Harmful gases destroying ozone layer falling faster than expected, study finds

Scientists say atmospheric levels of damaging gases peaked five years ahead of projections, as substances phased out

International efforts to protect the ozone layer have been a huge global success", scientists have said, after revealing that damaging gases in the atmosphere were declining faster than expected.

The Montreal protocol, signed in 1987, aimed to phase out ozone-depleting substances found primarily in refrigeration, air conditioning and aerosol sprays.