Cuba Has Reduced Ozone Emissions

Havana, September 21 (RHC-ACN)-- Cuba has been strictly complying with the Montreal Protocol, fulfilling its commitments to lower ozone emissions into the atmosphere.

In a meeting celebrating World Ozone Day, Nelson Espinosa, Director of Cuba's Technical Office on Ozone, presented Cuba's recent progress in this area.

Espinosa noted that thanks to effective measures, the release of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases has been reduced by 50 percent, while the use of methyl bromide in the spraying of crops, warehouses and industrial facilities has gone down by 20 percent.

In addition, some 4,200 refrigeration technicians and repair persons have recently completed courses in environmentally sound practices.

Espinosa spoke about two important projects underway to reduce CFC's releases; one of them is aimed at converting commercial refrigeration equipment and air conditioners to use refrigerants that do not produce ozone depleting substances; the other project consists in eliminating the use of CFC gases in aerosol sprays.

During the meeting, the Cuban Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment presented CFC-Free Certificates to the following companies: Empresa Electrica de Matanzas, Aparthotel Monte Habana, ETECSA, and Tienda Dita from Isla de la Juventud.