OZONE ASSIGNMENT ONLINE FORR MSSSS OGOOO
1: How can ozone be both good and bad?
The ozone is an air pollutant that is harmful to breathe, damages crops, trees and other vegetation. It is good in the fact that it protects us from UV rays.
2: What is happening to the “good” ozone layer?
The ozone is being destroyed by man-made chemicals called ozone-depleting chemicals. This includes things like HCFCs, CFCs, halons and methyl chloroform.
3: How much damage can 1 Chlorine atom do? Explain.
1 chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 good ozone molecules. If one tiny bit of chlorine gets into the ozone layer, it can destroy a large amount of it.
4: How does the “good” ozone protect the Earth?
The ''good'' ozone protects the earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
5: What is being done about ozone depletion?
180 countries along with the United states adopted a treaty called the Montreal Protocol in 1987. It phases out production and use of ozone-depleting substances. There are also regulations to phase out the substances in the United States by the EPA. If these countries stop producing the substances, natural ozone production should return to the ozone layer to normal layers by about 2050.
1: What causes “bad” ozone?
Bad ozone is caused by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.
2: What are some sources of bad ozone?
Sources of bad ozone are electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors and chemical solvents are some sources of bad ozone.
3: How does “bad” ozone affect human health and environment?
''Bad'' ozone can trigger chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. It can reduce lung function and inflame lining of lungs. It damages vegetation and ecosystems by reducing agricultural crop and commercial forest yields, reduced growth of tree seedlings and increased susceptibility to diseases, pests and weather.
4: What is being done about “bad” ozone?
The EPA has set protective health-based standards for ozone in the air we breathe under the Clean Air Act. The EPA, states and cities have instituted a variety of multi-faceted programs to meet these health-based standards. There are also programs to cut oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds.
5: What can we do/actions can we take to reduce our risks?
One action we can do to reduce our risks is to use energy efficient products and adopt practices such as carpooling. Limit outdoor activities between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun is most intense. Check the air quality forecast in your area. Use household and garden chemicals wisely.
1: Where is the good ozone located and what is its function?
The good ozone is located in the stratosphere, 6-30 miles above Earth's surface. Its function is to protect people and the Earth from the sun's harmful UV rays.
2: What depletes good ozone?
Manmade chemicals are known to destroy the good ozone.
3: Where is the bad ozone located and what creates it? What does NOX and VOC stand for?
The Bad ozone is located at ground-level. NOX means oxides of nitrogen and VOC is for volatile organic compounds.
4: List three health problems associated with bad ozone. (Hint: You may need to go to Ozone and your Health- How can ground-level ozone affect your health?)
Irritate respiratory system
reduce lung function
inflame lining of lungs
5: Scroll down to the Air Quality Index Color Chart- Write down a one-word descriptor of each color code.
Green-Good
Yellow-Moderate
Orange-Hurtful
Red-Unhealthy
Purple- Dangerous