When is ozone good and bad

The stratosphere is a layer of the atmosphere starting at the level of about 6 miles about 10 kilometers above sea level. The stratosphere naturally contains about six parts per million of ozone, and this ozone is very beneficial because it absorbs UV radiation and prevents it from reaching us see How Sunburns and Sun Tans Work for a description of the damage that UV radiation can cause to skin.

Check out this page for a good description of the chemical reaction that allows ozone to absorb UV light. Ozone is "bad" when it is at ground level. Ozone is a very reactive gas that is hard on lung tissue.

It also damages plants and buildings. Any ozone at ground level is a problem. The ground level or bad ozone is an air pollutant that is harmful to breathe, especially if a person has respiratory issues. While the average adult breathes in over gallons of air daily, children are even more at risk because their lungs are still forming, they breathe in more air daily, are more susceptible to air pollution and tend to be more active outdoors during hot, sunny days.

It can also damage trees, crops and other forms of vegetation and ecosystems. Emissions from motor vehicles, gas vapors, chemical solvents and industrial facilities and electric utilities are the main sources of NOx and VOCs. While ozone pollution is a major concern during the summer, it can occur during winter months in some southern or mountain regions if conditions are right. Wind also transports ozone long distances to non-traditional ozone areas, such as rural or less densely-populated locations.

The good ozone is found in the stratospheric layer of the atmosphere. Ozone in this layer is produced naturally. This UV radiation can lead to increases in skin cancer, cataracts and immune system impairment. This protective shield, however, is being destroyed by the man-made chemicals from the tropospheric layer referred to as ozone depleting substances ODS. For example, when machinery leaks. So although ozone is useful it is also important that its use is controlled especially when there are people around.

So measuring and monitoring O 3 is important for human health — outdoors and indoors. The problem is that the equipment for measuring O 3 is either a accurate but too expensive, or b affordable but not accurate. This is why Aeroqual came up with option C: monitors that are both accurate and affordable. Be sure to get in touch to talk to us about your application. About Sitemap Privacy.

Toggle navigation. Is ozone good or bad? A quick guide to ozone measurement. Last Updated: Apr 25, St. John Vuetilovoni.