Bad Ozone (Tropospheric Ozone, Urban Pollution & Photochemical smog)

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Ozone in the lower troposphere especially in urban areas is bad ozone.  In urban environments sunlight can combine with fossil fuel combustion byproducts (oxides of nitrogen and some hydrocarbons) to create ozone.  Ozone is a major component of this photochemical smog and can irritate eyes, throats, lungs, and vegetation.  Ozone concentrations during ozone alert days can be dangerous to those with chronic lung disease.

 

Flow diagram from  http://www.niehs.nih.gov/oc/factsheets/ozone/whatis.htm (excellent site for more information)

http://www.theozonehole.com/badozone.htm  (excellent site for more information)

 

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