Tropospheric Ozone

Tropospheric Ozone refers to ozone located in the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending up to about 10 kilometers above sea level. Unlike stratospheric ozone, which forms a protective layer high above the Earth and shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation, tropospheric ozone is a ground-level pollutant and a key component of smog. It results from complex chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight.

Tropospheric ozone poses significant environmental and health risks. Elevated levels can lead to respiratory issues, aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, and reduce lung function. It also has detrimental effects on the environment by harming vegetation, reducing agricultural yields, and affecting the health of forests and ecosystems. Additionally, tropospheric ozone acts as a powerful greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Efforts to control tropospheric ozone include reducing emissions of VOCs and NOx, which primarily originate from industrial activities, vehicle exhausts, and other combustion processes. By understanding and mitigating the factors that lead to the formation of tropospheric ozone, we can protect public health and combat environmental degradation.