Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs) are a family of chemical compounds developed back in the 1930’s as safe, non-toxic, non-flammable alternative to dangerous substances like ammonia for purposes of refrigeration and spray can propellants.
Their usage grew enormously over the years. One of the elements that make up CFCs is chlorine. Very little chlorine exists naturally in the atmosphere. But it turns out that CFCs are an excellent way of introducing chlorine into the ozone layer. The ultraviolet radiation at this altitude breaks down CFCs, freeing the chlorine.
Under the proper conditions, this chlorine has the potential to destroy large amounts of ozone. This has indeed been observed, especially over Antarctica. As a consequence, levels of genetically harmful ultraviolet radiation have increased.
Giving out the machines, Mrs Lawrentia Mallam, minister of Environment noted that Nigeria was able to phase out CFCs since 2010 and had started the implementation of a phased out management plan in the foam manufacturing and refrigeration servicing sector.
She said government was doing all it can to reduce HCFC consumption by 10 per cent by 2015.
Dr Patrick Kormawa, UNIDO country representative and regional director for West Africa said the organisation was working with the federal government to completely phase out HCFCs by 2040 as part of Nigeria’s obligation under the Montreal Protocol.
Kormawa said that the machine handed over to the industry players were purchased by UNIDO at the cost of N220 million to better equip the refrigerant manufacturers.
Mr Olayinka Olatunji Ibitoye, representative of the beneficiaries said that the distribution by government would enable the manufacturing industries step up their production thereby reducing unemployment and stopping most of the social vices in the country.
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