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Makers of metered-dose asthma inhalers that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) must begin using more environmentally friendly propellants by the end of 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday.

CFCs have been proven to damage the earth's ozone layer that protects people from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Scientists say the depleted layer is likely to result in more cases of skin cancer and other harmful effects.

The FDA said the makers of asthma inhalers that now use the propellant should be able to produce enough non-CFC inhalers within 3 1/2 years.

The rule published Thursday was proposed in June 2004. The agency said it received valuable feedback from the public and an expert advisory panel before issuing the final decree.

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