Scientists classify UV radiation into three types or band - UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-A is not filtered at all by the ozone layer, UV-B is partially filtered by the ozone layer, and UV-C does not reach the Earth's surface. But scientist' warn mostly about the UV-B radiation because it has a severe impact on human health and the environment. UV-B radiation is known to cause carcinogenic diseases.

The concern about the depletions of the ozone became worldwide in 1987. At that time 162 nations signed the "Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer." This agreement identified the major harmful man-made chemicals and established a timetable for the reduction of such substances. Scientists' identified the ozone depleting substances (ODS) as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), methyl bromide, halons, hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFC), carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.

Ozone depleting Freon discovered in a crowded Pompano Beach apartment.

In 1996, the first phase-out of these harmful chemicals was met by developing countries. Freon©, Refrigerant-12 or CFC-12, was the first chemical to be phased out by developed nations, known as Article Two nations. But special emphasis was put on CFCs, which account for the majority of ODS consumed in developing countries. The next required reduction of the CFCs as well as other controlled substances is 2010.

Senior Special Agent George H. White II, SAIC/Miami, assisted the United Nations Environmental Program with the development of the first international training manual for the investigation of ODS. The manual describes how to control and monitor the amount of ODS entering and leaving our country. This training manual also provides the necessary guidance for Customs to train customs officers in developing countries. In some developing countries the illegal trade of ODS has become the second most profitable traded goods after drugs. This manual is available to Customs personnel for their use and training and can be downloaded from the United Nations Environmental Program Web site at www.uneptie.org/ozonaction.

Freon on the freeze
In the past year, Customs has seized approximately 30,000 pounds of Freon. One of Customs biggest Freon seizures occurred last summer in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. It was here that the Customs Service dismantled a Freon smuggling organization in Operation Cool Breeze, which was illegally importing large quantities of the refrigerant. Customs agents arrested three South Florida men, seized four boats, two luxury vehicles, and more than 8,500 pounds of Freon.

The Freon had a wholesale value of more than $230,000 and a street value of more than $550,000. Freon's price per pound is increasing due to its declining availability, and is being sold more and more on the black market. All of the suspects arrested were charged with smuggling and violations of the Clean Air Act.

The Customs Service is doing its part to protect the ozone layer and deter the smuggling of harmful man-made chemicals, leaving the Earth less vulnerable to harmful radiation.