Atmospheric Chemistry: Protective Ozone


Most ozone is concentrated in the stratosphere, at about 25 km in altitude, and is considered to be "good ozone." - protects Earth's surface by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Benefits:
Without this shield, we would be more susceptible to skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired immune systems.

The proportion of good and bad ozone in the atmosphere depends on the balance between processes that create ozone and those that destroy it.

Currently average concentrations within the protective ozone shield are decreasing, while levels in the air we breathe are increasing.

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