Halon Decommissioning The scientific community have ascertained that a major contribution to the destruction of the ozone layer causing the so called “ozone hole” is by the use and release of halon.   In the suggestions for policy formulation contained in the 1998 Report, the Montreal Protocol’s Scientific Assessment Panel concludes that the fire extinguishing sector is the only one where a critical mass of further reduction of Ozone Depleting Substances loading could occur. Halon decommissioning would also represent a contribution to the reduction of emission of greenhouse gases.   Whilst Halon Decommissioning is now mandatory in many countries, from a regulatory point of view, the Montreal Protocol, with its Decision X/7, requested the all signatory Countries to submit their strategies on halon. In preparing such a strategy, all Countries should had consider issues such as:   Discourage the use of Halons in new installations and equipment;   Encourage the use of a replacement acceptable from an environment and health standpoint, taking into account their impact on the ozone layer, on climate change and any other environmental issue;   Consider a target data for the complete decommissioning of non critical halon installations and equipment, taking into account an assessment of the availability of Halons for critical uses;   Promote appropriate measures to ensure the environmental safe and effective recovery, storage, management and destruction of Halons.