Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin has said to stay free from the effects of harmful ultraviolet rays, people should come forward to prevent ozone depletion by using chlorofluorocarbon- and hydrofluorocarbon-free air conditioners and refrigerators.
Technicians must ensure that ozone-depleting substances are not emitted into the air, the minister said on Saturday while delivering the opening speech at a rally held in front of the National Museum in Dhaka on Saturday morning on the occasion of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
The media can play an important role in creating public awareness about the importance of the ozone layer and what can be done to protect it, he added.
The minister said harmful ultraviolet rays cause skin cancer and cataracts and weaken the immune system, adding that the ozone layer is getting depleted due to the effect of CFCs, methane gas, etc.
These are commonly used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, inhalers, and in making plastic foam, he said. “It will be good for all of us if we stop using appliances containing ozone-depleting CFCs and HFCs.”