Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol (pronounced: mɒnˈtriːɒl proʊˈtəʊkəl) is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. It was agreed on 16 September 1987, and has been ratified by all 197 UN member countries.

Etymology

The name "Montreal Protocol" is derived from the city of Montreal, Canada, where the protocol was first established and signed.

Overview

The Montreal Protocol stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere are to be phased out by 2000 (2005 for developing countries). These include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. Later amendments to the protocol have added other ozone-depleting chemicals to the list of substances to be phased out.

Related Terms

Ozone Layer: The layer in the earth's stratosphere at an altitude of about 10 km (6.2 miles) containing a high concentration of ozone, which absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth from the sun.
Ozone Depletion: A decrease in the concentration of ozone in the earth's stratosphere.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Any of various halocarbon compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, once used widely as aerosol propellants and refrigerants. Chlorofluorocarbons are believed to cause depletion of the atmospheric ozone layer.
Halons: Any of a class of compounds containing bromine, fluorine, and carbon, used in fire extinguishers, but which can also deplete the ozone layer.
Stratosphere: The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km (31 miles) above the earth's surface.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Montreal Protocol
Wikipedia's article - Montreal Protocol

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Montreal Protocol