Help for The Ozone Layer

Curbs on suspect chemicals

After more than a dozen years of rising concern and controversy, governments are finally taking steps to protect the earth's delicate ozone layer. Last week it was the U.S.'s turn. In line with an international accord drafted last September and signed by 37 nations, the Environmental Protection Agency ordered production limits on chemicals that are depleting the ozone in the upper atmosphere. Decreased levels of ozone, scientists have warned, would allow more ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth's surface and increase the incidence of skin cancer and other diseases. Under the new ruling, U.S. producers of halon, an ingredient in fire-extinguishing...

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