Ozone
Ozone is an allotrope (an allotrope is another form of an element for example graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon) of oxygen with the chemical symbol O3. Normal oxygen which has only 2 atoms is colourless and tasteless while ozone which contains three atoms is blue and said to smell of sparks or gun powder. It is very reactive and at even small concentration it is toxic and an irritant. Ozone is far more reactive than 02 as the extra oxygen atoms readily attaches to other particles causing oxidization of that particle. Its oxidizing properties are utilized in deodorants and bleaches as the process neutralizes pollutants. For this purpose ozone is produced by passing electric currents through 02 gas or dry air replicating the process of lightning.
In our upper atmosphere, the ozone layer protects the inhabitants of earth from harmful U.V. rays released by the sun. Ozone is also found much closer to the earth’s surface where its effects can cause respiratory problems for people especially those who suffer from asthma etc.
In our upper atmosphere, the ozone layer protects the inhabitants of earth from harmful U.V. rays released by the sun. Ozone is also found much closer to the earth’s surface where its effects can cause respiratory problems for people especially those who suffer from asthma etc.
Ozone that is found at ground level (tropospheric level from 0-10 kilometers up) is created through chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen commonly produced by cars and some factories.
Nitrogen dioxide and oxygen react together with UV light to produce Ozone but in normal circumstances the concentration of N02 is too low to produce the reaction. Within the car however there is sufficient heat created to bond nitrogen and oxygen creating higher levels of NO2
This harmful ozone is therefore typically found in urban environments with higher concentrations during summer and is sometimes referred to as smog. This smog however can travel large areas and travel long distance when carried by strong winds which can spread the ozone to more rural areas. Tropospheric ozone is also created during thunderstorms due to the energy produced from lightning.
As well as being harmful to those with respiratory problems ozone also has a detrimental affect on some flora and fauna. Growth of plant life and trees in areas with high levels of ozone can be reduced especially when the plants are young.
