Environmental Quality Branch

STRATOSPHERIC OZONE DEPLETION

1. The Science, Impacts and Control Measures

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
June 2008

Human-caused emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) have caused a serious thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer. This fact sheet summarizes the causes and impacts of ozone depletion, how governments are working to stop the release of ODS, and how we can all help. There is also a section on protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

Stratospheric Ozone (Environment Canada)

This website describes Canada's efforts to protect the ozone layer and meet international commitments. Canada has signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. It has also adopted a national action plan, along with regulations and codes of practices to control the import, manufacture, use, sale and export of ODS.

United Nations Environment Program: Ozone Secretariat (UN Environment Program)

The Ozone Secretariat is the secretariat for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, a ground-breaking international agreement aimed at reducing ODS all over the world. 193 nations have signed the Montreal Protocol.

Twenty Questions about the Ozone Layer: 2006 Update
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

This site covers the main issues with respect to ozone depletion, including the science, implications and control measures.

2. B.C.'s Ozone Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons Regulation

Ozone Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons Regulation
February 1993
Amendments: 1999, 2004 and 2006

In February 1993, the B.C. government passed a regulation to control ozone-depleting substances (ODS) stored in products and equipment, and encourage consumers and industry to use environmentally safe alternatives. Originally called the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation, the regulation covered all CFCs, halons and HCFCs, as well as methyl chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.

The regulation was amended in November 1999, mainly to include HFCs and PCFs, and strengthen certain requirements. It was renamed the Ozone Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons Regulation.

The regulation was amended again in 2004, largely to add more CFC-refill restrictions for the refrigeration sectors, refill restrictions for halon fire extinguishers and revised seller take-back provisions for surplus CFC refrigerators. A minor wording change was made in 2006.

For more information, see Amendments to the Ozone Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons Regulation.