Ozone is a naturally occurring oxygen compound that exists in the upper atmosphere. High above the planet, ozone is beneficial to our health because it blocks a certain amount of the sun’s ultraviolet light from reaching the earth’s surface. In the lower atmosphere, ozone is not so beneficial. It’s one of the components of smog that can prompt an outdoor pollution alert in a major city, such as Los Angeles. When ozone levels are high outdoors, citizens are urged to stay indoors.
Ozone is a highly reactive gas with a pungent odor that can cause coughing, choking, headaches, and severe fatigue. Other symptoms include eye, skin, and mucous-membrane irritation. It can cause a breakdown of red blood cells which can contribute to breathing difficulties. Blurred vision and chromosomal aberrations have also been noted. Art galleries have reported that ozone can lead to deterioration of artwork.
Ozone can occur in the indoor air as a result of ultraviolet light, sparks from electric motors, electronic air cleaners, or negative-ion generators. It can also be given off by copying machines and laser printers. It’s sometimes added to the air on purpose with ozone-generating machines, something indoor air experts generally agree is not a good idea.
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