FY 2005 Annual Report on Ozone Layer Monitoring

The Ministry of the Environment has compiled the annual report on FY 2005 ozone layer monitoring, covering the status of (i) ozone depletion, (ii) atmospheric concentrations of ozone depleting substances (ODS), and (iii) solar ultraviolet radiation, pursuant to the Law concerning the Protection of the Ozone Layer through the Control of Specified Substances and Other Measures (the "Ozone Layer Protection Law").

1. State of the ozone layer
In 2005, the area of the ozone hole and the amount of ozone depleted over the Antarctica measured at the average of the past ten years. At present, it cannot be confirmed that the ozone hole is recovering. The ozone layer over the Antarctica remains in a critical condition.

2. State of atmospheric concentrations of ODS
The concentrations of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the mid-latitude Northern Hemisphere have remained unchanged (CFC-12) or in decline (CFC-11 and CFC-113). On the other hand, the concentrations of hydrochlorofuluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are CFC substitutes, have been increasing.

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