The rate coefficients for the reactions of OH radical with CH3Br and CH2Br2 were measured as functions of temperature using the laser photolysis-laser induced fluorescence method. This data was incorporated into a semi-empirical model [Solomon et al., 1992> and a 2-D model to calculate the steady-state Ozone Depletion Potentials (ODP) and atmospheric lifetimes, &tgr;, with greatly improved accuracy as compared to earlier studies. The calculated ODPs and &tgr; are 0.65 and 1.7 years and 0.17 and 0.41 years for CH3Br and CH2Br2, respectively, using the semi-empirical model. These lifetimes agree well with those calculated using a 2-D model. This study better quantifies the ODPs and &tgr; of these species which are needed inputs for discussion of possible regulation of human emissions currently under international considerations. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1992