By Deji Abdulwahab
Abuja – An ecologist, Mr Abdullahi Aremu, has appealed to relevant stakeholders in the environment sector to advise Nigerians to dispose of refrigerators, air conditioning units and other ozone depleting substances.
Aremu, the Director-General, Advocacy for Environmental and Sanitation Integrity, an NGO, gave the advice on Monday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said that these house hold devices release Chlorofluorocarbons (toxic chemicals) into the atmosphere.
“Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the primary cause of depletion of the ozone layer.
“Industrial products including solvents, soaps, spray aerosols, insulating foams, ‘take-away’ containers and cooling utilities such as refrigerators and air conditioners also use chlorofluorocarbons.
“Over time, the toxic chemicals accumulate in the atmosphere and are carried by wind into the stratosphere,’’ he said.
He added that once chlorofluorocarbons are in the stratosphere, their molecules are broken up by the Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun which releases chlorine atoms.
Aremu explained that the chlorine atoms reacted with the ozone, setting out chemical cycle that destroys the ozone layer.
“ Depletion of ozone layer does not affect a region or a country; the whole world is vulnerable to it.
“The increase in the levels of ultra violet rays lead to high rate of skin cancer and eye related problems,’’ Aremu declared.
The ecologist urged Nigerians not to buy products containing chlorofluorocarbons
He said: “If you are out for shopping, don’t buy aerosol products containing chlorofluorocarbons.
“Check your fire extinguishers if “halon” or “halogenated hydrocarbon” is the main ingredient.
“Dispose of old air conditioning units, refrigerators that use chlorofluorocarbons to function as they release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.’’
Aremu said that fertilizers and pesticides produce nitrous oxide which also contributes to depletion of the ozone layer.
He said that depletion of the ozone layer posed danger to the entire human community. (NAN)