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Reducing the damage to the stratospheric ozone layer by air pollutants is the goal of the international Montreal Protocol 1987, short for the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. Without a healthy ozone layer protecting the earth from UV-B radiation, skin cancer rates would increase, crops would be damaged and marine phytoplankton would be impacted.

Chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform were identified in Montreal Protocol 1987. The year 2000 was established to limit the production and use of these substances because they deplete the ozone layer. Other substances, in particular hydrochlorofluorocarbons, are set to be phased out because they cause global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons can be found in refrigerants, solvents, fire extinguishers and the making of plastic foam.

Montreal Protocol 1987 followed the international Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer agreement, which ended in 1985. In 1990 and 1992, Montreal Protocol 1987 was amended significantly to extend the 2000 phase out deadline. Under the amendments, developed countries can continue to produce chlorofluorocarbons up to 15% of their 1986 baseline. This extension was aimed at helping developing countries meet their needs for essential items like medical devices. Developing countries, however, have a deadline of 2010 to phase out chlorofluorocarbons and carbon tetrachloride and until 2015 to stop production of methyl chloroform.

Currently, Montreal Protocol 1987 requires developed countries to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons based on this established schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction by 2010; 90% decrease by 2015; 99.5% reduction by 2020; and 100% elimination by 2030. However, 0.5% will remain in use temporarily to service current refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons is required by 2040.

In establishing a timeframe for reducing the use of ozone depleting substances, Montreal Protocol 1987 looked at scientific, environmental, technical and economic information. Several reports are looking into alternatives that can be used to replace ozone depleting substances in the areas of refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.

One major part of Montreal Protocol 1987 is its monitoring and reporting requirements. This means facilities have to take steps and document them to show how they are monitoring harmful substances. Verisae is a top company that focuses on refrigerant management programs. These programs help businesses and industries comply with the law. A valuable tool is the Refrigerant Tracker from Verisae that makes certain the required forms are submitted to meet compliance requirements.

Thanks to the efforts of facilities to date, ozone depleting substances are already on the decline. As such, Montreal Protocol 1987 is ahead of schedule in meeting its goals. However, companies and industries that fail to comply with the protocols under the agreement will remain closely watched.

Currently Montreal Protocol 1987 has been ratified by 194 of the 196 United Nations member states. The ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050 if Montreal Protocol 1987 is followed fully. Because of the progress so far, the protocol is viewed as the most successful international agreement.