The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has cautioned business people against importing items that contain harmful gases (hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which deplete the ozone layer and cause global warming. Rose Mukankomeje, the REMA director general, said activities which depend on the use of ozone depleting substances, especially for refrigeration, air conditioning and in the manufacture of mattresses, should look for alternatives to safeguard the ozone layer. "We need to prevent excessive exposure of the earth to ultra-violet rays because they have effects on human lives. For example, they cause cancer, eye cataracts and weaken people’s immune systems,” she added.Mukankomeje was speaking during a sensitisation workshop of importers of ozone depleting substances and equipment in Kigali recently.According to the Montreal Protocol, items that use CFCs were expected to be phased out by 2010. Rwanda met this target in 2009. It replaced items with CFCs with those that have low potential to deplete the ozone layer, Mukankomeje said.REMA’s Juliet Kabera said CFCs also do not only deplete the ozone layer, but also cause global warming. Kabera said parties to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer agreed to accelerate the phase out of hydro-chorofluorocarbons producing appliances in developing countries, including Rwanda. This year, parties to the protocol are expected to freeze use or production of items that contain CFCs. By 2015, there should be a 10 per cent reduction and expected to hit 35  per cent in 2020.Kabera said REMA would work with business people to devise strategies on how best importation of items with CFCs can be gradually reduced. During the workshop, importers were encouraged to seek alternatives on the market to use for air conditioning and refrigeration in an environmentally-friendly way.Yosua Kalisa, an importer of air conditioners, told The New Times that the government move to sensitise business people was commendable, saying it was important to do business in accordance with the laws.