As the entire world celebrated the International Day for the Preservation of Ozone Layer on Friday to protect the earth’s ozone layer from harmful effects of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), Pakistan’s Federal Ozone Cell has ceased to exist after the devolution of the Ministry of Environment.
Under the 18th Amendment, the Environment Ministry was devolved and the subsidiary institute, Ozone Cell, responsible for handling the ozone-related issues internationally, just disappeared as neither EPA nor CADD has any information about this cell.
In order to create awareness and protect the ozone, the United Nations Organisation, under its environment programme, has been observing ‘International Day for the Preservation of Ozone Layer’ since 1995 on September 16 every year.
This day commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone Layer. ‘International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer’ is celebrated every year to inculcate awareness among the masses about the harmful effects of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) on the earth’s ozone layer – which provides 96 percent protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause skin cancer and other serious environmental problems.
In terms of healthcare, ‘International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer’ is also a chance to especially make asthma and COPD patients aware of the new CFC-free salbutamol inhaler sprays used for relief therapy. CFC is a substance that helps deliver Salbutamol in spray form.
It should be noted in this regard that the Montreal Protocol, presently signed by 195 countries, including Pakistan, calls for phasing out CFCs from 2010 onwards and replacing them with environmentally friendly alternatives.
