The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Sheikh Alkinky Sanyang
4 April 2006
As a party to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, The Gambia is required to progressively phase-out the importation and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
The importance of the ozone layer is its role in reducing significantly the harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays from the sun reaching the earth's surface. Any significant decrease of the ozone layer will result in increasing UV-B radiation reaching the surface of the earth. The ozone layer provides a protective shield for plant and animal life from UV-B radiation.
UV-B radiation in high doses can be particularly harmful to all living organisms. The absorption of this radiation from the sun by the ozone layer also creates a source of heat, which plays a key role in the temperature structure of the atmosphere.
A scientific research in 1974 suggested that the continued emission of Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons (CFCs) depletes the stratospheric ozone layer. Because of their chemical stability, CFCs do not breakdown in the lower atmosphere until they reach the stratosphere, where they are eventually broken down by ultraviolet radiation, releasing free chlorine radicals.
These chlorine radicals act as catalysts in the destruction of ozone. This destructive process is repeated numerous times by a single chlorine atom. Other ozone depleting substances are halons, carbon tetrachloride, Methyl chloroforms, and Methyl bromide.
Any rise in the amount of UV-B reaching the earth's surface has potential harmful effects on human health, animals, plants, micro-organisms, materials and air quality. Long-term exposure to UV-B is associated with the risk of eye damage, suppression of immune systems, malignant melanoma in light-skinned people. High exposure to the radiation is a key risk factor in the development of skin cancer in countries of high latitudes in both the North and Southern hemispheres. Melanoma is now one of the most common cancers among light-skinned people in certain regions of the world.
Animals are also subjected to similar effects due to increased UV-B radiation. Marine life especially is particularly vulnerable. Increase levels of the radiation harm the early developmental stages of fish, shrimps, crabs and other aquatic lives.
The Gambian government showing its firm commitment to phase-out consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS) ratified the Vienna Convention for the protection of ozone layer in May 1990. The Gambia also ratified the Montreal Protocol on substances that depletes the ozone layer in June 1990.
As a signatory to both conventions, The Gambia is required to control and monitor the consumption of ODS. The National Ozone Office established within the National Environment Agency (NEA) implements the action-plan, gradually phasing out ODS consumption.
Over 120 technicians are trained in refrigeration techniques, refrigerant handling, recovery, retrofitting and recycling at different parts of the country. As part of the on-going training of technicians, the programme officers at the ozone office at the NEA has yet again embarked on the training of refrigeration technicians on retrofitting and drop-ins in Basse, URD and Farafenni, NBD.
In addressing the participants, the NEA ODS programme officers Dawda Badjie and Alagie Sarr, highlighted the importance of the ozone layer that serve as an umbrella or a net or sieve that filters the ultraviolet light from the sun. They said focus is given to refrigeration technicians because they use refrigerants (gases used in the cooling systems of refrigerators and air conditioners) which deplete the ozone layer. "So the training course is to help change to more environmentally friendly refrigerants so as to protect the Fauna and flora, human life and the environment," the programme officers pointed out.
Abdul Aziz Mboge, senior lecturer at GTTI, who conducted the training disclosed that the main aim of the training was to reduce refrigerant emission through the learning of "good practices" to save the ozone layer. He said R12 and all CFC gases are harmful to the environment and effort are on the way to stop the use of these gases.
The Commander of Farafenni Barracks, Major Bayo, officially opened the training in Farafenni, while the chairman, Basse Area Council, Kanimang Sanneh, officially precided over the opening ceremony in Basse. All participants were awarded certificates at the end of the training.
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