Brazil. On the last International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, Brazil celebrated the announcement of the results of the first phase of the Brazilian Program for the Elimination of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
The ozone layer filters out ultraviolet type B (UV-B) radiation, associated with the development of skin cancer, eye lesions, premature aging and suppression of the immune system.
The Montreal Protocol, signed by 197 countries for the protection of the ozone layer, has set a 2015 target for developing countries to reduce hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) consumption by 10% compared to the 2009 and 2010 average. Brazil has exceeded this target, reducing 16.6%.
In the last three years, the Brazilian strategy to meet the goal focuses on converting the use of 220.3 tons of HCFC gases for more sustainable alternatives. The country stopped using 168.8 tons of HCFC141b gas in foams and 51.5 tons of HCFC22 sector in the refrigeration sector.
In 2020, the Ministry of the Environment plans to complete the technological conversion of the foam sector and begin the conversion of part of the commercial refrigeration and air conditioning sector. Sectors that use these harmful gases will receive technological and financial support to seek alternatives and maintain competition when the production of ozone-enemy chemicals is banned in 2040. These chemicals are not produced in Brazil. Currently, the import of these substances is controlled by Ibama and they need a license.
