Ozonspåverkan

Ozonspåverkan refers to the impact of ozone on living organisms and materials. Ozone (O3) is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms. In the stratosphere, ozone forms a layer that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth. This stratospheric ozone layer is crucial for our well-being.

However, ozone can also be a pollutant at ground level. Tropospheric ozone, formed through chemical reactions involving sunlight and pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, is a component of smog. High concentrations of ground-level ozone can have detrimental effects. For humans, it can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. It can also worsen conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Plants are also sensitive to ozone. Elevated ozone levels can damage leaves, reduce photosynthesis, and stunt growth, impacting agricultural yields and forest health. Materials, particularly certain plastics and rubber, can degrade more rapidly when exposed to ozone. Therefore, understanding and mitigating ozone pollution, especially at ground level, is important for environmental and human health. The depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, often referred to as the "ozone hole," was a significant environmental concern, primarily caused by human-produced chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). International agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol, have been successful in phasing out these substances and allowing the stratospheric ozone layer to recover.