TECHNOLOGY: Son of Aerosol

Is the spray can about to go the way of the giant moa? For the past two years it has seemed so, because evidence has mounted that fluorocarbon, which is used as a propellant in numerous aerosol sprays, is depleting the ozone layer of the earth's atmosphere and increasing worldwide the danger of skin cancer from the sun's radiation. Last week three federal agencies announced a timetable for phasing out fluorocarbons from all "nonessential" uses—including deodorants, hair sprays and perfumes—by the spring of 1979.

Almost simultaneously, though, a potential savior of the spray...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!