Learn About Ozone Formation

 

What is Ozone?

The word "Ozone" is derived from the Greek word "Ozein," which means "to smell."

An ozone molecule is made up of three oxygen atoms.

 

Good Ozone vs. Bad Ozone

The Ozone Layer resides 10-30 miles above the Earth, inside the Earth's Stratosphere. This layer of "Good" Ozone shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant that can hurt your lungs and damage vegetation.

 

Natural Ozone Formation

Ozone forms naturally in the Earth's stratosphere.

The sun's radiation breaks apart oxygen molecules. The freed oxygen atom bonds with an oxygen molecule, forming ozone!

 

Ground Level Ozone Formation

Vehicles and factories emit pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) into the air.

On sunny, hot days, a photochemical reaction occurs. NOx and VOCs react with oxygen, forming ozone at ground level.

 

What You Can Do To Prevent Ground Level Ozone Formation

1. Reduce driving, carpool, use public transportation, walk, or bicycle to reduce ozone pollution, especially on hot summer days.
2. Reduce air pollution from cars, trucks, gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, boats and other engines by keeping equipment properly tuned and maintained.
3. During the summer, fill your gas tank during the cooler evening hours and be careful not to spill gasoline.
4. Help electric utilities reduce ozone air pollution by conserving energy at home and the office.
5. Consider setting your thermostat a little higher in the summer.
6. Participate in the utilities' load-sharing and energy conservation programs.
7. Use household and garden chemicals wisely.
8. Use low VOC paints and solvents. And be sure to read labels for proper use and disposal.