Sales and emissions in the Netherlands of CFCs and halons, 1980-2002

Since 1995, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and halon emissions have been reduced to virtually zero. This has been achieved through a ban on sales, collection and environmentally-sound destruction.

Ban on the production of ozone-depleting substances

New chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or halons are no longer produced in the Netherlands. The policy aim - the complete cessation of the domestic production of ozone-depleting substances - has therefore been achieved. Since 1995, only recycled chlorofluorocarbons and halons have been sold in the Netherlands, in line with international agreements.

Emissions of CFCs and halons falling sharply after ban on domestic sales

However, there are emissions of chlorofluorocarbons and halons from existing applications (such as cooling systems, insulation material and fire extinguishers). This is why, according to provisional estimates, actual emissions in the Netherlands have only been falling slowly since 1994. These emissions will probably continue for some time. Removal of the chlorofluorocarbons and halons from existing applications would significantly accelerate these reductions.
Estimates indicate that there is a maximum of 4,000 tons of halons and chlorofluorocarbon in circulation in the Netherlands which need to be collected, stored and processed. To achieve this aim, the Ministry of the Environment has introduced a collection scheme for chlorofluorocarbons and halons. The scheme came into effect on 4 September 2002. The collection scheme provides financial assistance for companies who submit halons and chlorofluorocarbons to designated collection companies before 1 January 2004. The gases are then destroyed in environmentally-sound ways.

Policy for chlorofluorocarbons and halons

The aim in the Netherlands is the complete cessation of domestic sales of ozone-depleting substances. The Netherlands also believes that it is important for all the halons and chlorofluorocarbons in circulation to be collected on 1 January 2004 prior to being destroyed.

• Depletion of the ozone layer: policy

Chlorofluorocarbons and halons deplete the ozone layer

Chlorofluorocarbons and halons deplete the ozone layer. The ozone layer prevents high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the earth. The fall in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere has led to an increase in UV radiation. This increase has numerous harmful effects on health and the environment, including additional cases of skin cancer.

• Depletion of the ozone layer: introduction
• Additional risk in the Netherlands of skin cancer due to increase in UV radiation, 1980-2000

Technical note

The potential effect of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other substances on the depletion of the ozone layer is expressed in CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane, CFCl₃) equivalents using Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). This figure is a measure of the relative ozone depletion capacity of 1 kg of a substance compared to 1 kg of CFC-11. The ODPs of other CFCs are approximately 1; the ODP for halons is between 3 and 10 and the ODP for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) is about 0.1. The ODP factor of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is 0 because these substances have no effect on ozone.

References

• Staatscourant (2002, nr. 6). Inzameling en opslag van halon en cfk. KVI2002000905. 9 January 2002, The Hague.
• Staatscourant (2002, nr. 167). Inzamelingsregeling CFK en halonen. KVI2002045490. 2 September 2002, The Hague.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Depletion of the ozone layer: introduction
• Depletion of the ozone layer: policy
• Ozone-depleting substances and substitutes, global use, 1980-2000
• See the Guide to 'Global air quality' section for data about the concentration in the atmosphere of substances that affect the ozone layer and for information about the condition of the ozone layer.
• UV radiation in the Netherlands, 1980-2001
• Additional risk in the Netherlands of skin cancer due to increase in UV radiation, 1980-2000

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• Information about the Dutch ozone layer policy can be found on the website of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment.
• Information on current and future developments relating to the ozone layer can be found in Environmental Balance 2003 and the Fifth National Environmental Outlook 2030- 2030.
• Recent emission data can be viewed in detail on the Data Warehouse of the 'Emissieregistratie'. This site also provides information about the methods for determining emission data and information about changes to methodology.