2Printed on paper that contains at least 30 percent postconsumer fiber

Science & Research

Education

Resources

Program, measures the

amount of UV radiation

reaching the earth’s surface

on a daily basis. Data collected from program sites

throughout the country

provide specific information

on the UV radiation geographic distribution and trends in the United States over time. Scientists and

researchers studying the effects of UV radiation on both living beings and inanimate objects can use

the program’s long-term records. 

Solar UV measurements are calculated by an automated instrument called a Brewer spectrophotometer. Although the measurements are detailed, they can be related to the UV Index, which

T

his May, on the verge of another sundrenched summer, many students

took an important new lesson home

from their classrooms. Kids in 25 

elementary schools across the country learned

about ozone depletion and sun safety through

their participation in a pilot of EPA’s SunWise

School Program. The pilot, which will continue

during the 1999 to 2000 school year, invites

schools to try out

draft educational materials and

techniques before SunWise is launched 

nationally in 2000. 

Through SunWise, a comprehensive 

environmental and health education program,

children and their caregivers participate in 

Big Bend

Hawaii

Volcanoes

Denali

Atlanta

Everglades

Virgin Islands

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Making the Grade in the Shade: 

SunWise Pilot Under Way
Motor vehicle air-conditioning accounts for

82 percent of the annual demand for CFC-12.

Automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and

Chrysler hold the largest stockpiles of CFC-12

currently in distribution. These supplies are

used to service cars and trucks using CFC-12

that might still be under warranty. Refrigerant

packagers and reclaimers, and wholesalers in the

stationary air-conditioning and commercial

refrigeration sectors, also hold large quantities.

Other highlights of EPAs report include:

• Spot shortages of CFC-12 for 1999 are

highly unlikely, although perceived shortages

might occur due to distribution problems.

• Reclamation efforts for CFC-12 have

become more efficient, but the levels of

reclamation are not increasing as rapidly as

expected. This is likely due to many of 

CFC-12 users recovering and recycling the

refrigerant for reuse rather than sending it

out to reclaimers.

• CFC-12 chillers are being converted and

replaced at slower rates than originally anticipated. This could create an increase in

demand for CFC-12 and a strong market for

reclamation. 

• Crackdowns on illegal imports of CFC-12

have been highly successful. (See “Enforcement Activities Intensify,” p. 6).

To obtain a copy of the report, you can

access it online at <www.epa.gov/ozone/

geninfo/sdreport99.html> or call EPA’s

Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline 

at 800 296-1996.

Automobile

Air-Conditioners

82%

Chillers 4%

Commercial Refrigeration

Cold Storage 4%

Commercial Refrigeration

Supermarkets 3.5%

Refrigerated 

Transport 2%

Industrial Process

Refrigeration 3%

Refrigerated 

Appliances 1.5%

Actions...................................7

1998 ODS Petition

Requests Decline.................7

Breathe Easy—MDIs Are

Going CFC-Free...................8

EPA Presents 1999

Stratospheric Ozone

Protection and Climate

Protection Awards..............9

Regulatory/Policy

Update.................................10

UNEP Holds International

Ozone Event .......................11

Resources............................11

2 Stratospheric Update

Demand for CFC-12 by

Sector
Education

gp, p, 

<www.epa.gov/uvnet>. For more information about the

UV Monitoring Project, call Dr. Jack Shreffler at 

919 541-2194 or Dr. Gary Collins at 513 569-7174.

ypg

Rocky Mountain NP, Colorado

Sequoia NP, California

Shenandoah NP, Virginia

Theodore Roosevelt NP, North Dakota

Virgin Islands NP, Virgin Islands 

SunWise Pilot

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

classroom, school, and community projects that teach them about the health risks of overexposure to

the sun, as well as the science behind ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ozone depletion. SunWise schools

can choose to participate in a wide range of activities such as monitoring the daily weather forecast

and UV Index on the SunWise Web site, measuring UV radiation, participating in cross-curricular

classroom science and health activities, enhancing school sun-safety policies and practices, and sponsoring guest speakers and partnerships. 

