Is ozone at ground level considered harmful and a pollutant?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in urban areas
• D. Only during summer months

Answer: (A)

Ground-level ozone is indeed considered harmful and a pollutant. It forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides, which are often emitted from vehicles, industrial facilities, and other sources. This type of ozone can lead to respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, and have other detrimental effects on human health. It also poses risks to the environment, contributing to damage in crops, forests, and other vegetation.

Ozone in the stratosphere, at higher altitudes, serves a protective function by absorbing the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. However, when ozone is present at ground level, it behaves differently and has adverse effects, thus classifying it as a pollutant. The classification as harmful is not limited to specific areas or times of year; ground-level ozone can be an issue in urban settings and can also have elevated levels during warmer months due to increased sunlight and temperature, but its health impacts remain significant regardless of those conditions.