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Ozone-depleting chemical may get reprieve
Developed countries may be allowed limited use of ozone-depleting methyl bromide beyond a 2004 deadline to phase out the chemical, officials at an environmental conference in Sri Lanka said yesterday. Methyl bromide is used as a crop fumigant and for pest control and although it is less damaging to the ozone layer than chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) it is released directly into the atmosphere.