Service FAQ questions
|
What is ozone?
Ozone is a colourless gas composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule - the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life.
Where does ozone come from?
Ozone at ground level is produced by several other pollutants reacting together. Ozone is not produced directly by cars or any other equipment, but oxides of nitrogen together with hydrocarbons (both produced by road traffic) react together in sunlight and produce ozone. It is formed slowly, and is also slow to break down again.
What are the health effects of ozone?
Ozone is a lung irritant, and it also affects people who suffer from hay fever, by making their allergy worse.
Does ozone occur naturally?
Small amounts of ozone are found naturally in the atmosphere and cause no harm. Ozone is found at higher levels in the atmosphere where it forms a protective layer around the planet.
Are there any legal standards?
There are national air quality standards for ozone, but unlike some other pollutants, it cannot be tackled at a local level.
What about the hole in the ozone layer?
Surrounding the earth at very high level, there is a layer of ozone which protects us from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. This ozone layer is destroyed by chlorine compounds such as CFCs, which results in high levels of damaging radiation over some parts of the earth. Ozone produced at ground level cannot help to repair this damage to the ozone layer.
What about ozone generators in the home?
Ozone generators are available which claim to reduce indoor pollution, dust, and smells. These normally produce ozone at low concentrations, in which case they are probably not effective.