The Effects of Ozone Pollution The term "ozone" has appeared in numerous magazine and newspaper articles and has been discussed on both radio and television. Despite all the hype surrounding this term, many people are still confused by it. The confusion arises from the fact that ozone is both beneficial and harmful. We know that the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere acts as a filter for the sun's ultraviolet rays, reducing the amount of radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. At ground level, however, high concentrations of ozone can be harmful. The Ozone Layer Ozone gas forms a layer all around the earth, high in the stratosphere. It acts as a vital and effective protective barrier from the sun's ultraviolet rays. In recent years, scientists have raised alarms internationally about the depletion of the ozone layer, citing chemical pollution as the main cause. A specific class of chemical compounds called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are often identified as ozone depleters. CFCs were once widely used in everything from refrigerants in air conditioners to the propellant in spray cans, but they have now been banned in most developed countries, including the United States. Many scientists believe much more needs to be done to protect the ozone layer, and international efforts are underway. Ozone Pollution Ozone pollution is actually an increase in the concentration of ozone in the air at ground level. Because sunlight plays a critical role in its formation, ozone pollution is primarily a daytime problem in the summer months. Ground-level ozone is produced when sunlight combines with hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide, two compounds produced by cars, trucks, factories and power generation plants and found wherever gasoline, diesel and kerosene are burned. , oil or natural gas. Urban areas with heavy traffic and large industrialized communities are the main areas with ozone problems. When temperatures are high and there is little wind, ozone at ground level can reach levels that are dangerous to health. Meteorologists can predict when an area will experience high ozone levels and issue warnings based on the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI). When the AQI is in the moderate, or yellow, category for ozone, unusually sensitive people may experience problems. A higher alert level (orange, red, purple or brown) carries additional risk. Who is at risk? Some people are at particular risk for health problems associated with ozone. Among these are children, who normally spend a lot