Move to phase out HCFCs: Lanka ahead in safeguarding ozone layer

By Dhaneshi YATAWARA

In the late 1920s Thomas Midgley, an American mechanical engineer and chemist synthesized Chlorofluorocarbons which soon replaced the various toxic or explosive substances which were used then as refrigerants. Today the world has stopped using Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as they are globally recognised as the main cause in depleting ozone layer. The entire world moved from Chlorofluorocarbons to Hydrochlorofluorocarbon in order to save the ozone layer which lies high above us in the sky protecting the earth dwellers from harmful radiation coming from the sun. Today the world is getting ready phase out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as it affects Climate Change though recognised as a low ozone depleting agent.

Read full feature: http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/09/18/fea13.asp