E-drug: CFC-MDIs phase-out strategy
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SOUTH AFRICA AND THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL
South Africa is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol for the purpose
of phasing out the use of chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs) in various
appliances. The CFCs and other ozone depleting substances (ODSs) are
responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer of the
stratosphere, thus creating a gap through which the harmful solar
ultra-violet radiation can penetrate our atmoshere and cause
significant human health and environmental hazards including skin
cancer, malignant melanoma, damage to vegetation and reduction of
crop yields.
The devises or appliances employing CFCs include aerosol metered
dose inhalers (MDIs) that are used in the treatment of asthma and
other pulmonary disorders. The National Depatment of Health and the
drug regualtory authority (the Medicines Control Council or MCC) have
to formulate a strategy to phase out all MDIs containing CFCs in
South Africa. Part of the approach is to encourage the
pharmaceutical industry to find alternatives for the CFC driven
aerosols and to draw out a plan to phase out all CFC-containing MDIs
within a reasonable time. In terms of the Motreal Protocol, there is
a temporary exemption from the worldwide banon CFCs used in MDIs
because of the life-saving potential of these dosage forms.
A significant step has been taken by the MCC in collaboration with
the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to develop
principles and a comprehensive programme for the systematic
phase out of all MDIs containing CFCs. The final strategy will be
published in due course.
The MCC would like to find out how other countries have solved the
problem and what the implications are. We would appreciate any
information regarding this matter.
kind regards
Frank Hlangwane
Frank Hlangwane, Chief Medicine Control Officer, MCC
Hallmark Building, Room 1223
Private Bag X828, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Tel. +27-12-3120290 (work)
Fax +27-12-3262528
E-mail: hlangf@hltrsa.pwv.gov.za
Wilbert Bannenberg, SADAP Coordinator
Hallmark 938, P/Bag X 828, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Tel work +27-12-3120374/5 Fax +27-12-3236745 Cellphone +27-82-5756249
Email bannew@hltrsa.pwv.gov.za (work)
Email WilbertBannenberg@compuserve.com (private)
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