As Rwanda joined the rest of the world on Tuesday to celebrate the International Ozone Layer Protection Day, importers of home appliances have been urged to import environmentally friendly equipment to help safe guard the ozone layer.

"We want the traders to get rid of the equipment that use R22 gas,” said Dr Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (Rema).

Cooling equipment such as fridges, air conditioners with hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCS) contain chlorine that destroys the ozone layer, according to experts.

Jean Claude Habumugisha, a trader said an awareness campaign was needed for the importers to get to know the specifics of the equipment they import.

"The protection of ozone layer requires concerted efforts of all stakeholders, "said Minister of Natural Resources Dr Vincent Biruta.

Olivier Rukundo, an official at the Rwanda Standards Bureau said the standards body uses appropriate field kits to verify whether refrigerators do not contain R22.

Ozone layer destruction can lead to skin cancer, eye cataract, weakening body immunity, reduction of marine ecosystems and climate change due to global warming among others.