Under the Counter

EIA uses its unique investigative skills to tackle one of the greatest threats to global ecological security - depletion of the ozone layer. Life on Earth depends on the fragile ozone layer to screen out harmful ultraviolet radiation. In the mid-1980s scientists first observed a 'hole' in this ozone layer over the Antarctic -- resulting from widespread use of a range of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Chemicals containing chlorine and bromine are the culprits causing damage to the ozone layer. These include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) mostly used for refrigeration and air-conditioning, and halons, used to extinguish fires. For more information visit www.eia-international.org.