| Emissions of fluoride, chloride and
bromide organic compounds are the main cause of ozone depletion.
These halocarbon substances are inert, and chemically
stable. They do not affect human health, but their entry into the
stratosphere can result in damage to the ozone layer for a period
of even 100 years.
In Latvia, the use of ozone depleting substances after the 1997
Cabinet of Ministers Regulations On Protection of the Ozone Layer
came into force has rapidly decreased.
In 2000, ODS were mainly used in refrigerator systems, in
solvents, and in production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Since the mid 1990's, ozone depleting substances for use in fire
extinguishers and in aerosols are no longer produced nor imported.
About one million LVL has been invested between 1995 and 2001 for withdrawal of ODS from
utilization.
The Cabinet of Ministers Regulations call for prohibition of
manufacture and import of ozone depleting substances starting from
2001. A time period until 2030 is given for full withdrawal of
harmful ODS from use and their replacement with alternative
substances.
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