Requirements of Montreal Protocol 1987

Montreal Protocol 1987, officially called the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, is an international treaty created to reduce the damage being caused to the stratospheric ozone layer by air pollutants such as refrigerant gases. The ozone layer protects the earth from damaging UV-B radiation, which could lead to increased cases of skin cancer, damaged crops and marine phytoplankton.

Under Montreal Protocol 1987, production and use of substances that have been identified to deplete the ozone layer will be phased out by 2000, with other substances following in subsequent years. These substances are chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Also included are hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which contribute to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used in refrigerants, solvents, fire extinguishers and the manufacture of plastic foam.

Banning substances that harm the environment was first implemented internationally through the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer agreement. That treaty ended in 1985 and Montreal Protocol 1987 replaced it. However, Montreal Protocol 1987 was amended in 1990 and then again in 1992. The changes included an extension of the 2000 phase out deadline. The new amendments allowed developed countries to continue the production of chlorofluorocarbons up to 15% of their 1986 baseline. This new directive was necessary because developing countries needed chlorofluorocarbons for vital items, including medical devices. However, the new directives required developing countries to phase out chlorofluorocarbons and carbon tetrachloride by 2010 and methyl chloroform by 2015.

Currently, Montreal Protocol 1987 requires developed countries to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons based on this established schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction by 2010; 90% decrease by 2015; 99.5% reduction by 2020; and 100% elimination by 2030. However, 0.5% will remain in use temporarily to service current refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons is required by 2040.

In establishing a timeframe for reducing the use of ozone depleting substances, Montreal Protocol 1987 looked at scientific, environmental, technical and economic information. Several reports are looking into alternatives that can be used to replace ozone depleting substances in the areas of refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.

A key component of the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is its continuous monitoring of facilities to make certain that proper control measures are in place for dealing with substances that are harmful to the environment. Companies, such as Verisae, that specialize in refrigerant management programs, assist businesses and industries in complying with the law. The Refrigerant Tracker from Verisae has been a helpful tool in ensuring that the necessary forms are submitted to meet reporting requirements.

Thanks to the efforts of facilities to date, ozone depleting substances are already on the decline. As such, Montreal Protocol 1987 is ahead of schedule in meeting its goals. However, companies and industries that fail to comply with the protocols under the agreement will remain closely watched.

Currently Montreal Protocol 1987 has been ratified by 194 of the 196 United Nations member states. The ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050 if Montreal Protocol 1987 is followed fully. Because of the progress so far, the protocol is viewed as the most successful international agreement.

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