What is tropospheric ozone

What is tropospheric ozone. When talking about air pollution, provided credit is given to tropospheric ozone. The increased presence of this gas is one indicator of the level of smog in cities.

We know the importance of the ozone layer to protect the planet from ultraviolet radiation, and the problems caused by the famous ozone hole . In that case we speak of stratospheric ozone, ie which is in the atmosphere layer ranging from 15 to 50 kilometers around the surface of the Earth.

Tropospheric ozone is found in the layer of the atmosphere called the troposphere. It is the one located on the surface of the Earth and reaches 20 kilometers, depending on the area of the planet. It is in this layer which develops life and that of plants and animals.

This ozone, also known as ambient ozone, a natural part of the troposphere, whether generated by natural processes, such as the decline of stratospheric ozone. The problems start when there is ground level ozone by photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (from fossil fuel).

In small quantities this ozone is not harmful, but now tropospheric ozone levels reach numbers that are detrimental to the different types of life on the planet. This gas enters through the respiratory tract and is therefore highly oxidizing causes mucosal irritation and both lungs.

Symptoms of poisoning by tropospheric ozone are eye irritation, cough, headache and chest pain, and may even result in inflammation in the lungs with serious consequences. It is also harmful to animals and plants.