Though largely preventable, skin cancer has grown to become the most common form of cancer in

America, with more than one million cases diagnosed each year. Overexposure to UV radiation also

contributes to premature aging of the skin, cataracts, and other health effects. Since most of the typical

American’s lifetime sun exposure happens before the age of 18, children’s attitudes and behavior about

sun safety are particularly important. In developing the SunWise Program, EPA has worked

with dozens of national and local organizations, teachers, health professionals, and parents.

SunWise is one of several EPA Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and 

Community Tracking (EMPACT) Projects. Visit <www.epa.gov/sunwise> for more information or contact Maura Cantor, SunWise Program Director, at 202 564-9096. Also, see

the Resources section beginning on page 11.

Stratospheric Update 
4 Stratospheric Update

conditioning

• foam blowing

• solvents cleaning

• fire suppression 

and explosion 

protection

• aerosols

• adhesives, coatings,

and inks

SNAP on the Web

Check out the SNAP Web site at <www.epa.gov/

ozone/title6/snap/> for the latest news. For specific

information go to the following sites:

• <www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/lists>. This portion

of the SNAP Web site has all of the latest determinations on the comprehensive list of alternatives.

• <www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/snap.html>. Check

out EPA’s updated SNAP fact sheets, including revised

questions and answers on the fire suppression and

solvents cleaning sectors.

• <www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/app.html>. For the

SNAP program to review alternative chemicals, technologies, or manufacturing processes, a SNAP Information Notice Application must be submitted. The

SNAP application is now available online at this location in WordPerfect or PDF formats.
Stratospheric Update 

• Minimal —SPF levels from 2 to under 12. 

• Moderate —SPF levels from 12 to under 30.

• High—SPF levels of 30 and higher.

The SPF number also will be required on 

sunscreen labels.

Other requirements under the new regulations

direct manufacturers of OTC sunscreens, including cosmetic products carrying sun protection

claims, to discontinue the use of unsupported or

misleading terms such as “sunblock” and “waterproof” on product labels. Label-conscious consumers might also notice an FDA-approved “sun

alert” statement, discussing the important role of

sunscreen in overall sun-related health protection.

Seeking to reduce consumer misunderstanding

concerning all sun-related products, the new

FDA regulations target tanning products as well.

Labels on these lotions, which do not contain sunscreen ingredients, must feature a warning about

their lack of protection against sun exposure. 

FDA encourages all manufacturers to comply with

the new labeling standards as soon as possible, but

demands compliance within two years for sunscreen

products, and within one year for tanning products.

Product claims concerning ultraviolet A (UV-A) protection will continue as previously required until further notice from FDA. 

For more information on the new sunscreen regulations, consult FDA’s Web site at <www.fda.gov>.

the SPF range in the “moderate” category would be

inadequate for effective protection.”

In addition, Ayoub worries that the ”high” category, by referring to “SPF 30 and up,” puts a cap on

high-level skin care protection and doesn’t provide

for the important extra protection provided by SPFs

as high as 45 or 50.

In response, FDA reminds concerned parties that

use of the new SPF categories is optional and the regulations still require the display of the product’s specific SPF number. In addition, an FDA spokesperson

disagrees with arguments about the ”capping” of SPF

levels, explaining: ”The increased percentage of protection offered by sunscreens with an SPF over 30 is so

small, it’s quite difficult to measure. Since there’s no

way of scientifically proving the claims of additional

protection provided by SPFs higher than 30, our new

categories use 30 as their high-level marker.”
6 Stratospheric Update

approximately two million pounds of illegally

imported CFCs and other ODSs have been

seized and impounded and more than 90 

individuals and businesses have been charged

with smuggling. 

ODS Import Regulations

In 1990, Title VI of the Clean Air Act authorized EPA to restrict the use, import, and disposal of

ODSs. Since that time, EPA has implemented policies and taken action to curtail the illegal import

of ODSs into the United States. EPA bans the import of ODSs most destructive to the ozone layer,

such as CFCs and halons. Certain exemptions exist, however, for chemicals that have been used and

removed from operating equipment. Allowing the import of these used substances helps optimize

the use of existing supplies, discourages the production of virgin material, discourages venting of

the substance to the atmosphere, and prevents shortages in sectors that still rely on these substances. EPA set up a petition process so the Agency could independently verify that substances a

person wishes to import have, in fact, been previously used. Companies that want to import used

ODSs submit petitions to EPA detailing the country of origin and the facility where the substance

was originally used.

in federal prison. The message should be clear to 

anyone thinking of breaking the law—don’t try it.”

