Level of environmental awareness towards depletion of the ozone layer among distributors and consumers in the solvent sector: A case study from Oman

The main objective of this study was to assess the level of environmental awareness among ozone depleting substances (ODSs) distributors and consumers in the solvent sector in the Arabian Gulf country of Oman. The focus was on ozone depleting substances that are usually released in cleaning, formulation solvent and process agent processes (CFC-113, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, CTC-carbon tetrachloride). A comparison between importers and end-users of ODSs and the public in relation to environmental awareness regarding ozone layer depletion was carried out. The results showed that environmental knowledge about ozone layer depletion was higher among the importers and end-users of ODSs than amongst the public. Nevertheless, there were much smaller differences in environmental attitudes and behaviors between the importers and end-users of ODSs, and the public toward ozone layer depletion. This showed that the public in the case study country has a very positive attitudes and behaviors towards the environment.