ozonlukt

Ozonlukt is the distinctive odor associated with ozone (O3). The smell is often described as sharp, acrid, or metallic and is detectable by many people at low concentrations.

Ozone forms when O2 is split by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light and recombines into O3. Natural sources include lightning; human sources include ozone generators, air cleaners, photocopiers, printers, and equipment with corona discharge. Ozone is also formed in urban air through photochemical reactions involving pollutants.

Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and may worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma. Higher exposures cause coughing and chest discomfort. In occupied spaces, ozone-generating devices should be avoided or used with ventilation and monitoring, following regulatory exposure guidelines.

Ozonlukt is a sensory cue for ozone presence; its absence does not guarantee safety. Ozone outdoors is relatively unstable and decays to oxygen more quickly indoors.