Alternatives to ozone depleting substances in electronic cleaning

Evidence indicating that the Earth´s ozone layer is being depleted by man-made chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halogen containing solvents has challenged the scientific community to seek alternatives to precision and electronic cleaning. The crisis reached a climax when it was declared at a meeting of concerned nations in Montreal, Canada that phase-out of production of these substances was the only way to effectively reduce the impact of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). Initially the Protocol dictated that there would be a progressive reduction in production with complete phase-out at the turn of the century. Present evidence indicates that the ozone layer is being depleted at a rate faster than anticipated. Subsequent meetings of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol have resulted in an accelerated phase-out and effectively production would cease 1 January 1996, if not sooner