GQ: What is ozone?

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By Jeff Rucker jrucker@nbcaugusta.com

Story Published: Apr 28, 2009 at 8:53 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 28, 2009 at 8:53 PM EST

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Jolene from Burke County has noticed that when the ozone levels are high, her allergies seem to be worse. She asks our Good Question: what is ozone?

Chief Meteorologist Jeff Rucker says that the ozone molecule is 3 oxygen atoms compared to the oxygen molecule we breathe which is two atoms. Ozone near the ground is unhealthy because it takes the place of oxygen in your lungs.

Interestingly, ozone aloft protects us from the harmful effects of UV radiation. A good moniker to help remember the different impacts of ozone: "good up high, bad nearby."

As for how it might impact allergies, anyone with respiratory issues will find it harder to breathe when ozone levels are higher, so this could certainly exacerbate an allergy.

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Friday, May 22 at 2:19 PM JOMO wrote ...

Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen which attacks organic compounds, irritates the respiratory system and affects crop yield. It is produced by lightning and also by reaction between oxygen, sunlight and air pollutants. It also protects us, at the stratospheric level, from ultraviolet radiation.

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Thursday, Apr 30 at 3:50 PM DLZC wrote ...

The statement: "Ozone near the ground is unhealthy because it takes the place of oxygen in your lungs" is incorrect. Ozone causes inflammation of the air passages, which makes it more difficult to get oxygen into your lungs, and to respire CO2.

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