Otsonivaurion

Otsonivaurion, often translated as ozone damage, refers to the detrimental effects that elevated levels of ozone can have on living organisms and materials. In the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, ozone acts as a pollutant. This ground-level ozone is not directly emitted but forms through complex chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight.

Plants are particularly susceptible to ozone damage. It can impair photosynthesis, reduce growth rates, and damage leaf tissues, leading to visible symptoms like bronzing or stippling. This can have significant economic impacts on agriculture and forestry. For humans and animals, breathing in ozone can irritate the respiratory system, exacerbate asthma and other lung conditions, and reduce lung function. Symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Chronic exposure may lead to long-term lung damage.

Beyond biological impacts, ozone can also degrade various materials. It can cause rubber to crack and degrade, fade dyes in fabrics and plastics, and accelerate the aging process of many synthetic materials. This is why ozone damage is a concern for the longevity and integrity of manufactured goods. Mitigation strategies focus on reducing the precursor emissions of NOx and VOCs, particularly from vehicles and industrial sources, to lower the formation of ground-level ozone.