More about ODS

The graphic below depicts the process of ODS manufacture, use and emission and also shows ODS in context with replacement coolants: HFCs. Please mouseover the ‘i’s for more information.

Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) are chemicals, typically refrigerants, fire suppressants, solvents, pesticides, foaming agents, and coolants that when released into the atmosphere, destroy the stratospheric ozone layer. As ODS are released, UV rays destroy these molecules and release bromine and chlorine atoms, which then destroy the stratospheric ozone molecules. It is believed that one chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 stratospheric ozone molecules. Additionally, ODS are also extremely powerful global warming agents.

Since their ozone depleting properties were realized ODS are being phased out of production under one of the first international environmental treaties, the Montreal Protocol.