—Steve Herman

EPA’s Assistant Administrator for 

Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Stratospheric Update 

1998 ODS Petition Requests Decline

T

he number of petitions submitted to EPA to import previously used ODSs has fallen for

the first time since the 1996 phaseout of ODSs. In 1998, EPA approved 161 petitions to

import ODSs, which is less than the 182 petitions received in 1997, but still substantially

more than the 73 petitions received in 1996. So far in 1999, EPA has received 52 petitions

to import ODSs. Under the 1998 petitions 1,312,739 kilograms of CFCs and other ODSs were

legally imported into the United States. In 1999, the petitions so far have brought 919,696 kilograms of used ODSs into the country.

Under the Montreal Protocol, developing countries can still produce virgin ODSs until January

1, 2010. For companies and individuals in the United States, however, it is illegal to import any of

the newly produced or virgin ODSs from these or any other country.

increase in the next few years, but is likely to

continue due to the potential for significant

financial gain. Legal importers of CFCs pay an

excise tax of $7.15 per pound of material, and

this amount increases by $0.45 per year. Illegal

CFCs below market price while making a

profit. EPA’s success in catching and prosecuting smugglers is expected to continue to

increase due to greater awareness by the industry and efforts from the enforcement agencies.

For more information

about EPA’s enforceme

activities, Title VI 

regulations, and EPA’s

petition process, or if y

suspect someone is

attempting to illegally

import ODSs, contact

Brian Ng of EPA at 202

564-9295 or

<ng.brian@epa.gov>. 

You also can call the

Stratospheric Ozone

Information Hotline at 

800 296-1996 or visit 

the Web site at

<www.epa.gov/ozone>
8 Stratospheric Update

CFCs as propellants to deliver medicine into

the patient’s lungs. Recently, however, the first

CFC-free MDI was introduced in the United

States, and more are expected to be added to

the marketplace beginning in 2000. In fact, 

all major pharmaceutical companies are currently working to reformulate their MDIs to 

be CFC-free.

In 1996, MDIs were designated as an “essential use” under the Montreal Protocol, which

means they are exempt from the production and

import bans of CFCs and other ODSs stipulated under the Protocol. At that time, 

CFC-free MDIs were not available, and the Parties to the Protocol recognized their importance

in treating serious respiratory diseases; however,

they did not intend for them to be permanently

exempted and expected substitutes for the

ODSs used in exempted products to be developed. Pharmaceutical companies worldwide,

therefore, have been trying to find alternative

substances for MDI propellants.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

is responsible for writing regulations to establish

MDIs should retain their status as an essential

use.” FDA will be publishing a proposed rulemaking later this year.

In the meantime, EPA is continuing outreach efforts to patients, parents of young

patients, and health care professionals to ensure

a successful transition to CFC-free MDIs. EPA

recognizes the importance of educating patients

about the reliability and performance of the

new MDIs, dispelling rumors, and minimizing

anxieties about the transition. EPA, in cooperation with the FDA, the National Institutes of

Health, industry, and several patient health care

organizations, has already developed a brochure

entitled Your Metered Dose Inhaler Will Be

Changing... Here Are the Facts. Copies of the

brochure are available by calling EPA’s Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at 800 296-

1996 or through EPA’s Web site at

<www.epa.gov/ozone>.

For more information contact Erin Birgfeld

of EPA at 202 564-9079 or <birgfeld.erin

@epa.gov>.
1999 Climate Protection 

Award Winners

1999 Stratospheric Ozone 

Protection Award Winners

Stratospheric Update 

1999 Stratospheric Ozone 

Protection Award Winners

Per M. Bakken

David Clare

Sheila Jones

Ingrid Kökeritz

Robert T. Wickham

Theresia Indrawanti Pudiyanto

Jacinthe Séguin

James Shevlin

Liu Yi

The Cannon Group

Canadian Forces Fire Marshal, Department of 

National Defence 

Idaho Army National Guard, Combined Support 

Maintenance Shop 

Project Management Office for Bradley Fighting 

Vehicle Systems 

Wei T’o Associates and the National Library of 

Canada

1999 Climate Protection 

Award Winners

Dr. Rosina M. Bierbaum

Dr. Mack McFarland

Eugene L. Smithart, P.E.

