List of main discharges of chlorinated reagents

1999/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena

The destructive effect of chlorinated reagents on the atmosphere and environment is known: they thin the ozone layer existing in the stratosphere by reacting with the oxygen atoms that form ozone, are toxic to man and animals and can cause cancer. Therefore, a group of chemicals from several countries has published a list of the main discharges of chlorinated reagents from the Earth in order to control this type of discharges and know the greenhouse effect of these substances. The research has lasted three years and has had the participation of scientists from 20 countries under the direction of the World Atmospheric Chemistry Program.

The research has taken into account both natural and artificial discharges, in order to later calculate the human quantity. Thus, the main types of discharges listed are: oceanic and terrestrial biogenic discharges, production and depletion of sea salt, biomass burning and industrial discharges. According to this organization, the data obtained can modify the regulation of chlorine emissions and replace the current Kyoto Protocol.