Ozone-depleting substance (ODS) is any substance containing chlorine or bromine, which destroys the stratospheric ozone layer that absorbs most of the biologically damaging ultraviolet radiation. The phasing out of ozone depleting substances, and their substitution by less harmful substances or new processes, are aimed at the recovery of the ozone layer. Substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol are categorized into annexes, with different groups in each annex.
Source: United States