Ozonhalten

Ozonhalten is a term that refers to the concentration of ozone (O3) present in a given volume of air. This concentration is typically measured in parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. In the Earth's stratosphere, ozone plays a crucial role by absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thus protecting life on the surface. This stratospheric ozone layer is essential for maintaining a stable climate and preventing widespread DNA damage.

However, ozone at ground level, also known as tropospheric ozone, is considered a pollutant. It is not directly emitted into the atmosphere but is formed through chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. These reactions are a key component of smog. High concentrations of ground-level ozone can have adverse effects on human health, causing respiratory problems such as asthma exacerbation, reduced lung function, and increased susceptibility to lung infections. It can also damage vegetation and ecosystems, impacting crop yields and forest health.

Monitoring ozonhalten in both the stratosphere and troposphere is therefore important. Stratospheric ozonhalten is tracked to understand the health of the ozone layer and the impact of ozone-depleting substances. Tropospheric ozonhalten is monitored by environmental agencies to assess air quality and issue public health advisories when levels exceed safe thresholds. Various factors influence ozonhalten, including temperature, sunlight intensity, the presence of precursor pollutants, and atmospheric circulation patterns.