Halon 1301 has been the industry standard for protecting high-value assets from fire since the
mid-1960s. It has many benefits: it is fast-acting, safe for assets, and requires little storage
space. It is no longer used widely because it depletes atmospheric ozone and is potentially harmful
to humans. In some countries, legislation requires the systems to be removed; in others, it is OK to
use them still (with recycled Halon); however, systems have not been installed since 1994 (The
Montreal Accord). The Montreal Accord (197 countries) banned the use and production of new Halon. A
few exceptions for "essential uses“ include things like inhalers for asthma, and fire suppression
systems in submarines and aircraft.