacturers or write letters to companies that make CFC products to properly label their products. If your hairspray, aerosol cans, or fire extinguishers do not contain halogenated hydrocarbons, CFCs, or methyl chloroform on the packaging.
4. 4 Talk to friends, especially those who work with cars, in manufacturing or farming, about using these chemicals less. The ozone hole can only be closed when these chemicals are completely eliminated from use, and this takes time.

What do you need

• Fire extinguishers without halogenated hydrocarbons
• Aerosol-free products
• Refrigerators / air conditioners without freon
• Inhalers for asthma without FHU