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Ozone

Ozone

A single atom can make a big difference in the way a molecule works. So can its location. The everyday air we breathe has two atoms of oxygen (O2) in it. Ozone is a gas made up of three atoms of oxygen (O3). We need oxygen to survive - but ozone can either help us or hurt us, depending on where it is.

Helpful ozone is high above the Earth’s surface and protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Harmful ozone is close to the Earth. It comes from human activities that release chemicals into the air, which react with sunlight to create ground-level ozone.

Human-made air pollutants create the harmful closer ozone and damage the helpful higher ozone. Either way, the result can be harmful to our health and damage crops and other plants.

At this Web site, find out what people all over the world are doing to prevent problems with ozone and how you can limit your exposure.

Explore the links at right to:

  • Get the details about ozone’s split personality
  • Find out which human activities and chemical uses contribute to the bad ozone
  • Understand the dangers and health effects of ozone depletion
  • Watch an animation to learn about the layers of the atmosphere and how they affect life
  • Do a classroom activity to find out how weather affects ozone levels
  • Learn about the Montreal Protocol treaty and the Clean Air Act
  • Use an interactive U.S. map to check the air quality in your area
  • Visit Tox Town to discover places where ozone may be found
  • Read the online comic book “On the Trail of the Missing Ozone”
  • Watch the animation “Lung Attack!” to see how ozone affects your lungs
  • Watch a video at Newton’s Apple as a scientist answers a question about ozone

Did You Know?

Ozone pollution near the ground is the most wide-spread air quality problem in the United States.  - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

 
Read About It Games and Activities Videos For Teachers

Ozone pollution near the ground is the most wide-spread air quality problem in the United States.  - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality