Another enemy of ozone

1999/01/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ekologia

A previously despised chemical, Halon 1202, can delay the recovery of the ozone layer in the next two decades. Halons destroy the ozone layer of the atmosphere, as well as hydrofluorocarbons, which contain in their components the Bromo, which reacts with Ozone as Chlorine. Therefore, the Montreal Protocol of 1994 prohibited the production of these substances in advanced countries, being banned in non-developed countries by 2010.

However, the main producers of halons are India, China and South Korea, developing countries. The presence of Haloi 1202 in the atmosphere has been much lower than that of other halons, but in recent years it has experienced a spectacular growth of 5% annually. The growth of this substance is unclear: some believe that it is the by-product of halon 1211 used in China to manufacture small extinguishers, and others consider that it has begun to be used for extinction systems in military aircraft and tanks.