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These substances have been used for propellants such as in aerosol cans and inhalers, in foam blowing, in refrigerator and freezer systems, to clean electrical components, to fumigate for rodents, as dry cleaning solvents, and in fire extinguishers.

How has the industrial and business world addressed these new restrictions and warnings?
To mention a few:
1. Refrigeration companies are in the process of or have already eliminated the use of these substances in their products.

2. Sears is teaming up with the Environmental Protection Agency in a program called the Responsible Appliance Disposal System. It's estimated that Americans dispose of about ten million refrigerators yearly. Sears hopes to collect one million and dispose of them in an environmentally safe method preventing emissions of ozone depleting substances and green house gases contained in these older models.
3. Eclipse Aviation has developed a new fire retardant called Phostrex to replace fire retardants containing ODS's.
4. Auto technicians and air conditioning technicians are required to be license to replace freon in a safe manner.
5. Elimination of the use of these chemicals in the dry cleaning industry is moving forward.
How can citizens help to heal the ozone layer?
1. Dispose of waste including old appliances in a responsible manner. Call local agencies if unsure how to do this.
2. Read packaging labels. Don't buy products containing any of these harmful chemicals.
3. Learn as much as possible about how these substances impact the environment.
4. Vote for leaders who have a history of making choices pro environment.
5. Support education since it is clear that our children must become inventors, chemists, biologists, and honorable business leaders so our Earth has a healthy future.

Although some of the effects of the use of these substances has already become apparent, the full impact may not be known for some years to come as these ODS's slowly make their way into the stratosphere. Scientists are encouraged, nevertheless, that over time the ozone layer will heal if we eliminate use of these substances and continue to monitor changes.

Sources:
http://en.wiki pedia.org
http://nobelprize.org
www.roap.unep.org/press
www.ozo nelayer.noaa.gov/science/basic s/htm
www.mongabay.com
www.epa.g ov/ozone/defns.html
www.r744

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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