The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Categories and examples of laboratory uses

Source(s)
Annex IV: Categories and examples of laboratory uses - Seventh Meeting of the Parties

(this list is not exhaustive)

1. Research and development (e.g. pharmaceutical, pesticide, CFC and HCFC substitutes)

1.1 Reaction solvent or reaction feedstock (e.g. Diels-Alder and Friedel‑Craft Reactions, RuO3 oxidation, allelic side bromination, etc.)

2. Analytical uses and regulated applications (including quality control)

2.1 Reference

- Chemical (ODS monitoring, volatile organic compound (VOC) Detection, Equipment Calibration)

- Toxicant

- Product (adhesive bond strength, breathing filter test)

2.2 Extraction

- Pesticide and heavy metal detection (e.g. in food)

- Oil mist analysis

- Colour and food additive detection

- Oil detection in water and soil

2.3 Diluent

- Zinc, copper, cadmium detection in plants and food

- Microchemical methods to determine molecular weight or oxygen

- Measuring drug purity and residual determination

- Sterilization of lab equipment

2.4 Carrier (Inert)

- Forensic methods (e.g. fingerprinting)

- Titration (cholesterol in eggs, drug chemical characteristics, "Iodine value", e.g. in oils and chemical products)

- Analytical equipment (Spectroscopy (Infra-red, Ultra-violet, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, fluorescence), chromatography (High-pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, thin-layer chromatography)

 

2.5 Tracer

 

- Sanitary engineering

2.6 Miscellaneous (including testing)

- Ingredient in material for testing (e.g. asphalt, metal fatigue and fracturing)

- Separation media (separation of extraneous materials such as filth and insect excreta from stored food products)

3. Miscellaneous (including biochemical)

3.1 Laboratory method development

3.2 Sample preparation using solvent

3.3 Heat transfer medium