The ozone layer of the so-called Earth serves us mankind’s safety net against harmful ultraviolet radiation which can cause harm to people’s health and environment. Halon is estimated to account for about 20% of ozone depletion since it has 10 times more potential of destroying the ozone layer than that of common refrigerants like those found in automobile air conditioners. Halon together with other man-made chemicals contribute to stratospheric ozone destruction. Such chemicals escape into the atmosphere where they are broken down by solar radiation, then releasing chlorine and bromine atoms which in turn destroy ozone molecules by way of chain reaction. Halon is said to be a major source of bromine.

The ozone hole over the Antartic was observed to be at its maximum size which is about twice as big as Europe in September 2007. And it will sure not return to its normal level until 2075. Thus, the advent of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was launched in 1997. Halon concentrations have even continued to increase since then, as the halons currently contained in fire extinguishers are being released, but such are now being expected to decline.

In line with this, the Philippine Halon Bank which is located in Paranaque City is intended to store decommissioned halon for destruction or recovery.

• How do you know if you have Halon?

Halon was widely used in fire extinguishers. Such fire extinguishers are color-coded yellow.

• What to do if you have Halon?

The Philippine Halon Bank can be contacted on how you should dispose halon. Call (02)542-3119.

In response to Halon phase out by 2010, the fire suppression industry has came up with alternative clean agents that render less threat to the ozone layer but such are only 70% as effective at extinguishing fires. Below are just some of the acceptable substitutes under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program.

• HCFC-123

• Dry Chemical

• Gelled Halocarbon

• Carbon Dioxide

• Water