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Ozone

Ozone (O3) is an allotrope of oxygen, the molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms instead of the more stable diatomic O2.

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent.

It is present in low concentrations throughout the Earth's atmosphere.

It has many industrial and consumer applications as well as being used in ozone therapy.

Ozone may be formed from O2 by electrical discharges and by action of high energy electromagnetic radiation.

Certain electrical equipment generate significant levels of ozone.

The highest levels of ozone in the atmosphere are in the stratosphere, in a region also known as the ozone layer between about 10 km and 50 km above the surface.

Here it filters out the shorter wavelengths (less than 320 nm) of ultraviolet light (270 to 400 nm) from the Sun that would be harmful to most forms of life in large doses.

Note: The above text is excerpted from the Wikipedia article "Ozone", which has been released under the GNU Free Documentation License.

For more information, see the following related content on ScienceDaily:

Scientists Find Ozone-Destroying Molecule

Feb. 5, 2004 — For years, scientists theorized that a molecule called ClOOCl in the stratosphere played a key role in destroying ozone. Now, using measurements from a NASA aircraft laboratory flying over the ... read more

Antarctic Ozone Hole Shrinking Because Of Mild Weather, Not Recovery

Oct. 22, 2007 — Although the ozone layer over the Antarctic this year is relatively small, this is due to mild temperatures in the region's stratosphere this winter and is not a sign of recovery, the United ... read more

Ozone from Rock Fracture Could Serve as Earthquake Early Warning

Nov. 21, 2011 — New research suggests that ozone gas emitted from fracturing rocks could serve as an indicator of impending ... read more

As Ozone Hole Approaches Annual Peak, NASA Scientists Reveal Latest Information And Images

Sep. 28, 2006 — As the Antarctic ozone hole approaches its annual peak, NASA scientists are using the latest tools to determine what effect the ban on CFCs and related chemicals has had and how long we will have to ... read more

Long-Term Ozone Exposure Increases Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome Risks in Critically Ill

Jan. 7, 2016 — Critically ill patients who are exposed to higher daily levels of ozone are more likely to develop acute respiratory disease syndrome, according to a new ... read more

Atmospheric Chemistry Hinges on Better Physics Model

Oct. 6, 2014 — Theoretical physics models could help us better grasp the atmospheric chemistry of ozone depletion. Indeed, understanding photoabsorption of nitrous oxide -- a process which involves the transfer of ... read more

Ozone Depletion Reduces Ocean Carbon Uptake

Aug. 9, 2009 — The Southern Ocean plays an important role in mitigating climate change because it acts as a sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Most current models predict that the strength of the Southern Ocean ... read more

NASA's AURA Satellite Peers Into Earth's Ozone Hole

Dec. 8, 2005 — NASA researchers, using data from the agency's AURA satellite, determined the seasonal ozone hole that developed over Antarctica this year is smaller than in previous ... read more

Ozone Standards Pose Health Risk, Scientists Report

Jan. 6, 2004 — The air Americans breathe contains more ozone from pollution than the Environmental Protection Agency estimates, Harvard scientists report. Ozone can cause pain, breathing difficulties, and coughing. ... read more

Volcanic Aerosol Clouds And Gases Lead To Ozone Destruction

Nov. 8, 2006 — Volcanic eruptions destroy ozone and create "mini-ozone holes," according to two new studies by researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and ... read more

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