Monitoring Refrigerant Imports can Save the Earth!

On Thursday 27th June, 2013, an article entitled "Better monitoring of refrigerant imports: Can help save the Earth" featured in the Business Day section in the Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday Newspaper. The article  was co-written by Dr. Marissa Gowrie, National Ozone Officer, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Nadita Ramachala from the Standardisation Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS).

The article gives the public an overview of the global environmental phenomena of ozone depletion caused by emissions of ozone depleting substances (ODS) such as refrigerants in the atmosphere.  It also showcases the efforts made by the National Ozone Unit to protect the ozone layer and phase out ODS ensuring the that Trinidad and Tobago meets its obligations under the Montreal Protocol. 

It also highlights the collaboration of the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in regulating refrigerants being imported and sold in the country via the development of national standards for the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry.  This alliance will ensure the improvement of these products and services while helping to guide the phasing out of refrigerants classified as ODS. 

If you missed last week's article in the Newsday, check out the link below to view the full article:

Better monitoring of refrigerant imports: Can help save the Earth

Page 19, Business Day

Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Newspaper

NOU takes part in EduFest 2012

In commemoration of Cancer Awareness Month, on October 9^th, 2012  the Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago (TTCS) and Republic Bank Ltd hosted an awareness day to educate children about cancer and how to lead healthy lifestyles. EduFest 2012 was held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, North Academy (NAPA).

There were several booths highlighting the various types of cancers affecting citizens. The National Ozone Unit (NOU) represented by Neera Singh and Anastasia Gordon attended and shared information on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevent skin cancer. 

There were a number of high schools and primary schools in attendance. These young people and their teachers were very enthusiastic and were well aware of ozone layer depletion and its effects. It was truly a pleasure to take part in this event.

Aerial view of NOU booth, Anastasia Gordon (right) and Neera Singh (left) interacting with a group of high school students

 

Anastasia Gordon interacting with a group of primary school students

Quiz Time! Anastasia Gordon and Neera Singh (NOU) testing students awareness of ozone depletion and its link to skin cancer

Key points to remember to protect yourself from UV radiation 
and prevent skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• Seek shade especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. 
• Slip on a shirt. Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun.  
• Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. 
• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. 
• Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.

NOU partners with NIHERST

The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is partnering with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) of Trinidad and Tobago to embark upon an educational and public awareness drive about the ozone layer. The aim of this activity is to disseminate knowledge to the public through the NIHERST National Science Centre on ozone friendly practices, the effects of ozone depletion and sun safety. 

Our National Ozone Officer, Dr Marissa Gowrie along with Ozone Assistant Ms Neera Singh, expect that an interactive way to present the information will be developed so that kids of all ages can get a chance to discover and understand the hole in the ozone layer, how it was formed and how it can heal. 

During peak times, the National Science Centre has over 300 students visiting the displays, which provides a valuable opportunity for the NOU to get their message across. The Centre has also agreed to partner with the NOU during their grand display to commemorate the 25^th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol in September 2012. 

To learn more about the National Science Centre, you may visit their national website or their link on Facebook.

Above right: Dr. Marissa Gowrie, National Ozone Officer presenting a representative of NIHERST with educational material on the ozone layer.