Living organisms (humans, animals, plants) depend on oxygen to live. The oxygen we breathe, scientifically defined as O2, consisting of two molecules of oxygen bound together. In the upper atmosphere is another form of oxygen known as ozone. Ozone (O3) consists of three oxygen molecules.
Ozone benefits
Ozone is present in the highest part of the Earth's stratosphere, and protects the surface of the Earth from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays of the Sun. Too much exposure to UV rays damage the skin, causing sunburn and cancer. Without protection of the ozone layer, the Earth's temperatures would rise considerably.
During thunderstorms, electrical charges cause ozone to lose one of its molecules. This free molecule attaches to particles of smog, causing them to dissolve. Broken polluting particles fall to the ground along with the oxygen molecule. This is because air pollution and reversal Clears during a lightning storm. The smell of clean air that follows a good thunderstorm is the smell of the Earth purified air by ozone.
Ozone is used to purify drinking water. Removes smells and bad tastes, and kills e. coli in water. The Netherlands began with ozone for drinking water treatment in 1893. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of ozone as a water treatment solution in the United States.
Ozone pollution
Ozone in the troposphere, or at ground level, is artificial and dangerous. Ozone pollution is caused by burning. Combustion occurs in engines and power plants. Exhaust and emissions are released into the air the chemicals combine to generate energy. These particles combine with oxygen to create harmful ozone. According to the EPA'S ozone pollution triggers millions of asthma attacks every year and is believed to be the cause of other major health problems such as congestion, throat irritation and inflammation of the lung. Ground level ozone also affects plants and trees, causing a decrease in food production and the natural habitat for animals. Nutrient cycles and water quality are affected by ozone pollution, tampering with delicate ecosystems and the quality of life.
The EPA has set standards of national ambient air quality (NAAQS) for ozone pollutants. With these standards, the EPA has created campaigns to encourage industrial structures, owners of cars and electrical systems to become more aware of the dangers of air pollution. Funding is used to provide health protection especially for asthmatics, children and the elderly, people who are more susceptible to ozone pollution.
Ozone generators
Ozone generators are designed to neutralize odors in houses, cars, office buildings, hotels and other enclosed places. Ozone generators that penetrates every nook and cranny, including carpets, walls, window treatments and fixtures disperse. Unlike air purifiers, ozone generators kill bacteria and other microbes that cause odors. This includes tough odors such as tobacco smoke, mold and skunk. Despite the benefits, ozone generators are equipped with a large health risk. The FDA currently does not regulate ozone generators. While ozone is a natural gas in Earth's atmosphere, it is dangerous to breathe in large quantities. Ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing and lung damage.
In fact, even at low concentrations of ozone can irritate the lungs and can also be toxic. Ozone exposure longer someone puts at risk of poisoning, lung cancer, Lung scarring and even death of ozone. The FDA, occupational safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA are each set a standard for how much O3 is safe to inhale. These vary between 0.05 ppm. – 0.10 ppm. Most ozone ozone generators in amounts several times the amounts outgoing security. For this reason, EPA urges against using ozone generators.
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