Why Is Ozone Bad At Ground Level When It Is Good In The Atmosphere?

Ozone in the upper atmosphere is good because it protects the Earth against the most harmful effects of ultraviolet light in sunlight. This protects people from skin cancer caused by ultraviolet damage. The ozone layer has been eroded by the human industrial activity that has taken place over the last 200 years, releasing harmful ozone destroying chemicals into the environment and there is now a large ozone hole, mainly over Antarctica.

At ground level, ozone is produced in the engines of cars, lorries and other vehicles where it builds up to significant levels in areas where traffic is heavy. Ozone is heavier than oxygen so it tends to accumulate at ground level and so is a particular danger to children, either walking or travelling in pushchairs.

Ozone is toxic to humans – it is also produced by laser printers and other computer equipment, which is why such equipment needs to be used only in well ventilated areas.

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