Labeling Ozone-Depleting Products

Under Section 611 of the Clean Air Act, manufacturers must label products containing or made with ozone-depleting substances ( ODS ozone-depleting substance (ODS) A compound that contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. ODS include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrobromofluorocarbons, chlorobromomethane, and methyl chloroform. ODS are generally very stable in the troposphere and only degrade under intense ultraviolet light in the stratosphere. When they break down, they release chlorine or bromine atoms, which then deplete ozone. A detailed list of class I and class II substances with their ODPs, GWPs, and CAS numbers is available. ). EPA regulations apply to both Class I ODS and Class II ODS ( hydrochlorofluorocarbons hydrochlorofluorocarbons Compounds containing hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, and carbon atoms. Although ozone depleting substances, they are less potent at destroying stratospheric ozone than chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They have been introduced as temporary replacements for CFCs and are also greenhouse gases. See ozone depleting substance. ). The labeling requirements for Class I ODS have been in effect since 1993; the requirements for Class II ODS came into effect on January 1, 2015.