A. Available scientific evidence indicates a strong probability that the family of substances known as chlorofluorocarbons ("CFCs"), when discharged into the atmosphere, degrade the earth’s protective layer of ozone, allowing increased amounts of ultraviolet radiation to penetrate the atmosphere, posing an acute and immediate danger to human health, life, and the environment. Available scientific evidence indicates the strong possibility that the resulting increase in ultraviolet radiation may already have caused an increase in the incidence of skin cancers and other serious illnesses.

B. One source of the CFCs currently being released into the atmosphere is the use of these substances as blowing agents in the manufacture of some of the polystyrene foam packaging products used in the food services industry. There are substitutes for these products currently available which do not use CFCs in their manufacture.

C. The people and the City of Berkeley support international, federal, and state bans on all uses of CFC not deemed absolutely essential. Until such bans are in effect, responsible action to reduce CFC use and alert the public to the danger posed by these substances must be undertaken at the local level.

D. It is the intent of the council to reduce the amount of CFC-processed products purchased and used by the City and people of Berkeley and thereby to reduce the health hazards created by the manufacture of these products. (Ord. 5867-NS § 1, 1988)