What is Ozone pollution?

About Ozone pollution:

Ozone (O3) high in the Earth’s atmosphere protects us from the sun’s harmful radiation. But ozone at ground level (tropospheric ozone), is an air pollutant that harms people and plants.
Ground-level ozone is a colorless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the earth’s surface.
How ground level ozone is formed?
- It is called a “secondary” pollutant because it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air.
- These two primary pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- These precusrsor primary pollutants are each produced primarily by a variety of human activities, including burning of fossil fuels and various industrial processes. Certain types of volatile organic compounds can also be emitted from natural sources.
Impacts:
- Ground-level ozone is known to have significant effects on human health. Exposure to ozone has been linked to pre-mature mortality and a range of morbidity health issues.
- It can significantly impact vegetation and decrease the productivity of some crops.
- It can also damage synthetic materials, cause cracks in rubber, accelerate fading of dyes, and speed deterioration of some paints and coatings.