Applied Materials

Motorola

Annapolis Detachment of the Carderock 

Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center

Nissan

The Polyisocyanurate Insulation 

Manufacturers Association

STMicroelectronics

Texas Industries, Inc.
10 Stratospheric Update

integral step toward developing an allocation system is to determine a representative baseline. EPA is

currently reviewing historical data in an attempt to be as equitable as possible while ensuring 

compliance with the cap. For more information, contact Vera Au at 202 564-2216.

Changes Being Made to the Class I Nonessential Products Ban

EPA is drafting a final rule, based on comments received in response to the proposal of June 14,

1999, to modify the class I nonessential products ban. The proposed rule discussed removing current

exemptions from the class I ban on certain aerosols because adequate substitutes for those products are

now commercially available. It also proposed to add refrigerators containing class I refrigerants to the

ban, since substitutes are commonly used in manufacturing refrigerators in the United States and most

other countries. EPA expects to issue the final rule in the spring of 2000. EPA will begin drafting 

proposed modifications to the class II ban sometime next year. For more information, contact Cindy

Newberg at 202 564-9729.

Laboratory Essential Use Exemptions to End

Under the Clean Air Act, the more stringent provisions of either the Montreal Protocol or the Clean

Air Act prevail. While essential use exemptions have been granted by the Montreal Protocol and

allowed under the Act for laboratory uses, the Protocol does not permit continuation of such an

exemption beginning in 2000. Therefore, EPA can no longer grant these exemptions for U.S. laboratories as of January 1, 2000. For more information, contact Erin Birgfeld at 202 564-9079.

Grandfathering for Refrigerant Technicians Expired

In a recent letter to technician certification organizations under its Section 608 refrigerant recycling

program, EPA has clarified that grandfathering technicians who participate in voluntary certification

programs is no longer a legal option. The grandfathering provision was in place until May 15, 1995, to

allow technicians who voluntarily became certified before EPA’s approval program was implemented to

retain that certification, as appropriate. After that, grandfathering of programs or technicians was no

longer permitted. For more information, contact Julius Banks at 202 564-9870.
Stratospheric Update 

Clearinghouse System (OPTICS) is a Web database

with information on current technologies related

to ODSs. Developed by the Global Environment

and Technology Foundation under an EPA grant,

OPTICS is a user-maintained program that allows

developers of ODS technologies not only to

search, but also add and update, valuable information about innovative methods to destroy,

recycle, reclaim, or identify specific ODSs. 

Currently, managers of the OPTICS database

are asking for assistance in collecting more information. In addition to ODS recycling, identification, and destruction, users may enter summaries

and full descriptions of their technologies; multiple search criteria; development and licensing

status; technology needs, limitations, and costs;

and technology developer contact information.

To access, add, or update information, visit the

OPTICS Web site at <www.techknow.org>.

SunWise Behavior Brochure

How can you protect yourself and your loved

ones from harmful UV radiation? Find out in The

Sun, UV, and You: A Guide to SunWise Behavior

ppg yy

defines the UV Index, and tells where to get more

information. Details about EPA’s

SunWise School Program also are

included in the booklet.

For more information or to

obtain a copy of the booklet,

contact EPA’s Stratospheric

Ozone Information Hotline at

800 296-1996 or visit the

Stratospheric Ozone Web site

at <www.epa.gov/ozone>.

Report on the 

Supply and Demand of CFC-12

EPA has released its annual report updating

estimates of the supply of and demand for 

CFC-12 in the United States during the period

1999 to 2005. Among other findings, the 

report concludes that both the supply and

demand of CFC-12 dropped in 1998. 

The report can be accessed online at 

<www.epa.gov/ozone/ geninfo/> or can be

requested through the Stratospheric Ozone

Information Hotline at 800 296-1996.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 12)
1EPA

United States 

Environmental Protection Agency

(6205J)

Washington, DC 20460

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use

$300